Liedjiesbos loosely translated from Afrikaans, Liedjies ‘songs’, bos ‘the bush’ is a five-bedroom bed and breakfast situated in the plattelande ‘grasslands’ North-west of Bloemfontein. Liedjiesbos is a wonderful place from which to enjoy the simple pleasures of bird songs, the song of the winds through the grasslands and trees, and the gentle sound of ‘Ankole’ cattle grazing in the fields.

Collaborating with Bloemfontein architects, Smit Architects and P+Arc Architects, Henning de Bruin and Dawid Human, Proprietors and fanatical amateur Chefs at Liedjiesbos crafted and maintain an environment which like a dream is not quite real when you are there, but becomes materially so after you have gone. The environment at Liedjiesbos fashioned from indigenous plants, rainwater-harvesting tanks, and edible gardens compels us to do things sustainably, from the accommodation facilities provided to the services and amenities. The interiors reflect a lighter modern interpretation of simple and elegant living, which channels contemporary Africa and Henning and Dawie’s love for art, antiques and travel.

History

Liedjiesbos opened in 2008 when Henning and Dawid turned what were unsightly barns and a barren piece of ground into a singsong experience in the bush. Today Liedjiesbos is considered to be Bloemfontein’s leading bed and breakfast, even though it still retains the intimacy and magical atmosphere of a dream.

Henning oversees the day to day running of the establishment, but has positioned himself as one of Bloemfontein’s best supporter of home-made products and contributes to this growing industry by making some of the best jams, preserves, pickles, chutney and rusks. He also lovingly selects all the content for the deli. Dawid is a fanatical baker, and his experiments and innovation when it comes to baking can be enjoyed in the varied variety of breads, cakes, puddings, shortbreads, and brownies on offer at Liedjiesbos. He also produces some of Bloemfontein’s best homemade olives.