De Kleine Prince, found in the tiny Karoo town of Prince Albert, is an enigma; because on the one hand it is just a house. And when we heard that the visionary, creative owner of this house spent five years renovating, we wondered what on earth he’d been up to all that time! Yet once we’d seen, stayed, experienced De Kleine Prince we understood; because this space is far more than just a house. It is a carefully considered, beautifully designed, warm and welcoming home; a place imbued with palpable passion, love and incredible attention to detail; a carefully curated, layered space, filled with fabulous yet functional furniture, perfectly placed art and a veritable treasure trove of, well, treasures. De Kleine Prince is also a global citizen, beautifully blending a fusion of East meets West aesthetics, while retaining its proudly South African roots. And it holds you, transfixed, in a tight embrace which feeds your every sense and inspires you to slow your pace, live well, play, create, laugh and love.
On arrival at De Kleine Prince it takes a little time to orientate and understand the layout, though happily the lovely House Manager is on hand to guide you. There’s the main house, the barn and the pool house which between them have five bedrooms, four stoeps, three kitchens, two dining rooms and innumerable exquisite outdoor spots to pause, ponder and enjoy. There’s a yoga deck, shaded by the most beautiful Bodhi tree and reached by ladder. A ‘glampers’ firepit with comfy seating to celebrate under starlit African skies. An outdoor jasmine pergola spa where massages and other treatments can be arranged. A conservatory, garden orchard, medicinal healing and herb garden, along with a ‘Karoo Potting Station’ where your ‘Going home gift’ of a spekboom plant takes root. There’s a wishing well to inspire your dreams and a Floatation Tank to take your relaxation to the next level. And wherever your eyes travel you’ll find an aesthetic blend of restful beauty and quixotic interest!
This is a home for a family or a group of friends to spend glorious time connecting. It is also a space which works brilliantly for workshops, intimate celebrations and team brain-storming meetups. The House Manager will help you to organise whatever is needed and will make recommendations and reservations for activities, restaurants and treatments. Prince Albert itself is an absolute delight; take a wander at any time of day and you will be greeted by friendly locals and lured into quirky, artsy shops and cute cafes. There are incredible mountain passes to marvel at and plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore.
De Kleine Prince invites you to connect with your inner child and experience the world as The Little Prince did – the boy who was courageous enough to curiously explore and follow his dreams!
What we love!
- The incredible interiors; there are many, many custom built and exquisite pieces, fabulous art throughout and such fascinating placement throughout of interesting objects, lamps, plants and bonsai trees.
- The abundance of different spaces; there are so many spots to gather, to feast, to play, to laugh and still more to chill, to read, to journal, to contemplate.
- The unobtrusive service of the De Kleine Prince team… and the enthusiastic hugs from housekeeper Mercy – very much part of the African experience!
What you need to know…
- The Library bedroom is not completely private, however the bed area is screened from the adjoining room and there is an en suite shower room.