A family woven
into the heart of the Karoo.
De Bruijn Huisie is more than a place to stay; it is a small piece of our family's story. Its roots can be traced back to our grandfather, Lud de Bruijn, a man who saw something special in Prince Albert long before many others did. At a time when the town was still largely undiscovered, he believed it had the potential to become the "Karoo Franschhoek" - a place where heritage, food, creativity, and community would come together to create something truly unique.
Over the years, our family has watched that vision unfold. What drew Lud here was not only the beauty of the Swartberg Mountains or the endless Karoo skies, but also the character of the town itself - its people, its stories, and its slower way of life.
The huisie, a lovingly restored Karoo farm schoolhouse, reflects that same spirit. Its walls hold history, while its spaces have been thoughtfully reimagined for modern living. Original character has been preserved wherever possible, creating a home that feels both timeless and welcoming.
Today, De Bruijn Huisie continues to honour that legacy. It is a place for gathering, reconnecting, and experiencing the simple pleasures that make Prince Albert so special. Whether you're sharing a meal around the table, cooling off in the pool on a summer afternoon, or sitting quietly beneath a sky full of stars, we hope you'll feel part of the story too.
Welcome to our corner of the Karoo.
BAR AREA
MAIN ROOM
Built by Family,
Restored with Purpose.
When our grandfather, Lud de Bruijn, passed away, the huisie was left to our mother, Dani. What remained was a beautiful old Karoo schoolhouse filled with memories, character, and potential - but also a building that had fallen into disrepair over the years.
Where many saw a daunting restoration project, our family saw an opportunity to honour Lud's legacy and continue the story he had begun in Prince Albert. Together, Dani, Sharon, David, and Megan embarked on a journey to bring the huisie back to life. Our vision was never to erase its history, but rather to preserve the soul of the building while thoughtfully reimagining it for a new chapter.
Each family member brought something unique to the project. Sharon, an exceptional interior designer, carefully considered the flow, feeling, and experience of every space. David, a talented craftsman and carpenter, spent countless hours restoring and building by hand. Megan sourced furniture, materials, and pieces that would complement the home's character while creating a sense of warmth and comfort. And Dani remained the heart of the project - providing encouragement, support, and unwavering belief in what the huisie could become.
Over two years, we travelled to Prince Albert for a week each month, tackling the restoration ourselves. There were challenges, setbacks, long days, and plenty of unexpected surprises along the way, but every decision was made with intention and care. Every room, every finish, and every detail tells part of the story.
Today, De Bruijn Huisie stands as a reflection of our family's shared passion for restoration, design, craftsmanship, and creating meaningful spaces. More importantly, it is a home we are proud to share with others.
The huisie has also become part of a larger journey. Together, we founded Nomadic Collection - a collection of places we have lovingly restored and curated, from Stanley Island in Plettenberg Bay, to our Cape Town home, and now De Bruijn Huisie in Prince Albert.
What began as a family project has become something much greater: a collection of spaces designed to bring people together, create lasting memories, and celebrate the beauty of South Africa.
