Instagram Facebook X-twitter

Advertisement

Nata Lodge Botswana Festive 2025

BOOK REVIEW: Brahman Hills – The Making of a World-Class Garden

Why this exquisite publication deserves pride of place on your coffee table

Share this article

Brahman Hills, The Making of a World Class Garden

Some books are meant to be read. Others are meant to be experienced. Brahman Hills – The Making of a World-Class Garden belongs firmly – and beautifully – to the latter. This magnificent volume immediately reveals itself as more than just a book. It is an artwork, a love letter, and a legacy bound in hard cover. At first touch, it feels like a collector’s piece – and inside, it exceeds every expectation.

Inverdoorn Banner September 2025

A Visual Feast of Global-Calibre Gardens

With over 150 pages of cinematic photography by Connall Oosterbroek, the book captures the Midlands’ iconic Brahman Hills gardens in sweeping, soul-stirring detail. These are not merely pictures of plants; they are portraits of a place that has been shaped, sculpted, and dreamed into being.

Co-authored by Brahman Hills owner Iain Buchan, legendary landscaper Tim Steyn, and celebrated writer Michele Magwood, the book traces the extraordinary transformation of rugged farmland into a globally recognised horticultural destination. Leafing through its pages feels like taking the guided walk offered at the book’s exclusive launch event – moving from the Bee Kraal to the Viewing Mound, pausing at the Medusa sculpture, and drinking in the romance of the Rose Garden.

A Story Rooted in Vision and Legacy

What makes this book so compelling is its emotional truth. It honours the vision of the late Carol Buchan, whose dream was to build a place that touched people’s souls. That sentiment hums through every page. The writing is lyrical without being indulgent; the stories are heartfelt without losing the grounded detail of design, craftsmanship, and relentless dedication.

“My late wife, Carol’s dream was to build a place that touched people’s souls,” added founder and owner, Iain Buchan. “This book honours her legacy and the team who made it real.”

As Director Onwaba Gonyora shared at the launch, the book goes far beyond documenting pathways and plantings – it explores our relationship with the spaces we shape, and how they shape us in return.

“It not only captures the passion and craftsmanship that built our gardens. It’s an invitation to dream - and proof that when ideas take root, anything is possible.”

A Book That Elevates Any Space

It is impossible to read this book without feeling transported: to bright summer lawns, to the gentle rhythm of flowing water, to the quiet magic of a garden made with devotion. It’s the kind of coffee table book that doesn’t just decorate a room – it elevates it. A conversation starter. A mood-setter. And ultimately, a reminder of what vision, stewardship, and collaboration can create.

Whether you’re a gardener, a design enthusiast, a Midlands loyalist, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, Brahman Hills – The Making of a World-Class Garden is a must-own. It’s a dreamy escape you can return to again and again – preferably with a cup of their fragrant coffee in hand.

About The Book: Quick Facts

Title: Brahman Hills – The Making of a World-Class Garden

Authors: Iain Buchan, Tim Steyn & Michele Magwood

Photography: Connall Oosterbroek

Publisher: Jonathan Ball Publishers

Length: 150+ full-colour pages

RRP: R750

Where to buy: Brahman Hills Online | Exclusive Books | Woolworths Books | Bargain Books | Takealot | Loot | Readers Warehouse

Visit Brahman Hills today!

www.brahmanhills.co.za/news/brahman-hills-the-making-of-a-world-class-garden-book
@brahmanhills
Supplied

For more entertainment inspiration, click here.

Read our digital magazine.

Follow us on Instagram.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

SPONSORED

man walking on a tightrope
Money Talk

Why January Medical Bills Can Hit Hard: And How Gap Cover Helps

January has a way of exposing the cracks in even the most carefully planned budgets. After the festive season, households are met with a flood of unavoidable expenses — school fees, uniforms, stationery, debit orders that quietly restart and medical scheme increases that feel steeper every year. It’s the month where bank balances feel thinner, patience runs lower and even small surprises can tip a budget off balance.

Our latest posts
Col'Cacchio pizza
Competitions

Col’Cacchio Lands in Checkers & Walmart Johannesburg: WIN 1 of 2 R500 Vouchers

In a major win for Johannesburg food lovers, Col’Cacchio, the iconic South African brand synonymous with premium pizza, has officially entered the retail arena. They hit the shelves at Checkers and Walmart for the very first time.
This landmark expansion brings Col’Cacchio’s gourmet flavours straight into the homes of everyday shoppers, marking a significant moment for the 33-year-old brand as it continues to evolve beyond the restaurant space.

Read More »
Sunscreen x SKIN functional
Beauty & Wellness

The One Wellness Step You Should Never Skip: Why Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

Sunlight is essential for life, but the ultraviolet (UV) radiation it emits can silently damage our skin every day — even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors. Incorporating sunscreen into your morning routine is not just about preventing a summer sunburn — it’s a crucial health habit that protects against long-term sun damage, premature aging, and serious illnesses like skin cancer. Luckily, Skin Functional has an entire skincare range dedicated to sunscreen so it can become part of our daily routines without extra worry or fuss.

Read More »
Discover More
Book Travel Deals
Receive weekly updates in your inbox
Follow us on social media
Facebook Instagram X-twitter
Discover fun things to do in mzanzi
Enjoying our content?

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Stay up-to-date on the hottest, hippest and most happening things to do in Mzansi!

Hello lifestyle uses cookies to curate specific content that our readers enjoy. By continuing to navigate on our website, we assume you're cool with that. For more information on how we use cookies and how to disable them, please read our Terms and condtitions.

Accept Cookies