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

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

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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. Delivered to us with a thoughtful tin of Brahman Hills’ signature coffee (the perfect pairing, we might add), 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.

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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

Visit Brahman Hills today!

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

@brahmanhills

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