A lifetime of Memories
By the time that Fillery family patriarch, Gordon, first came to hear of the imminent foreclosure on the farm that would eventually come to be known as Tomjachu, the undulating stretch of pristine lowveld east of Nelspruit had been both a tobacco farm and a failed courgette plantation. Despite its colourful history, Gordon Fillery instantly recognised its potential and had the foresight to establish it as a place of history, of familial legend, and of memories yet to be made.
originally built to be a home-away-fromhome for Gordon’s son Brian and his family when on vacation in south Africa, Valbonne Villa started out as a two-bedroom, one bathroom house set atop a hill overlooking the 550-hectare farm. Named after the French region of Valbonne where Gordon and his wife Vicki lived before relocating to south Africa, the farm was imagined as a place where family memories could be made, a place where the Fillery clan could begin the farm’s rehabilitation process from a commercial farming venture to conservation space. sadly, Gordon would himself spend only one Christmas together with his family on the farm, before he succumbed to an illness in early 1992.
Charged with continuing his father’s legacy, Brian soon recognised that the property held immense commercial potential owing to its beauty and history, and he set about turning it into a viable lodging enterprise during the mid-1990s.
By focussing on rehabilitating the indigenous Bushveld, while creating a diverse environment for the abundant animal, bird, and plant life, Valbonne Farm soon became a model for commercial rehabilitation efforts in its era. In 1995, the property was renamed from Valbonne to Tomjachu by Brian after his three sons, Tom, Jack and Hugo; the great pride and deep roots the family has in their heritage was what mattered to Brian when deciding on the name.
over the years, more land around Tomjachu was acquired and rehabilitated, while a variety of animals were introduced to expand the property’s potential as a conservation reserve. In 2012, a large-scale renovation of the lodge on the property, and a reimagining of the family homestead into the five-star Valbonne Villa, transformed the property from a cosy family hidey-hole into a conservation destination for the luxury-minded.
Replete with family antiques, artefacts, and original artworks from around south Africa and Europe, the villa tells a story of a family invested in the beauty and abundance of the African continent. Although Brian passed away in 2016, brothers Tom, Jack, and Hugo strive to continue their grandfather and father’s legacy while preserving the family’s heritage in the collected artefacts that create the unique colonial-inspired ambience of Valbonne Villa. And each tells a story …
such as the Khoisan bow and arrow suspended above the study door that was collected by Grandfather Gordon when he and his brother attempted to be the first people to drive from Cape Town to Cairo in the 1930s. Although tragedy struck the brothers when their car broke down barely 800 km from their final destination, the story ends with both men falling in love with the same woman, and Gordon’s brother eloping with her. The trip was never completed, the brothers never spoke again, and while the tale never made it into the record books, it certainly became family legend.
with its six luxuriously appointed bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable lounging areas, and magnificent covered terrace that leads to a large braai area set in luscious gardens, and with a view that reaches across the expanse of the Crocodile Valley Gorge, Valbonne Villa is the ideal homestead for a relaxing breakaway for families or groups of up to 12 people.
The home is built largely from stone, using building materials such as river sand, stone, wood, and reeds sourced from the farm itself. Despite being reminiscent of some grand old homes of yesteryear, Valbonne Villa is a thoroughly modern living space complete with complimentary, high-speed wi-fi and satellite television.
Although Valbonne is perfect for selfcatering travellers, the villa is fully serviced by the achingly professional butler, Charles, who ensures that the home is maintained in pristine condition during your stay. Prepare your own meals at the villa, dine at the main lodge by prior arrangement, or enjoy a bush dinner under the stars hosted by Jack, the current owner, and the Tomjachu team.
Having spent much of his childhood holidays on the farm, Jack’s intimate knowledge of the different bio-life found here is inspiring and he has imparted this knowledge and passion for conservation to his team. As many as 265 bird species have been sighted on the property, and the list continues to grow with new sightings. Crested Eagles and the African Fish Eagle are common sightings around the lodge and villa, as is the African Hoopoe, African Paradise Flycatcher, Black-headed oriol, and many more species. Despite persistent drought conditions in the region, numerous fish species are still found in the farms remaining dams, while several mammal species roam the undulating hills and grasslands that form the Tomjachu reserve.
Its quiet elegance, breathtaking vistas, inviting ambience, and the clear passion for the environment of the hosts, all make Valbonne one of the most intriguing escapes for local and international travellers alike.
For more info, visit www.tomjachu.co.za or call +27 82 704 4804.