Den Hagen received its name in the 1950’s. The name is misspelt as it is named after a certain Dennis O’Hagan, who was owned the farm and who went to war (2^nd World War) and did not return with his comrades. He was reported missing, suspected as having died. After a period of about 2 or 3 years his wife was forced to sell the farm as she could not cope alone – running the farm, bringing up & educating children. Shortly after the farm was sold, Dennis returned. He had been wounded and suffered amnesia! He was re-united with his family and they lived in the then Transvaal.

The farm is a sub-division of the farm Traquair (to the North of DH). It was originally settled on in the 1850’s. The first structures were erected after 2 years of camping near the stream. It was originally donated as a government grant in return for military service and subsequently sold for 7lbs (just over 3Kg.) of coffee!  The original house on the current site was built between 1870-1880. We are told by a descendant ² that the current building includes the original structure, but that there have been numerous alterations and additions. The farm belonged to Frederik van Wyk, (bought for ₤700) who also owned Goatfell & Hugenot, where there were also houses (no longer intact, although there are some remains & foundations), where his staff lived.

At the same time a certain Mr. Carlisle owned the farm to the south (Elibank). Carlisle was noted for his thirst and subsequent unruly behaviour – to the extent that the local watering holes refused to serve him. Undaunted he would ride to Barkly East and after a few days Mrs. Carlisle would call upon Frederik to fetch him – also on horseback!

The room off the back verandah served as a classroom for the children of 6 families of people living in the valley – so this, it seems, was part of the original house. Frederik’s son lead wagons from Barkly East to Johannesburg for the princely sum of 1 shilling a week.

When we bought the farm 8 years ago, the house had been uninhabited (except for the odd sheep) for over three decades and was in a state of disrepair. The outbuildings were dilapidated to the point of virtual collapse. With time, effort & some patience we have endeavoured to restore them to suit our purposes without detracting from the original appeal. We have attempted to maintain the character with appropriate furniture, crockery & cutlery. Until 2007 we were totally dependant on paraffin, coal, anthracite & gas for heating, lighting & cooking. We then took the step to electrify, just in time for power cuts!