Our Story

Welcome to Netherwood Farm, where unforgettable memories are made—whether it’s celebrating weddings, exploring wide open spaces, savoring food with a view, or wandering through beautiful gardens. We invite you to experience the magic of our farm through a few of our latest treasured moments.

Nestled on a picturesque hilltop, Netherwood offers breathtaking views overlooking the rolling farmlands leading to Nottingham Road, the Kamberg, and the majestic Drakensberg mountains in the distance. This stunning backdrop sets the stage for countless joyful gatherings and adventures.

Originally established as the Netherwood Stud in 1997, the farm began as a passion project of world-renowned heart surgeon Dr. Rob Kleinloog. His meticulous approach and commitment to excellence in his breeding program laid the foundation for what Netherwood has become today—a diverse and thriving destination.

Over the years, Netherwood has evolved into a multi-faceted venue with three distinct business divisions: Property, Stud Farming, and Hospitality & Leisure. This evolution positions us perfectly to further refine and enhance our offerings, which currently include quality accommodations, exceptional restaurants, a microbrewery, a charming wedding chapel, and stunning reception spaces.

The journey of transformation took a significant turn when Kevin Hedderwick, a long-time friend of Dr. Kleinloog, identified exciting opportunities to elevate Netherwood Farm. With over 16 years of experience as the Group Chief Executive of Famous Brands, Kevin now runs his Venture Capital business, Total Competition, which focuses on nurturing both young startups and established brands in the KwaZulu-Natal region.

Through this partnership, Total Competition will acquire a 50% equity stake in our Hospitality and Leisure Division, allowing Dr. Kleinloog to dedicate more time to his expanding herd of champion stud animals, which includes longhorn Ankole, Nguni, and Angus cattle, as well as a flock of alpacas.

“I have complete faith in Kevin and his team to take over the running and development of our Leisure and Hospitality Division,” says Dr. Kleinloog. “Striving for excellence has always been at the forefront of Kevin’s success, and we are excited to see how this vision is applied to Netherwood Farm as we work together to create a fully integrated beef estate within the renowned Midlands Meander.”

The newly appointed Managing Director of Netherwood Hospitality and Leisure, Gareth Saunders, brings a wealth of experience from his senior management roles at Spar and Famous Brands. “Our goal is to position Netherwood Farm in the beef industry much like what wine has achieved along the Wine Route in the Cape,” he shares. 

“We also see an opportunity to leverage this iconic brand equity through various forward integration initiatives, forming part of our long-term vision for this unique partnership,” adds Hedderwick.

This exciting transition takes effect on February 1, 2023. For more information about Netherwood Farm and all that we have to offer, please visit us at www.netherwoodfarm.com (http://www.netherwoodfarm.com). 

Join us as we embark on this thrilling journey, and make your own memories at Netherwood Farm!