Deerness, Pretoria

Hidden in amongst the suburbs of Rietondale, Rietfontein and Villeria, the little suburb of Deerness, just north of Arcadia, remains virtually obscure in Pretoria, seldom spoken of and known only by those who live here, or pass through the suburb en route elsewhere. As such, it has acquired a certain status whilst remaining obscure to most visitors.

Deerness lies virtually next door to the Union Buildings. Little Union Road, that leads from the grounds of the Union Buildings and ends in a small park, lies on the other side of 15th Avenue from Deerness, and Deerness train station is the only other indication that the pretty suburb can be found in the leafy eastern suburbs of Pretoria at all.

The nearest suburb to Deerness is Villeria, one of the oldest suburbs in Pretoria, and if anything to go by, an indication of the feel of Deerness - wide, jacaranda-lined streets, pretty homes and gardens. There is a general quiet to these parts of Pretoria still, despite the buzz of Pretoria central not far from here.

In the near vicinity are the Zoo and the Union Buildings, both popular attractions and worth visiting, whilst the university is not far from here, making nearby Arcadia and Brooklyn interesting areas to explore. Deerness is also close to town, giving you easy access to Kruger House, Church Square, Melrose House and the Transvaal Museum, whilst a little further out of town in an easterly direction, will take you to other interesting places like the Botanical Gardens and Sammy Marks Museum.