CLASSIC

This earthy interpretation of the strong monumental essence of old Cape houses has both African and Asian overtones,  influenced by the clients’ extensive travels and love of the numerous exquisite hotels and resorts they have frequented.

Designed for wind-sheltered living, the series of outdoor spaces speak of leisure and reflect a soft and sophisticated resort or retreat feel. The pool is both the foreground and the backdrop to this leisure living. The house speaks of generous entertaining with a careful collection of art, furniture and objects - a home with both an international and a very personal feel.

All the rooms have excellent views. The layout allows for the flow of living to adapt to smaller and more personal spaces, or expand to the full house, incorporating the guest rooms. The kitchen is in the best position and, as with so many homes, is the place where most time is spent – this is how the clients live.

The design process benefited from a great deal of personal input from the clients who have an extensive design background, having previously run an interior design company and shop.

In Print feature: Southern Vines – Summer 2017

Online feature: Southern Vines

Photography: Johann Lourens

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This Franschhoek restoration project involved an 1860 Heritage property, listed in Professor Fabio Todeschini’s study on Franschhoek.  Set in Cabrierre Road, the house was originally built as a simple homestead and later “Victorianised” with the stoep and verandah added.

Photographs and drawings from that time show the house surrounded by farmland. The house marks a time in the history of Franschhoek  – originally called Oliphantshoek – two centuries after the first French Huguenots settled, giving the valley its name.

The project involved in-depth meetings with the Franschhoek Conservation Society and input from Professor Todeschini. There was a prior alteration that needed to be reworked: the house needed to have levels resolved.

The roof space was integrated in a double volume living room and mezzanine study area.  The entrance was reworked to include more generous internal space, a library, and a new timber staircase was built.

Original internal brickwork and timber doors and windows were carefully restored. The former outdoor living area was extended and the garden was extensively upgraded to include vegetables, a raised herb garden, a water feature and small plunge pool. The landscaping was done with a great deal of input from the client, who was very hands-on and influential in many of the design processes.

Photography: Rob Mills

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 Situated in the beautiful Franschhoek winelands, the project involved a renovation to the existing house. The amount of light and spatial connections within the house needed to be improved. Along with this, quality outdoor living space needed to be designed and a connection established between the lower level garden and the home – this was done by introducing a raised terrace with the pool and stepped planters.

The internal configuration was rationalised.  Space ordering and connections were created by a strong cross-axis with views from the entrance through to the garden, and from the kitchen across the living room. The cramped entrance hall was demolished and a new staircase constructed to create a light and elegant space which incorporates views through to the garden and water feature.

The clients are avid gardeners and had a beautiful kitchen vegetable garden built.  A substantial garden project is ongoing and a new workshop was built as a separate wing to the house. This beautiful workshop is extremely well-appointed and the meticulous ordering and arrangement of tools is an inspiration.

Photoghraphy: Rob Mills

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