By Jo Borrill, Project Consultant Debbie Grey, Property Coordinator Wadoeda Brenner, Photographer Fiona Barclay Smith
Set in a quiet Winelands suburb of Cape Town, this Tuscan villa is as quirky as it is endearing. This is evident as soon as you walk in and are met by an art gallery of varying eyecatching pieces. The home owner explains: “We wanted to make it feel like a home, and the artwork includes a collection of pieces of our late parents and some family members.”
Home to a busy, driven couple, the house is perfect for their style of living. “We used to live in a much larger house, but we just love the serenity of the estate. It is so tranquil and you feel like you are living in the bush, with the bonus of the city nearby.”
The home is uniquely and tastefully decorated, with a classic, Tuscan feel throughout – from a black-and-white checked floor in the entrance hall and kitchen to a guest toilet sporting Old Masters’ paintings in the form of wallpaper. “We call it the Harry Potter room, as it’s under the stairs,” laughs the owner.
The common living area is a space of elegance and opulence, where attention to detail is apparent. This is reflected in the woodwork throughout, and in the herringbone brickwork of the fireplace. Another low gas stone-clad fireplace divides the sitting room into sections, or pods. The fireplaces will make for a cosy winter, while aircons, subtly boxed in, ensure a cool summer.
Cast-iron chandeliers light up the double-volume space, while deep-seated, plush armchairs offer a homely effect. A long wooden table with high-back chairs defines a dining area fit for a feast. “We love entertaining and my husband is a good cook,” says the home owner.
The traditional kitchen is equipped with an imported French range cooker and an integrated fridge. Recessed bulkheads with soft downlighters complement the task lighting, setting off the salt-and-pepper granite island and white cabinets. Oiled timber splashbacks with a Perspex cover provide an unconventional touch.
Terrace doors lead you into a fairytale garden that oozes personality; it’s clear the landscaping has been carefully tailored. Ambient lighting at night adds elegant charm, and there is no shortage of intimate seating.
The terrace is dotted with seated areas that enjoy the added enchantment of pop-up fountains and a boardwalk. Several lanterns and a boma are an ideal combination for summer evenings outdoors.
Upstairs, the bedrooms and bathrooms are dressed in light hues, complemented by timber headboards. Wallpaper is a central theme, ranging from a forest-like display in the main bathroom to detailed maps and traditional tartan in the guest rooms. An outdoor shower leading off the second guest room is an inviting addition.
“We love everything about our home, but my favourite spot has to be outside the kitchen, sitting at the round table under the pecan-nut tree,” says the owner.
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