By Karien Slabbert, Project Consultant and Property Coordinator Monique Rankine, Photography Nic Baleta
This estate provides an extraordinary opportunity for an urban lifestyle in the midst of nature. Add to this a mostly benevolent climate, and you have idyllic ingredients for the ultimate inside-out experience.
The decision to move into the estate was informed by the close-knit family’s busy lifestyle. “We love being surrounded by nature; plus, it’s close to our extended family and our business,” says the owner.
When planning their home, they had one key objective in mind. “We were looking for a family home, not just a house. Our plan is to live here for many years to come.”
The owners wanted a home that was understated, simple, but cutting-edge. Their brief to the architect was to design a modern country-style house with classic, timeless finishes. Undeniably, the aesthetic sensibility of the home lies in the juxtaposition of the subtle and the opulent.
This recurring theme also gave the architecture a unique touch. “We decided on a single-storey house with double-volume ceilings, with open trusses to create volume,” explains the owner. The design allowed the couple to create a unique mix of clean, contemporary lines and farm-style finishes, such as the pitched roof, and an organic mix of stone and plaster.
Interior design and architecture are two sides of the same coin – a three-dimensional expression of line and form. It’s both functional and deeply emotive at the same time. The home is a true reflection of the owners’ lifestyle and personality. “We like classic, yet simple design, but we also like to be different. We don’t follow trends; we prefer to create our own look and feel. It’s exciting to break aesthetic norms once in a while,” says the owner of their unique design approach.
“The brief to the interior designer was that the colours and lines should speak to each other, so that there’s a sense of continuity. We wanted a touch of luxury living, and our interior designer gave us exactly that with the mix of fabrics, colours and lines,” she explains. As a result, the furniture and decor have a certain subdued richness that is both classy and approachable.
The couple didn’t want a clearly delineated distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces. As such, the spaces unfold seamlessly onto the vast terrace, where the stacking doors can be flung open on sunny days. “We wanted to sit outside, but still feel as if we’re sitting inside, so we brought the outdoors into our home.”
The main living area is open-plan and spacious, and connects with the pool and patio areas. “We love the open flow from one area to the next,” says the owner. It creates a sense of freedom, unrestricted by boundaries, which often characterise city houses.
“Our home provides the perfect balance of open living areas and enclosed spaces. The main bedroom is where we relax, while the lounge is ideal for quiet time to ourselves. It was important that our kids have their own space, which is why we added a playroom,” the owner notes.
The cinema room is a communal space where the whole family can spend time together after a busy week. “It’s the ideal space to bond with our kids and entertain guests. It was designed to be multifunctional; it can be a family lounge or can be transformed into a movie room. It gives us the flexibility of both options.”
Reflecting the same functional approach, the kitchen provides the ideal place for the owner to express her creativity. “I have a passion for cooking and love being in the kitchen. The retro baby-blue Smeg fridges and gas stove bring the timeless look, while the glass cooler gives it the modern, luxurious look.” When they’re not relaxing, the family loves travelling around the world, exploring new places and cultures. But, ultimately, home is where the heart is. What distinguishes a house from a home is character and personality.
There’s a sense of beguiling individuality in the home, which is exactly what the owners had in mind.
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