By Marianne McDonald, Project Consultant & Property Coordinator Monique Rankine, Photography Nic Baleta
This home owner, a construction project manager, has been renovating and building homes for many years, and was directly involved with every aspect of the build – from finding the plot and drawing up plans to adding the final decor touches.
“I adore my job, and, although it’s tough being a woman in a male-dominated industry, the process of starting with a blank plot and creating a lovely home is as rewarding as watching your children grow,” she says.
This attitude led her to persevere with a build from scratch, which turned into a full-time job. “Handling the build of a house you intend to live in is wonderful, because you can design and build what you really want, and see it bloom in front of you, but there are daily challenges that demand your full attention.”
The home owner discovered an undeveloped plot that was begging for a little love and attention, so she accepted the challenge and has never looked back.
Since the plot was in an existing estate, the exterior of the home was restricted to the English country style of the other homes around it. As a result, she tried to keep it generic and classic. When it came to the interior spaces, a simple, open-plan living space, that would allow the dogs, kids and visitors to move around freely, was of paramount importance.
The double-storey, 450m2 free-standing cluster has space for eight cars and boasts four bedrooms en suite, as well as a central pyjama lounge and study area. However, downstairs is where the family gathers for time together. The double-volume entrance features a full-height window to guide light into the open-plan living area, incorporating a lounge and dining space that opens onto a large covered patio, the pool, deck and garden.
“Although I’m a dismal cook, the kitchen has to be my favourite part of the home,” says the home owner. “I wanted it to feel part of the living space and blend into the area, without feeling like a cluttered kitchen.” The centre island is a gathering point for anything from homework to glasses of wine.
When it came to the interior decor of the home, the home owner took an unconventional approach. “When I build a house, I start with the end in mind. I literally plan backwards. It’s exciting to take decorating ideas and finishes and build a house around them,” she explains.
The final design is a blend of natural finishes and classic base items. While the anchoring colours remain neutral and light, “statement colour always finds itself into my house – this year, turquoise made its mark on my decorating,” she says.
In much the same vein, classic furniture items are lifted with colourful smaller items to keep the interior trendy. “I don’t believe in a particular style of home or decorating, but rather think it’s important to blend your taste with timeless items,” she says.
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