By Marianne McDonald, Project Consultant & Property Coordinator Monique Rankine, Photography Nic Baleta
Set against the rustic backdrop of the Silver Lakes Golf Estate, this home takes full advantage of its natural surrounds, and the home owner was keen to allow the outdoors in, while maintaining a chic interior.
“I was looking to create something different from what I usually see in Pretoria and the Silver Lakes area,” she explains. “I flew my architect to Zimbali and Cape Town – there were six different houses that we drew inspiration from.”
By combining elements from the various homes and lodges, the home owner and architect were able to conjure up a design that is homely, but boasts a boutique hotel feel. “My aim was to create a large family home that would still be low-maintenance.”
The slope of the land presented a challenge, but they were able to settle on a H-shape design that would allow maximum sunlight in the winter months and protection from the sun during summer.
The grand staircase leading up the centre of the home forms the connecting arm of the H, off which all other rooms and areas branch. On the first floor are two guest bedrooms, with direct access to the pool and garden. The dining room and kitchen form the heart of the home, with two TV rooms leading off this area, one on either side of the home.
The highlight of the first floor is the bar area, which has the feel of an elite establishment, with rows of exotic wines and spirits housed in custom shelving and highlighted by recessed ceiling lighting.
“My favourite room in the home is the main bedroom,” says the home owner. The area occupies 180m² on the top floor, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide away into cavity walls to reveal a large balcony and breathtaking views.
The family particularly enjoys watching the sun set from the day bed on the balcony. The interiors reflect the home owner’s desire for order and symmetry, with shades of grey complemented by natural wood accents in the furniture and cabinetry.
“My idea was to bring in traditional African elements and modernise them – like the gemsbok horn chandeliers,” explains the home owner. An abstract cut-out branch design is carried throughout the home, acting as a unifying element and grounding the living areas. This design can be seen everywhere from the bar area to the kitchen, and the sliding cupboard doors in the bedrooms to the walls of the upstairs balcony.
It is this care and attention to detail that makes this home both stand out in its environment and maintain its utmost respect for it.
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