For all ages

By Marianne McDonald, Project Consultant Lorna Ioakim, Property Coordinator Chantel Spence, Photography Irma Bosch

For your children to grow up in an environment that is both full of fun and provides hours of entertainment, is every parent’s dream. This home offers all of that, plus special extras for the parents.

“We wanted a home that was open-plan and cosy,” explains the home owner. “We were so excited and anxious to build our dream home.” The couple achieved their dream by buying a stand and building from scratch. While they took their suppliers’ recommendations into consideration, this was a project of passion that required constant input from the home owners to ensure an outcome that perfectly met their needs.

This ultimate kids’ playground features a full cinema with red leather reclining seats, a popcorn machine and HD projectors, as well as a putt-putt course and swimming pool where the family take advantage of the consistent Highveld weather.

But far from seeming to be a home run by children, there is a sophistication and minimalism that fits well with entertaining and allows the adults to indulge their own interests.

One standout feature is the glass wall that allows a view of the garage, which houses one of the home owner’s biggest passions – cars.

The bar area, spa bath and firepit all mean the home is put to good use and enjoyed for all of its special elements.

The five-bedroom home, all en suite, is a white canvas, with each room or area punctuated with vibrant colour. “We didn’t really have a style in particular; we just wanted something that was modern and classy, with white interiors and different shades of grey.”

The kitchen takes centre stage with ultra-modern finishes and all of the mod cons to make this a much-used and loved area. “It’s my favourite room in the house – it’s the heart of our home,” says the owner.

Leading on from here is the open-plan living and dining area, embracing the same colour scheme, which invites a flow and serenity into the home that prevents an ultra-modern environment from feeling too cold or sterile. In a unique feature, areas are demarcated through ceiling designs and lighting rather than colours or flooring.

Despite the clear attention to detail that has gone into the home’s architecture and interiors, one of its best features is the surrounding natural environment. “We planned around the views, trying to achieve that most rooms face the water and the golf course,” says the home owner. “The kitchen, dining room and lounges appeal to me the most, thanks to the stunning views of the dam and golf course. The birdlife is breathtaking, and the rays of sunshine that enter the home are magnificent, making the home warm in winter and cool in summer,” she continues.

Having achieved their dream, the home owners say they would recommend the process to anyone, but would advise having a vision and sticking to it, no matter what. “Building your dream home is a great achievement. Always shop around for ideas and get second opinions.”