Family fun

By Heidi Olivier, Project Consultants and Property Coordinators, Avril Elias and Claudelle Knock, Photography Chris Allan

Designed as a no-fuss holiday house, which takes advantage of the golf course and sea views, this home has a relaxed atmosphere and the versatility to become a permanent home in the future.

“We wanted the house to be clutter-free and modern, but still have a relaxed, homely feel. We also wanted the ability to merge the interior with the patio area, providing a large combined living area,” says the home owner.

With two preschoolers and two children in their 20s, the home also had to accommodate a variety of ages. “We have four children, so the house needed to cater for the little ones to be able to play and run around, as well as provide space for the older boys, and ourselves, to relax. Hence the ‘chill lounge’ upstairs, away from the action,” she explains.

The high ceilings and large windows maximise the views and flood the house with light. The home owners wanted visitors to the house to be wowed by the view through the staircase as they walk through the oversized front door. The decor theme is fairly neutral, with pops of colour in the artworks and accessories. “We chose simple, robust furnishings that lend themselves well to a family with young children,” says the owner.

“The downstairs living space with the open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining room which opens up onto the patio is our favourite area. This room really is the heart of the home. If we are in the kitchen cooking, we can still be part of the conversation happening at the dining table, and keep an eye on the kids playing outside or swimming. The sea view is just gorgeous with the doors open wide. And the entrance hall with its double-volume, stone-clad wall is one of our favourite features,” she says.

The unfussy furnishings are practical and modern. And although still a work in progress, the aim is to keep the house uncluttered.

Having seen their ideas and concepts brought to life, the home owners say: “It is imperative to have a good relationship with both the architect and the builder. Being based in Johannesburg, we had to place a lot of trust in our architect, Mark of Mark Leslie-Smith Architect, who project-managed the process for us; as well as the builder, to deliver the expected level of quality. We didn’t get too involved in the small day-to-day issues, but made sure that we were on top of any big issues, so that they could be resolved and avoid any delays. So our advice would be: don’t sweat the small stuff, and trust in the service providers you have selected.”