By Jess Binns, Project Consultant Avril Elias, Property Coordinator Catherine de Vincenzo, Photography Chris Allan
Having lived overseas, this family returned to South Africa and to what was their holiday home in a picturesque equestrian estate in Hillcrest, inland from Durban. While abroad, where living space is limited, the owners embarked on a major renovation of their KwaZulu-Natal property, which saw this house more than double in size.
Every room is generous in proportions. The deliberately large amount of glazing allows natural light to find its way in, accentuating the feeling of space. The feature staircase, with its subtle sweep, is adorned with oversized pendants that immediately warm the cooler elements, such as the screed floors.
A distinct global influence is felt in the main and guest bedrooms, where expertly coordinated furnishings give off a polished, chic hotel flavour. The duck-egg-grey cork wallpaper behind the master bed twinkles as the warm glow of the bedside lamps hits the surface.
It’s minimalism that the family has adopted. “It’s a little bit of my personality coming through; everything has to be in order,” laughs the owner.
Another giveaway of a family having spent time abroad is the love affair with a good bath. “Both my daughter and I are bath people; that’s why you’ll find three of our four bathrooms have free-standing baths,” she adds.
And you can’t blame them for whiling away the hours there, in a home that offers such calm relaxation.
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