By Jo Borrill, Project Consultant Catherine de Vincenzo, Property Coordinator Judy Fogarty, Photography Chris Baker
This equestrian property in KwaZulu-Natal is the realisation of the owners’ dream for a modern farmhouse featuring high ceilings, large windows and lots of natural lighting.
Situated on six acres of lush lands, with paddocks, this expansive two-storey home comprises five bedrooms and five bathrooms, three lounges, a pyjama lounge, a separate guest suite, and a further two separate guest units upstairs. There is a stand-alone pool house, which is designed for entertainment, with a kitchen, lounge, dining room and bedroom, a spa bath and sauna. And there are state-of-the-art stables for the family’s horses.
“When our children grow up, we want them to party at home,” the owner says.
As you walk into the home, your eyes are drawn to a stately entrance that features an enclosed garden and a water feature reminiscent of the Colonial Victorian era, exuding an Out of Africa charm.
The decor is a mix of old and new, with each room representing a different theme. Deep hues of black and charcoal, mixed with bronze and other metallics, and different pops of colour, have been used to create an aura of luxury and opulence. The walls are covered with striking botanical wallpaper.
The home owner’s collection of decor pieces, which have been purchased over time, each have a memory attached, and a few heirlooms have been made part of the scheme.
A simple cement screed staircase with geometric-type balustrade sees you upstairs to the elegantly styled bedrooms. “We did not want the staircase to be a massive stand-out, as there are so many elements to the home. We also wanted something that is safe for young children and pets,” explains the home owner.
Black and charcoal feature again in the kitchen and bathrooms, highlighted with copper basins and antique brass taps. Pops of colour lift the dark palette. The units have been hand-carved for interest and to soften the dense base.
The living areas are adorned with hand-crafted light fittings and bespoke furniture, while the floor is a combination of grey and stone cement screed, translating into an effect that is both contemporary and unique. Each layer in the house represents a moment in time, with an emotion attached, the home owner says. “I really enjoy the fact that you can escape into a room and experience a completely different mood and feel.”
And the surrounding views just add to the appeal of the property. “We love the sight of open land, wonderful sunsets and the feel of space,” the home owner adds.
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