By Jo Borrill, Project Consultant Catherine de Vincenzo, Property Coordinator Judy Fogarty, Photographer Chris Baker
“We are surrounded by acacia trees, indigenous plants and a picturesque dam,” says the owner of this urban contemporary family home in KwaZulu-Natal. Situated on a game farm, the home blends in effortlessly with its surrounds.
The decor is minimalist, with an eclectic mix of unusual hand-carved furniture. Floating shelves, textured feature walls and striking mirrors add a contemporary edge. “As our home has an open-plan design, and all rooms are visible from one another, the decor in each area had to complement the others,” the home owner explains.
“We have decorated with the view to bringing the feel of the nature of our game farm into our home, keeping the colours calm and natural. We have created and designed a home for comfort, with clean lines and finishes, yet still making it feel homely and warm. The open-plan design and large windows allow light and warmth to filter in.”
Touches of natural texture, such as raw wood, can be seen throughout the house.
The double-storey structure has five bedrooms, most of which are en suite. The bathrooms are tranquil and soothing, with white freestanding baths and matching oval basins.
All bedrooms boast panoramic views, each room decorated uniquely to bring the outdoors into the space. A palette of beiges, creams, whites and coppers invites a natural appeal, and cosy rugs maintain a relaxed ambience.
In the main bedroom, a Scandinavian four-poster bed with an end ottoman adds rustic charm, while a white pebbled gas fireplace contributes to the warm aesthetic. The room has a luxurious hotel feel, with plush fabrics, complemented by crystal chandeliers, next to each pedestal. In addition, there are lots of mirror and metallic finishes.
Outside the bedroom, a mini tea lounge allows the owners to enjoy the morning sun, while watching the birdlife on the dam.
The kitchen is simple, but practical, with clean lines in tones of grey and taupe. A frosted mirror is used as a splashback, to create a warm and cosy feel. Pendant lights hang at different heights, for depth.
Additional features of the home include a gym, equipped with all of the machinery necessary for a full-body workout, a pyjama lounge with an adjoining veranda, and a lift, to avoid having to climb 24 stairs. “This also helps my four sausage dogs get to the upper level to be with us,” explains the home owner.
Your eyes are automatically drawn to the imposing steel spine staircase, with timber treads and glass balustrades, which provides an elaborate touch, and underneath which a guest toilet is neatly tucked away.
Outside, the family can relax in a beautiful, landscaped indigenous garden with lots of aloes, which attract an abundance of birds, and entertain and braai around a firepit at the bottom of the property. A rimflow pool with a built-in heated spa bath overlooks the dam, around which wildlife often roam. A built-in koi pond with water feature will welcome you as you approach the entrance.
“Our deck and outdoor furniture is homely, yet stylish and contemporary, making it very comfortable to relax and breathe in the fresh berg air. It’s also a very sociable area, where we, as a family share time together. The dining room and lounge’s aluminium doors slide open, opening up a huge space and bringing the nature and bush in,” the owner says.
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