By Trisha Harinath, Project Consultant Lorna Ioakim, Property Coordinator Chantel Spence, Photography Irma Bosch
Nature, in all its glory and splendour, inspired the creation of our home,” exclaims the proud owner of this property. And it is easy to see why this home is indeed nature’s oasis.
Turning this 1970s property, with its gorgeous setting and scenery, into a fresh and trendy family home was a job well accomplished by architect Mark Begbie of Mark Begbie Design (MBD).
With the home owners wanting a home that blended in with its natural environment as much as possible, Mark explains: “Natural materials were important. There was quite a lot of local stone that was repurposed for cladding and landscaping. And the colours and finishes were chosen to blend with and complement the environment, as well as the wonderful, mature trees on the property.”
Since the brief called for a home that would also maximise the views, light and air flow, an abundance of glass windows and doors was also incorporated into the design. And the result, the owner explains, is “the stunning sunrise we experience every morning, and the colourful hues of the sky at sunset, which can be seen from where our house is positioned”. She adds: “The view of the landscape, combined with the city skyline, is definitely something to be experienced from the rooms, balconies and gardens of our home.”
If the picture-perfect views aren’t enough to whet your appetite, take one step inside the home and you won’t want to leave. The owner describes the decor as “predominantly modern, but we like the more natural elements, such as wood, stone, marble and leather”.
There is an abundance of textures, varying from the soft and sensual to the earthy and rough; feast your eyes not only on the vistas beyond the clear glass, but the artworks and custom-designed pieces of furniture as well, many of which – including the outdoor tables and the indoor pieces such as the headboard – were custom-made by Umdabu, a company that specialises in creating original furniture with a natural edge.
Or better yet, indulge in the underfoot luxury provided by the marble tiles used throughout the home, or the plush, pure wool rugs.
Around the home, there is a clever play on how modern, progressive elements that are usually considered cold and hard have been softened to bring out a sense of warmth. Take, for instance, the dining table, which is made from two slabs of wood with a glass top. Then there are the round chandeliers that were used to offset the straight lines of
the home.
Apart from the influence of nature, the decor and design of the home also reflects the residents’ personalities. “I think our signature design style does show up in its elegance. It’s a reflection of who we are,” adds the owner. If you look closely at certain features, you might even get to know these residents a little better – the wall art of the map of the world, for example, was selected by the daughter for her bedroom, as a symbol of her love of travelling.
The main bedroom on the upper-level, north-eastern side of the home not only offers a 180-degree view of the Johannesburg city skyline, Sandton CBD and beyond to the Magaliesburg mountains, but it is also the quietest area of the house. “This is my sanctuary,” says the owner, and adds that “the views at night are spectacular, with the lights all around us”.
Having been through the challenge of a complete renovation and coming out on top, this home owner has the following survival tips for anyone considering a renovation. Apart from regularly communicating with the professionals and service providers involved on the project, and great organisational skills, she adds that planning is important. “Choose the finishes correctly, especially the tiles, doors, cupboards, skirtings, baths, basins and taps. Don’t compromise on these – choose the highest quality to avoid problems. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and your preparation area, work area, storage space and even built-in cupboards must be planned meticulously. Plan your space!” And because of her careful planning and meticulous attention to detail, this home owner can now say that walking into her home every day puts her in a good mood immediately.
“Sometimes it feels like a resort where family and friends are the guests, where nature and modernity meet, and everyone is inspired and lifted by its magnificence.”
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