Paarl beginnings

By Anna-Marie Smith, Project Co-ordinator Athena Poulos, Photography Andy Lund

Relocating from upcountry can hold a multitude of challenges for people who prioritise a painless transition to a new home, as well as a different neighbouring environment and local community. And so for this family, their carefully planned move came together when the perfect location at Pearl Valley Golf Estate was found, where both the surroundings as well as its people brought home the true meaning of feeling settled.

They say they felt assured of a tranquil lifestyle in the absence of traffic noise, within a low-density development and the added benefit of a golf course on their doorstep for the occasional social game.

They had decided that a golf estate lifestyle, such as at Pearl Valley Golf Estate in Paarl, would offer the closest match to their needs for convenient living, just minutes away from a small Boland town with its wonderfully hospitable people, and magnificent mountainous setting. The close proximity of the estate to public amenities including schools, hospitals, restaurants and retail outlets minimises daily commuting, offering a welcome change from their previous big city life.

Although they were new to the concept of living with the Cape Doctor in summer and harsh north-westerly winds during winter, their brilliant architect offered every solution. Through working closely with the architectural guidelines of the estate and the construction company, living spaces were designed and expertly built to enjoy the outdoors within sheltered conditions at any occasion. The north-facing orientation that facilitates panoramic views across the majestic Groot Drakenstein mountain range provided various options for convenient living all year round. Easy flow between undercover verandahs to the swimming pool, or to indulge in special hydrotherapy in the spa bath directly from the interior, makes for a laid-back environment.

For private relaxation on the next level, a spacious verandah leads off from the bedroom suites providing a bird’s eye view across the golf course and open landscapes. When spending time in the interior, from where wide open window spaces give way to magnificent outdoor views from most angles, the choices of where to relax are many. The luxurious comfort of the central open-plan living area facilitates favourite entertaining pastimes such as fine dining and wine tasting, as well as televised sport viewing.

The owners’ need to store their relocated wine collection was met through the conveniently allocated space, easily accessible from the central dining and lounge areas. Subtle lighting solutions brigthen up the wine room and dining areas, while complementing the custom-made timber furniture and bold upholstery finishes. Also adding to the warm ambience of the spacious interior are the superior-quality floor surfaces in a variety of timber and tiling applications.

The owners say that their indoor lifestyle allows optimum functionality throughout the house, from the designer open-plan kitchen, to stylish bedrooms and bathrooms. What is also important for them is a need to not only enjoy superior-quality audio and visual entertainment, but for every member of the family to have easy access to electronic controls throughout the house.

In simplicity lay the answer they say, and this was provided through expert wireless solutions and the total integration of electronic and electrical systems. They say the result is that even the most senior members of their family can access the system at the touch of one button.

Of the many pleasant surprises that awaited these new home owners from upcountry, was discovering the warmth and friendliness of the locals. They say their wary expectations of making new acquaintances and friends have proven unfounded.