A sense of calm

By Jess Binns, Project Consultant Avril Elias, Property Coordinator Claudelle Knock, Photography Nico Nabo

Walking into this home is like entering your favourite spa. A sense of calm transcends and you immediately start to unwind. The curtains sway in the sea breeze, and your thoughts are lost to the flames rising from the elegant fireplace.

Situated in the Zimbali Coastal Resort in KwaZulu-Natal, this vacation home will one day become a family home, when the owner is ready to cut ties with the corporate world.

A large family with grown-up and teenage children, they selected Zimbali so that each individual could live and lead an independent, safe and private life, as there is much to do and participate in. Working closely with Schané from Olàlà Interiors, the owners had a strong sense of what they were after: a home that creates a haven of tranquillity and a space filled with light. “We wanted to deliberately reflect the light and uncomplicated lifestyle we are all yearning for,” the owner explains.

Nearly all of the rooms feature beautiful rugs, which add a hint of colour and texture, and create exciting focal points, without being overbearing. The main bedroom, in particular, is accented by a rich plum, adding instant warmth and grandeur.

The open-plan living areas all flow together with subtle white tones, rich timbers and warm lighting. The wide expanses of glass allow the Indian Ocean to be seen far and wide, in addition to the inland views for which Zimbali is well known for. A double-volume lounge enhances the restful quality of the home, with Perspex dining chairs surrounding an impressive dining table adding a stylish note.

The owner’s favourite spot in the house is the reading room. “When I sit there, I can indulge in the spectacular forest views, the sea views and my pool. I can sit there for hours and read books, literally till the cows come home.”