Menlyn Park Shopping Centre,
Shop G3 Level 3, Woolworths Entrance T. 012 348 0349 www.carrolboyes.co.za
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“Nepenthe” Text & Images: Adele Minnaar
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In the Wilderness Garden Estate nestles a home who has almost become one with nature and true to its name has brought no regrets to the owner since she inhabited it more than eight years ago. Jutting from a dramatic setting, the bold forms of the house strike an arresting balance with the stunning landscape. We’re on ground level, the level that reaches the garage and the owner’s offices. The staircase hints at the innovative architecture that is to come. The home has unique features that make it a very contemporary South African house. Unlike the mock Tuscan style that is so popular in South Africa, this design will stand the test of time. Strong points of architecture have been incorporated like the square solid pillars on the broad sea-facing verandah that runs the length of the house, the vibrant use of colour, the solidity of the structure, the flat roof… Some of these elements overlap with the African design element too. The use of rough plaster on the walls, the bulk of the building, the earthy colours: pumpkin, ochre, mushroom. The sea view from the verandah is simply spectacular, taking in the Atlantic as far as the eye can see. But the house’s relation to the forest is, by nature of its very proximity, far more intimate. The space is all open-plan, with the hi-tech kitchen flowing into the dining room and living room. Folding steel-and-glass doors ensure that, on perfect days, the living room becomes one with the verandah, with its bamboo thatched roofing. Throughout the house the use of light is superb, with screens and skylights allowing the sun to play its games. The bedrooms all spill out onto private balconies, creating private alcoves for the occupants. 94
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The private lounge as well as the living room boast each a gigantic fireplace that fills the home with warmth and atmosphere when lit in the winter months. Because of its proximity to all the elements of nature, the owner was keen to have a house that was organic. Their choice of colours for the walls and other building materials attests to this. This awe-inspiring abode nurtures the soul and spirit of its occupants‌ This property is in the market. For more details please contact: Lorraine.Campbell@pamgolding.co.za Mobile: 082 562 1569.
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EARTHY SPLENDOUR
Must haves
Left & Above: A collection of African collectors’ items. Individual items’ prices available on request. All items available at Read’s.
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Above: A collection of African collectors’ items. Individual items’ prices available on request. All items available at Read’s.
Below: A organic edge pear wood table with aluminium bullet legs. All items available at Ilovani.
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African Island Lake Retreat
Text & Images: Adele Minnaar
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On the southern most shores of the African continent lies a region of exceptional beauty, a land of majestic mountain ranges, shimmering lakes, a myriad of fruitful rivers and a rugged coastline alternating with pristine beaches. This is the setting for the largest complex of indigenous afromontane and sub-tropical forests, relics of ancient tropical forests that once covered the eastern parts of the continent from central Africa to the Cape Peninsula. Afro sense and sensibility create a beautiful blend in this strikingly sophisticated home on the hills above the Wilderness Lake Reserve. There’s an irresistible raw vigour associated with this area. A hard sun bleaches the earth in summer, winds claw it and yet the earth fights back and wizened but unbowed trees triumphantly carry crops of glossy fruits, while bitter-smelling buchu herbs yield oil, prized internationally for its flavouring and healing properties. This home epitomizes the spirit of nature triumphing over itself. Fashioned from simple local materials and informed by vernacular designs, it seems as much a part of its setting as the great Wilderness Lake Estuary shimmering in the distance, and could well have been here as long‌ At the same time, it beats back the elements that appear to have shape it, tempering the shock of sun, wind and reflection from the lake to create a comfortable, utterly contemporary haven for its owners. They are British, who fell in love with the setting some eight years back, its rough beauty resonating with memories of their native land. 102
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They were fascinated by the H-shaped symmetry in the plan configuration of some Dutch houses. So the house has a spacious central living–room area, from which branch four identically sized rooms – a kitchen-cumbreakfast area with scullery, a study, a master bedroom and a spare bedroom. All rooms offer the occupants breathtaking views of the lake and the island. The feeling once inside is of spaciousness, flow and harmony. The size of the windows, leading onto the outside verandah, emphasizes the spectacular views they frame. ‘In a vast and dramatic landscape, there’s a virtue in being enclosed and protected’ says the owner. Inside the home, the condensed essence of a vernacular house is pervasive, but with a sophisticated, subtly idiosyncratic twist. Persian rugs and a collection of pre-Columbian ceramics, plus sleekly contemporary furnishings counterpoint traditional African masks, stools and zebra skins. In winter, when the battle against the elements rises to extremes this remarkable home envelopes the occupants and emanate warmth and comfort. It is simply invincible. This property is in the market. For more details please contact: Lorraine.Campbell@pamgolding.co.za Mobile: 082 562 1569.
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