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The addition of a shop and café to Bosjes Estate in the Breede River valley adds design and complexity to the visitor experience and the historical narrative of the region. Phot og r aphy Dave Southwood
B
osjes Estate, in the scenic Breede River valley near Worcester in the Western Cape, has completed the next phase in its evolution, following the launch of the award-winning chapel in 2017 (featured in the April/May edition of Leading Architecture + Design that year). The visually arresting design of the chapel, with its swooping, ethereal, winglike arches, helped establish Bosjes as a destination, precipitating something of a ‘Bilbao effect’ and effectively putting this part of the Western Cape on the map. Bosjes successfully established itself as a popular destination for weddings and events, as well as for other visitors who wished to dine at the restaurant or stay over at the guesthouse. Its success, however, necessitated further development and additional elements to extend the experience and accommodate day visitors with a more varied and comprehensive hospitality offering. Carlen Vorster, CEO of hospitality and marketing, explains that the estate
wished to provide additional facilities for incidental visitors – particularly on weekends when the restaurant and guesthouse are often booked for private functions – so that they can linger and explore the estate. The new additions at Bosjes include a new pantry-style coffee shop and farm shop set in beautifully landscaped indigenous gardens. The Winkel is Bosjes’ contemporary interpretation of a country store, curated by interior designer Liam Mooney, while the Spens blends the best elements of a café, coffee shop and well-stocked country pantry. The additions were conceptualised by London-based, South African-born architect Coetzee Steyn of Steyn Studio, who also designed the chapel. He worked closely with Meyer & Associates Architects – who were appointed to assist Steyn as project architects and principal agent – and Square One Landscape Architects. Continued next page//
The evolution of
16 Leading Architecture + Design JUNE/JULY 2021
