V I S I
REFLECTIVE RETREAT
Paying tribute to the spirit and legacy of Nelson Mandela, his Houghton family home has been converted into a contemplative hotel in which visitors are encouraged to be inspired by the history of a local hero.
anctuary Mandela is exactly that: a sanctuary. As you walk up the steps and under the archway into what was once Nelson Mandela’s Johannesburg home, you are greeted by an André Prinsloo bronze sculpture of Tata Madiba reading a newspaper, placed in almost the identical spot where the man himself would read every morning. This sets the tone for the rest of the moving, understated experience of the interiors of this new boutique hotel.
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about the concept behind the hotel. “Sanctuary Mandela had to feel like a hotel, but also like a home. I designed the space to incorporate various original elements that pay homage to the original structure, and although I kept as much intact as possible, there were sections that had to be demolished and rebuilt – but with original aspects hidden strategically, skilfully and ingeniously throughout.” Ehrardt also actively used patterns and materials that offer subtle nods to Mandela’s heritage, with nothing
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A tiled pathway leads to the front entrance of Sanctuary Mandela; the bronze sculpture of Madiba by André Prinsloo; the main lobby exhibition space, which leads to the restaurant and upstairs to the guest suites; the decor of one of the guest suites includes framed letters, written by Nelson Mandela to his children while he was imprisoned; the doublevolume exhibition space features artwork donated by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
PHOTOS SUPPLIED WORDS MICHAELA STEHR
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