01189
SA’s
No.1
9 771814 165001
home an dg magazinarden e
R65.00
(vat incl.) Namibia N$65.00
December 2020/ January 2021
WHAT A GREAT IDEA!
CROWD-PLEASERS
kitchen in a container’
Party fare to share!
+
ushi sandwiches nd 4 fridge tarts
DIY
› Paint your own mosaics › Make a mobile umbrella stand › Build a braai trolley
5
IN THE GARDEN
A Greyton paradise
with veggies, roses & a gin shack!
great escapes
Minimalist elegance in Grotto Bay
Cool blues in Kommetjie
A ‘treehouse’ in Fisherhaven
+
D COAST
Family of 5 in 38m² rondavel Space-savvy getaway in Pringle Bay
FI RE & I CE
P43 0
CANDLE P1140GY
ADALYN O604
Cape Town (Head Office) : 9 Racecourse Road, Milnerton, 7441 | Tel: +27 (0) 21 528 8400 | Email: info@eurolux.co.za Johannesburg: 72 5th Street, Wynberg, Sandton, 2090. | Tel: +27 (0) 11 608 2970 | Email: jhb@eurolux.co.za Durban: Talksure House 62 Umhlanga Ridge Boulevard, Umhlanga, Durban. | Tel: +27 (0) 31 263 0088
QU BO O 60 5
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Reader home
Outdoor kitchen
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Reader home
Reader home Crowd-pleasers!
122 102 11
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décor 12 16
26 36 46 56 82
Fresh ideas Reach for the stars! Beach house in Cape Cod style richly layered with seaside colours A holiday home at one with its fynbos environment Minimalist coastal elegance in a typical West Coast abode ‘My treehouse is my haven’ A rondavel on the Wild Coast A family of five makes it work! Container conversion A beautiful riverside bush kitchen
do it yourself 66 68
Create a mosaic tile effect Build a nifty braai trolley
in the kitchen 122 134 136 140
Crowd-pleasers for summer Sushi sandwiches, step by step Quick food Four yummy fridge tarts Food & drinks to feed your senses
competitions 6 94 101
Write in to Your Space and WIN Send us your pet pics and WIN Complete Crossword #148 and WIN a Home puzzle book worth R70
in the garden 102 114
A view from every nook in a Greyton paradise Gardening at the coast Tips and tricks for success
regulars 8 74
146
What’s new on the décor scene Advice Ask the experts 78 Trash or treasure? Let’s find out 88 Renovation Move in & improve! 94 Pets and their peculiarities 96 Gardening notebook Last words from Karin Brynard
December 2020 | January 2021
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Cover photograph Greg Cox • Styling Marian van Wyk
Reader garden
My dad always said
you should never wish your life away. But as I sit and write this editor’s note – it’s the end of November – I’m counting the days until the end of the year. Put it this way: if 2020 were a WhatsAp group, the words “Wicus Pretorius left” would be the sum total o my December contribution. Fortunately, there’s sweet relief for stressed souls in this issue of Home, spaces that invite you to relax and unwind; houses an holiday homes that give us renewed energy to face the New Yea In my mind’s eye, I’m on a road trip from house to house, with my dog Asgat in the back of the station wagon. At the Kommetji home of our Rookie Stylist winner (our annual Instagram competition in partnership with MRP Home) I’m especially impressed with the Nortjes’ outdoor shower (see page 14) because it’s just what I need at my house. I fight a losing battle against the dog’s hair, which falls off his body in tufts every winte Come summer, he’s neatly shaved but then, as our handyman Deon DIY always says, there is “new trouble”: beach sand everywhere. Crosswords Next stop: Pringle Bay to admire Anneliese Burgess’s house Word games – it’s actually quite small but it looks big because of its smart design. Shows you what a clever architect can do... Sudoku From there, I’ll head to Fisherhaven to sit on Elzanne Woeke’s stoep. And at the Gründlinghs in Grotto Bay, I’d like to 100 pages of summer fun! enjoy a week’s silent retreat. Or I could move into the gin shack in the Hodkinsons’ garden in Greyton – that’s my kind of garden, one with a cosy bar. But most of all, I want to sit next to the campfire on the Mills’s farm in the Karoo, cook in that amazing bush kitchen, and just hang out with everyone I saw too little of in 2020. With Johané’s recipes (potato salad with a sweet twist for me, Don’t move, IMPROVE! thank you) it will be a real feast there beneath the stars. Enjoy this bumper issue of Home – it’ll be on-shelf for two months. The next issue will be on sale on 12 February 2021. • To make this holiday even better, we’ve put together a book for all you crossword puzzle, word search and sudoku fans. Get ahead in And don’t forget our Renovations issue with projects from our annual Fix it with Flair competition. And then there’s a brandnew 2021 Diary, filled with gorgeous garden photos, tips, a calendar and more than enough space to make notes. Covid-19 Stay safe, keep busy
EDITORIAL Features Editor Creative Editor Food Editor Art Director Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Digital Editor Multimedia Journalist Photographer Retoucher Production Manager
Issue #1
2021
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EDITOR Cape Town postal address Office Manager
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HOPEFIELD
Covid-19 Stay safe, keep busy
CAPE TOWN PRETORIA
Karen Dudley s soulful kitchen!
MALMESBURY
Tiny bathroom packs a punch
PRINCE ALBERT
Dreams From grain silos ickety lean-to now ll-in-white do come to guesthouses a charming kitchen Karoo gem true
diary
Photograph Greg Cox
Looks can be deceiving – even in your favourite magazine! Our summer homes, for example, are often shot in midwinter, in extreme weather. There was still snow on the mountains when we shot the outdoor kitchen on our cover. But there’s nothing like a little luxury to lift our spirits after a stressful shoot. The Home team’s eight-hour drive was safe and fun-filled thanks to the Volvo XC60 D5 AWD Inscription we were driving. With a driver alert control function that helps to keep you in your lane, keyless entry, park assist pilot and a blind-spot navigation system, we drove to the Karoo and back in high-tech luxury and safety to bring you the most fabulous photos. – Marian van Wyk @VolvoCar_SA
ADVERTISNG HEAD: Advertising Sales (Cape Town and KZN) Key Account Managers (CT)
Sarah Curtis-Bowles 021 461 2396
Sales Manager (JHB) Classified Sales
Charlene Meyer 082 928 5970 Daniela De Giovanni 083 709 7040 Susan Pienaar 083 281 7300 Evonne Mehl 021 461 2396
MEDIA24 LIVE Head of Events Head of Sponsorship Marketing Manager
Francois Malan 021 406 2376 Nikki Ruttiman 011 713 9147 Andile Nkosi 021 406 2257
LIFESTYLE CREATE STUDIO Creative Director Commercial Manager: Monthlies Commercial Editor CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Product Manager
Michael de Beer Lise Coetsee Gerda Engelbrecht
Armand Kasselman Janine Snyman 011 713 9918
SUBSCRIPTIONS, RENEWALS AND ENQUIRIES TEL 087 353 1300 • FAX 086 296 6681 • EMAIL subs@media24.com SMS “home” to 32361 (R1 per SMS) • WEB Zinio.com or Magzter.com
editor@homemag.co.za
VolvoCarSouthAfrica
WOODSTOCK
Toolbox essentials
STELLENBOSCH
R80
EXPERT ADVICE FOR EVERY SPACE IN YOUR HOME
6 009880 525898
21001
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Fixer-upper gets a budget-savvy facelift
CONTRIBUTORS Shelly Bergh, Karin Brynard, Greg Cox, Deon de Goede, Paula Dubois, Gerda Engelbrecht, Marié Esterhuyse, Evan & Kathi Hodkinson, Nicole Jonker, Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel, Marie Opperman, Misi Overturf, Ludwig Taschner, Elna van der Merwe, Stephane van Eck, Marlene van Niekerk, JJ van Rensburg, Dina Venter
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Shané Barnard • shane.barnard@media24.com Marian van Wyk Johané Neilson • johane.neilson@tuis.co.za Andrew Maritz Tessa Jean-Jacques Gillian Eva Amy Johnson Suné Esterhuizen Francois Oberholster René Nortjé Kerry Nash
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Wicus Pretorius • editor@homemag.co.za PO Box 1802, Cape Town, 8000 Amina Essop 021 406 2401
@volvocarsa
4 home December 2020 | January 2021
Published by Media24, 40 Heerengracht, Cape Town, 8001. Tel: 021 406 2121
CEO: Media24 Ishmet Davidson • CEO: Media24 Print Media Rika Swart GM: Media24 Lifestyle Minette Ferreira Head of Finance: Media24 Lifestyle Jameelah Conway CMO Media24 Lifestyle Nerisa Coetzee Copyright Media24. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the publisher. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, proprietors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise therefrom. Home has the right to make alterations to any material submitted, and cannot be held responsible for the loss of or damage to any material submitted for publication. All prices stated are subject to change and may vary from store to store; retail prices in-store should be considered the final confirmed amount.
'tis the season to dine al fresco
Jefferson dining table R19 999 & Malibu dining chairs R3 399
www.coricraft.co.za
your space
Write to us at Home, Readers’ Letters, PO Box 1802, Cape Town 8000; email editor@homemag.co.za, fax 021 408 3046, and join our Facebook group (facebook.com/homemag) or follow us on Instagram @TuisHomeMag. When submitting a letter, please include your full name and the town in which you live.
IN SHORT
Peace and quiet
I laughed so hard when I read Wicus’s editorial in the October issue. I’m a Dutchie living in SA and I just can’t get over how cold the houses are here. I can only imagine how shocked his friend was. When you’re used to a nice warm house all year round, it’s hard to adjust. That’s why we’re looking to install underfloor heating, just for those few cold months – and as an excuse to get an amazing new floor! – Linda Canter, Somerset West
Karen Leigh of Cape Town writes Some mornings, I wake with a sense of unease, not knowing where I belong. At this moment, coffee calls. Instead of lists and ‘what-ifs’, I situate myself on the stoep daybed with cats and dog, birds and trees, flowers and Home. I start settling into stillness, greenness and beauty. What is not important and what does not sustain, drops away in this nourishing moment. Thanks for your companionship. Thanks for being with me, as I give myself time to find joy. From this base, I can go about my day.
In the mode
Nicky Webb of East London writes The other day, I was reading an article about “Project Mode”. Project Mode happens on Sunday evening when you’re reading Home and see an awesome DIY project that you decide you have to do immediately! Despite the fact that you don’t have the tools/hardware (without which the article recommends you do not even attempt the project). This reminded me of a time before lockdown. It was my twins’ birthday and they were having a few friends around.
6 home December 2020 | January 2021
The house was gleaming – the result of an intense clean-up (by me). My husband was lying in bed reading DIY articles when he got the gleam of Project Mode in his eye. “I’m going to lay lawn today,” he announced, proudly. Normally, I would greet this declaration with enthusiasm – the back garden was a dust bowl – but not today. Our garden can only be accessed through our lounge. Which I had just cleaned. For guests arriving in an hour. Half an hour later, our bakkie reversed into the driveway, the wheels straining under a load of grass rolls. A ramp was built up to our front door, and turf was merrily wheeled through our lounge. Clods and sods formed a Hansel and Gretel-like trail from front door to garden. I’m happy to report, though, that the project was completed on time – about 23m2 of dirt was creatively covered with 20m2 of turf. The lounge was cleaned and it seemed that, this time, we had escaped Project Mode unscathed. At least I thought so until I did a final sweep of the guest bathroom and there, next to my gleaming basin, lay a grubby steak knife. It was the muddy weapon in the vicious turf war that had just taken place (pun intended). Thank you to Home for always inspiring Project Mode moments. I hope you’ll be back on a monthly basis again soon.
I’m from a rural area in eastern Pondoland between Mthatha and Port St. Johns. Your magazine is a real inspiration to our community. Actually, we’re addicted to it and we’re improving our homes with your help. Please don’t ever stop publishing – we’ll get withdrawal symptoms! – Tumeka Msengi, Misty Mount I only started buying Home after I retired in December 2019. I get so excited each month that my hands start itching to get stuck into it. I read it from cover to cover. I’m so inspired by the recipes and have made quite a few during lockdown. I enjoy reading the editor’s note and even though there’s been a price increase for your mag, it’s worth every penny. Although I will have to wait a little longer now for my next issue, it will be worth it. – Dianne le Grange, Illovo Beach
WIN!
The writer of the winning letter receives a Nuxe Bio Organic hamper worth R2 970! The Nuxe Bio collection invites you to enter the era of organic beauty products without compromise: powerful, sensory, committed. Discover certified organic and vegan treatments amplified by green technologies and boasting 100% natural fragrances. Suitable for men and women, this luxurious range upholds eco-friendly principles from its formulas to its packaging. This hamper includes Essential Antioxidant Serum; Glow Rich Moisturising Cream; Reviving Eye Care and Ultimate Night Recovery Oil. Follow @nuxe_sa on Instagram.
The editor reserves the right to edit letters at his discretion.
WINNING LETTER
Send décor and lifestyle news to news@homemag.co.za.
what’s new
Compiled by Shané Barnard
CREATE, INNOVATE!
WHO Emma Stam WHERE Knysna, Western Cape BUSINESS Sunny Spot Leisure HER WORK Inspired by her seaside hometown, 21-year-old interior design student Emma Stam created a range of products to encourage an effortless transition from indoor to outdoor living. Designed and made in South Africa, her gorgeous loungers and outdoor seating, as well as pool pillows and umbrellas, are hard-wearing and stylish; the locally sourced materials are carefully selected to ensure a highly durable product that requires little maintenance. These items are not only luxurious but also eco-conscious; they’re filled with recycled polystyrene beads and made with ecofriendly fabric dyes. See more at sunnyspot.co.za.
SCANDI STYLE
In line with minimalist Scandinavian design, the new Ari dining table (1.8m, R4 999) from Coricraft features clean lines, slender legs and a natural wood finish. Made from rubber wood with an oak veneer, the dining set with matching benches (1.4m, R2 499 each) is available in natural and black. Visit coricraft.co.za for more.
Mango wood serving board (35 x 28cm) R250, Poetry
8 home December 2020 | January 2021
Rialheim’s new collection, ‘I am, because we are’, aims to explore, rediscover and reimagine how we perceive the ‘self’ and the ‘other’. Showcasing designs that pushed their artisans’ skills to new heights, the range includes functional wall art such as clocks and mirrors, as well as planters with wooden stands made by local craftsmen. We love the ceramic Cut-Out Clock (R799) and Linear Planter with Stand (R2 999). Browse the entire collection at rialheim.co.za.
Local is lekker!
what’s new Cara Saven Wall Design collaborated with three local artists to create a collection of unique wallpapers for the new CS & Co range. Each artwork will be adjusted and sized by the Cara Saven team to suit the contours of your wall. Decorate your space with striking designs by Lucie de Moyencourt, Joh Del or Michael Chandler. For further details, go to carasaven.com.
Artificial ficus tree in black pot (88cm) R599, Woolworths
Bali nested coffee table set R3 000
Island vibes A natural organic finish on the limited-edition Bali range of furniture from MRP Home makes it perfect for lounging on the stoep. Take a look at mrphome.com – and don’t miss out!
Bali two-seater chair R4 000
Mother’s Love is a proudly South African range of cleaning products made with top quality ecofriendly ingredients. Harnessing the power of essential oils, the products are 100% non-toxic and nonallergenic – they’re as gentle and nurturing for your family as they are for the environment. No less tough on dirt, the range (from R59) includes dishwashing gel, hand sanitiser, multipurpose cleaner, tile cleaner and glass cleaner. Go to mothersloveproducts.com.
Bali occasional chair R3 000
Too cute!
Frankie cement figurine (14cm) R849, kreet.co.za >>
The Mainzu Celtic range features a beautiful new patchwork tile, available exclusively from Italtile. Inspired by Northern European designs, the pattern is engraved with high-resolution inkjet printing. This 200 x 200mm glazed matte ceramic tile (R690/m2) is suitable for both wall and floor applications. Visit italtile.co.za.
1 Toucan on stand (42cm) R795, Block & Chisel
Fine fabrics The Hamptons collection from Stuart Graham is a classic mix of checks and stripes refreshed with a balance of contemporary and nautical colours. Smart yet easy on the eye, the collection boasts a variety of weights for enhanced versatility. See more at stuartgraham.co.za. 1 Boston Lilac (R1 150/m) 2 Bridgehampton Sky (R1 150/m) 3 Washington Mimosa (R1 150/m)
Jamali Garden in Ochre scatter cushion R699, thebedroomshoponline.co.za
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We love this!
The Bold Single Hook (R695) made from powder-coated galvanised mild steel with a white oak peg from Pedersen + Lennard is perfect for a beach towel! Shop online at pedersenlennard.co.za.
10 home December 2020 | January 2021
Local jewellery designer Dear Rae has recently added select homeware items to its collection, including this stylish pair of handcrafted brass S-hooks (R190). They’ve been designed to add functionality and a timeless aesthetic to your living space. Go to dearrae.co.za.
shopping
Kick back ’n relax
Make the most of summer with these cool finds Compiled by Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel Wicker picnic set for four R699, Makro
Beach towel R129.99, Sheet Street
Padar side table R999.99, MRP Home
Glass bo lid (1L) R49.99, Clicks
Landmann Piccolino Azur kettle braai (34cm) R1 099, Patio Warehouse
Assorted outdoor cushions from R229 each, Woolworths Mikasa Drift melamine dinner plate (27.5cm) R129, Yuppiechef
Home 1000-piece Susan Greig garden puzzle R199, Checkers
River Acacia Wood and Rope 3-seater sofa with cushion R8 540, Patio Warehouse
STOCKISTS Block & Chisel 021 691 0878, blockandchisel.co.za Clicks 0860 254 257, clicks.co.za Makro 0860 600 999, makro.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Patio Warehouse 087 825 1120, patiowarehouse.co.za Poetry 0860 665 533, poetrystores.co.za Sheet Street 0800 212 535, sheetstreet.com Woolworths 0860 022 002, woolworths.co.za Yuppiechef 0861 702 4969, yuppiechef.com
Aim for the stars! Add a celestial touch to your own space. By Johané Neilson and Marian van Wyk • Photographs Greg Cox and Francois Oberholster
The shape of water
fresh ideas
You might think you’ve been transported to a medina in Morocco, but this exotic starshaped pool is located in the courtyard of the charming Nooitgedacht Country House outside Swellendam. “The house and pool were built by the previous homeowners 12 years ago,” says current owner Danielle de Wet. “We lived here when we bought the farm five years ago, before turning it into luxury self-catering accommodation.” The house is built around the courtyard and many of the living areas and bedrooms have doors that open onto it, creating an intimate space where you can relax without any intrusion from the outside world. “If it’s too windy to sit out on the front stoep, the courtyard provides the perfect spot!” says Danielle. If you’d like to create your own Moroccan-style retreat, take inspiration from this earthy palette with its soft terracotta, pale green and blues. >>
Inflatable flamingos from Pick n Pay; towels from Mungo Design; flip flops from Veldskoen
December 2020 | January 2021
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fresh ideas
In the right direction Charles and Candice Nortje’s outdoor shower in Kommetjie (see their entire home on page 16) is not only beautiful, but practical too. After a day at the beach, everybody rinses off: the humans use the shower head while a convenient hand shower creates the perfect dog-washing station for their pooches. For the shower base, landscaper Paul Paarman of Soul Gardens installed a concrete plinth bordered by a shallow furrow filled with pebbles so that water from the shower soaks back into the ground. For the compass on the floor, he commissioned artist Theo le Roux of Mural Maniac who painted the design freehand using Plascon acrylic PVA in the colour Morning Fog. It was sealed with Midas Earthcote Acrithane.
A guiding light Labyrinth guru Terry de Vries has built more than 300 labyrinths since 1997, both locally and abroad. During a labyrinth-building weekend retreat in the quaint Little Karoo town of Barrydale in 2018, she discovered this gem. The property on which it is located happened to be for sale – and now Terry is the delighted owner! “The beautiful slate stone arch and the circular wall around the labyrinth immediately made me feel safe – it was a profound experience,” says Terry, who lives on a nearby property which she runs as Kamala Retreat House. The measurements for this Chartres or 11-circuit Medieval Labyrinth design were worked out by the late Peter Frazer (he built one of the first labyrinths in South Africa on a farm in Lemoenshoek just outside Barrydale in 1998). In 2000, locals built it for the previous owner Liz Brom, using local slate and rose quartz. You enter through the arch where a 13-pointed rose quartz star welcomes you. “This star is said to be invisible in the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France, one of the most well-known in the world. The labyrinth on my property is a replica,” says Terry proudly.
STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS Kamala Retreat House 082 442 5623, kamalaretreathouse.com Mungo Design 021 201 2374, mungo.co.za Mural Maniac 072 359 7958, muralmaniac.co.za Nooitgedacht Country House joubertsdal.co.za Pick n Pay 0800 112 288, picknpay.co.za Soul Gardens 084 515 3374, soulgarden.wixsite.com/website Veldskoen veldskoen.shoes
reader home
Ocean treasure
This Cape Cod-style beach house is richly layered with coastal colours, art and mementos that reflect the life story of the homeowners. By Dina Venter • Photographs Francois Oberholster • Production Marian van Wyk
A path winds through the green belt in front of the house and leads directly to the beach.
Winner! WHO LIVES HERE? Charles and Candice Nortje; their golden retrievers Grace, Delilah, Lily, Summer and Bluebell; and their Westie George. WHERE Kommetjie SIZE 342m²
The Nortjes designed the kitchen in collaboration with their architect Steve Lennard. It was installed by Phil Bettison, a woodworker and cabinet maker who lives in Kommetjie. “It was important to us to support as many local suppliers and artisans as we could,” says Candice. Tolix stools from Beach House Living; fridge from Smeg December 2020 | January 2021
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ur home is our haven away from the chaos of the outside world. There really is no place we’d rather be…” says Candice Nortje, who lives in the seaside village of Kommetjie. With a keen eye for décor and knack for curating, a sanctuary is exactly what Candice has created in the Nortjes’ delightful family home situated in the Klein Slangkop Eco Estate bordered by pristine beaches and the Table Mountain National Park. “It really is nothing short of idyllic and it feels as if we’re permanently on holiday, even though we’re just 45 minutes from Cape Town.” Candice is this year’s winner of Home’s Rookie Stylist competition in partnership with MRP Home – her entry stood out from the more than 1 700 Instagram entries we received, all of which showcased beautiful nooks in our readers’ own spaces. It’s no surprise that Candice’s entire home is equally impressive and full of décor inspiration.
Construction Candice has been collecting kitchen appliances in shades of aquamarine and mint for years.
Dining table from Block & Chisel; ladder-back chairs from Beach House Living; flying seagull from MRP Home
For years, Candice and her husband Charles walked past the stands in the estate, dreaming of their own perfect beach house surrounded by fynbos. In 2013, they took a leap of faith and made an offer; building commenced in 2014 and they moved in in 2015. Building close to the beach presented a unique set of challenges. “There are rigorous measures in place to ensure that the fragile coastal ecosystem is disturbed as little as possible while construction is underway,” explains Candice. The Nortjes followed the estate’s construction guidelines to the letter, with exterior cladding – one of the classic elements of the Cape Cod aesthetic – incorporated into the design, which was executed by architect Steve Lennard, who also lives in the development. The house is essentially built on beach sand, so the ground floor was constructed using bricks and mortar for strength and stability. A concrete slab was poured and the upper floor, boasting timber-frame construction, was built on top of that. Once the timber framework had been built and insulated, the exterior of the house was clad with Nutec boards in a traditional shiplap design. The cladding is extremely durable and withstands corrosive sea air remarkably well. “It requires surprisingly little maintenance, which makes it ideal for our coastal home,” says Candice.
For the interior of the house, the couple envisioned a bright and airy open-plan space with high ceilings, exposed beams and as many windows as possible to maximise the views and flood the house with natural light. A dormer window in the living room is especially charming at night when the moonlight streams in.
reader home
Down to the details When the Nortjes were ready to move in, Candice had a clear picture of how she wanted to decorate their home. “My aim was to create a stylish seaside haven that isn’t your stereotypical beach house but rather a timeless space with casual charm.” To this end, she ‘layered’ their home with white items of furniture and objéts in a pretty pastel palette reminiscent of tidal pools, sea glass and driftwood. Candice had been collecting little treasures for their dream beach house for many years before it became a reality. “My eye is instantly drawn to anything mint, turquoise or aqua – finding things in this palette is my superpower! Some call it obsessive, but I prefer
to think of it as a total commitment to my aesthetic,” says Candice with a grin. “I believe the things we surround ourselves with can be random and meaningless or they can convey the very essence of who we are and what we love.” Rearranging their curios is one of Candice’s favourite pastimes, so the shelves and surfaces in the Nortje home are thoughtfully decorated with ever-changing vignettes. The result is a house that doesn’t just make a design statement, but also tells the evolving story of the people who live there. “Styling our home is a constant work in progress. It keeps things vibrant and interesting, and also brings back precious memories.” >>
A porthole window in the entrance hall adds a nautical touch. The frosted-glass compass design by Window Art is symbolic of how the Nortjes navigated their way to their dream home. They opted for engineered oak flooring throughout the house. It looks like real wood but is more resistant to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, making it the ideal choice for coastal conditions. “It’s also extremely hard-wearing and copes well with the sandy feet and wet paws that walk on it daily,” says Candice. Flooring installed by Forest Flooring December 2020 | January 2021
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Carafe and glassware, turquoise enamel buckets used as herb planters and Pastel Hamman Stripe Beach Towel in turquoise from MRP Home
Mint bread bin, turquoise plant pot, cake stands and domes from MRP Home
Candice found the blue bar fridge at her local Checkers.
Aluminium security shutters from Plantation Shutters proved to be the perfect window treatment. “They are incredibly versatile, providing varying levels of light, safety and privacy that curtains and blinds simply cannot,” says Candice.
Picture ledge shelf and house-shaped display shelves (below) from MRP Home
White cookie jar, mint ceramic coffee canister, cake stand and dome from MRP Home
In the living room, Candice opted for a basic framework of white furniture which she layered with accessories in shades of aquamarine. A sliding door with a porthole window conceals the scullery. White L’aubagne chandelier from Ambiente Luce; grey tub chair from Block & Chisel; turquoise nap station from Ora Pets; Tweedle Weave Scatter Cushions in teal and mint from MRP Home
When it came to choosing the interior finishes, Candice kept things clean and simple. “I wanted to create a bright, breezy atmosphere throughout, so I went for a predominantly white palette.
‘Vitamin Sea’ wooden words from Bokke & Blomme
The bookshelf in the home office downstairs is Candice’s pride and joy. “It tells the story of a couple who enjoy travelling, reading and cooking and have a deep love for the ocean and the magnificent creatures that live in it.”
“We’ve actually seen whales from our bed! I don’t think many people can lay claim to that privilege,” says Candice. >> Headboard from The Bedroom Shop; pedestals from @home; blue pendants from Fidders; mint scatter cushion from MRP Home
December 2020 | January 2021
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Upper level
ining room
En suite
Main bedroom
Staircase
Entrance Living room Kitchen Scullery
CANDICE’S TIPS FOR STYLING IN A SPECIFIC PALETTE
Double garage
Guest room
Study
Store
WC Staircase
Guest room
En suite
TV lounge
En suite
Ground level
• If you’re on a tight budget, collect items over time and invest in a few special pieces that you really love. • Select a showpiece then build around it with items in the same hue as well as neutral tones to create balance. • When styling a collection of monochrome items, create visual interest with a variety of shapes, sizes and textures. • Collections have more impact when styled as a group, instead of scattered randomly around a space. • Create visual boundaries and eliminate clutter by styling objects on a shelf, in a cabinet or on a tray. • To create a timeless feel, choose items that speak to your heart, rather than those currently on trend. >> STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS @home 0860 834 834, home.co.za Ambiente Luce 021 853 2555, ambienteluce.com Beach House Living 028 313 0383, livingstudio.co.za Block & Chisel 087 015 0181, blockandchisel.co.za Bokke & Blomme 082 489 7173, bokkeandblomme.co.za Fidders 021 886 4655, fidders.co.za Forest Flooring 021 461 3565, forestflooring.co.za Kingsley & Gray 083 680 8444, kingsleyandgray.co.za Lennard & Lennard (architect) 021 783 2624, lennard.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Ora Pets 021 200 0466, orapets.com Phil Bettison 082 649 7130 Plantation Shutters 021 577 1705, plantation.co.za The Bedroom Shop 044 382 2835, thebedroomshoponline.co.za Victorian Bathrooms 021 418 0855, victorianbathrooms.co.za Window Art 087 550 3030, windowart.co.za
22 home December 2020 | January 2021
A skylight across the entire back half of the bathroom floods the space with light. Bateau bath from Victorian Bathrooms; white ceramic birds on top of room divider from MRP Home
Candice and Charles added a layer of frosted vinyl to the double-glazed skylight in the bathroom to soften the light and manage the heat. Shower head from Victorian Bathrooms
Paint colour
Plascon Surf’s Surprise
Seafoam doggie bandana from Kingsley & Gray
Split wood and marble-look clock (30.5cm) R139.99 Greenbay polycotton mingle throw (140 x 180cm) R119.99
Palm leaf 3-piece plaque R999.99
Sawyer side table R999.99
Mint minkembossed throw (200 x 230cm) R599.99
Good Vibes ceramic set of three R299.99
Sydney chair R1 500
Mini man multi planter pot R179.99
Envy & Co mirror shelf (70 x 110cm) R1 500 Malawi leather rug (120 x 180cm) R799.99
Feather-filled Cape Protea scatter (60 x 60cm) R399.99
Scuba blue tweedle scatter (48 x 48cm) R99.99
Yarn Dye stripe scatter (60 x 60cm) R199.99
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PROMOTION
Honeycomb wall shelf (36 x 31cm) R399.99 Black metal round mirror (90cm) R1 500
Printed sunset beach artwork (170 x 70cm) R499.99
Rattan wallmounted shelf R899.99
GET THE LOOK WITH
Mint ceramic bedside lamp R99.99
MRP HOME Like the Nortjes’ style? Check out these brand-new must-haves! Compiled by Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel
Havana standing lamp R799.99
Tourmaline micro fibre scatter (40 x 60cm) R69.99
Brooklyn 2-seater sofa R5 500
Pagoda tweedle scatter (40 x 60cm) R119.99
Aqua mingle mat (50 x 80cm) R59.99 STOCKIST MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com
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THE HOMEOWNERS Anneliese Burgess and Sidney King, and their daughters Michelle (26), Celeste (23) and Ilke (14) WHERE Pringle Bay, Western Cape SIZE 128m²
At home in the fynbos With a wetland next door and epic views all round, this timeless holiday house is at one with its environment. By Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel Photographs Francois Oberholster • Styling Shelly Bergh
December 2020 | January 2021
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Ground level Main bedroom
Upper level
Double volume
Bathroom Balcony
Bedroom Bath
Lounge
WC Bedroom Kitchen Shower Deck
The kitchen windows overlooking the sheltered private deck slide open completely to create a counter where everyone loves to congregate. This space offers a lovely view of the fynbos on the property next door, which the family bought to conserve the vegetation. Roll-up blinds on the stoep and balcony above provide protection from the hot sun.
The design of the fireplace in the double-volume living area was based on those found in traditional Cape Dutch and fishermen’s houses, where fires were kept on the go for warmth, cooking and braaiing. The Mexican ‘tree of life’ was a wedding gift from a friend and it is transformed into a Christmas tree by simply adding a string of fairy lights. >> Tree from Hadeda
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The whole family loves cooking, so the open-plan kitchen and dining room is always a hive of activity during the holidays. Anneliese bought most of the white crockery on the open shelves at Ikea while visiting Europe. Dining room table from Modernist
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here was something about Pringle Bay that gave Anneliese Burgess the feeling that she belonged there, even when she was still in her early twenties. Perhaps it was the beautiful bay, the view over the ocean towards Cape Point, or the dramatic mountains with Hangklip standing guard over the town on the east… And after yet another weekend spent in a rental home, this time celebrating Anneliese’s 35th birthday, the born-and-bred Eastern Cape resident summarily told her partner Sidney that she wanted to build her own house and move to Pringle Bay. “Our friend Martie Kotze, an estate agent in this coastal town, was instructed to look for the best plot in our price range,” says Anneliese. “I’m a journalist and Sidney is a cameraman, so our budget was a bit limited.” Luckily, Martie had the perfect property in mind and the couple immediately fell in love with it. “The fynbos here is beautiful; there is a wetland next door and we knew we would be able to see the sea if we built a second floor. On top of that, it is within walking distance of the beach,” Anneliese explains. She enlisted the help of her brother Donovan Burgess and his wife Lisa Durell, both architects, to help with the design. Together, they carefully planned every aspect to ensure that the 128m² house would feel as spacious as possible. Construction began in 2004 and was completed within a year. The couple lived here permanently for a few years but later moved away in search of better work opportunities. However, they spend every holiday here and in December, especially, it turns into a real family home when their daughters come to stay too.
This crockery shelf in the dining area swings open to reveal a small pantry.
The unusual teacup light in the kitchen was brought home from Germany in a backpack 20 years ago.
Architecture and flow
Smart finishes
The house is reminiscent of a barn with large open spaces on the inside boasting clean modern lines. Downstairs, there’s a living room and kitchen in an open-plan design, as well as two bedrooms for children. “If the weather plays along and the baboons have gone to sleep, we open all the large doors and make a fire in the fireplace. With the croaking of frogs in the background, it really feels as if you are sitting in the wetland in among the fynbos,” says Anneliese. The master bedroom is upstairs and the TV and study are on an open mezzanine level. “What’s nice is that you’re still part of the action and can hear everyone, but if you want to be alone, you can,” jokes Anneliese. “While the kids and their boyfriends hang out downstairs, I work upstairs, but at least I’m not hidden behind a door. I think it’s precisely because the house was planned as a permanent residence that it works so well as a holiday home.” Windows in various sizes form a major part of the architecture. “My brother didn’t want massive windows everywhere; he opted for smaller windows that frame each view,” says Anneliese. “I like the light that streams in everywhere and how each window creates a framed picture.”
Because their budget was tight at the time, a lot of thought was given to where they could save and what they could spend a little more on. The cement floors were, therefore, simply painted and the brick walls bagged. The ceilings were finished with affordable Shutterply formwork. “The only disadvantage of the brick walls is that they weren’t sealed back then and they’ve started to show a bit of wear and tear after almost 15 years of exposure to sea air,” says Anneliese. “The wind and salt-laden air corrode the bricks; from time to time we have to cut one out and replace it. But it’s not a massive problem. I like the patina that the house has developed over the years. Where others see rain marks, I see the passing of time.” The couple did, however, spend more money on custom-made aluminium-framed windows that match the architecture of the building, as well as the slightly sloping ‘floating’ roof that rests on a row of glass windows at the top of the exterior walls. It enhances a sense of spaciousness and lets in additional natural light. “At the time, this kind of roof was a novelty, but nowadays you see it more and more in Pringle Bay. I like the timelessness of the architecture; it still feels as fresh as it did 14 years ago,” says Anneliese. >> December 2020 | January 2021
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I love the feeling of warmth and conviviality in the house, and also the way it ‘sits’ in the fynbos. – Anneliese
On the décor Although Anneliese loves collectibles, the décor in her beach house is considerably more pared down than in their house in the Eastern Cape which is “crammed with books, family photos and paintings”. “When we decided to rent out this house, I enlisted the help of Monica Soer of Tribay Accommodation – she is a stylist and rental agent,” says Anneliese. “I wanted people to feel that the house is theirs when they stay here, but I also didn’t want it to feel like an impersonal rental space when we spend our holidays in it. Monica really retained the character of the space, but removed our family photos and all the unnecessary bric-a-brac.”
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Fortunately, all of Anneliese’s crockery was already white, precisely to create uniformity on the dining room shelves. “Otherwise it would have been an eyesore,” she explains. “I like simplicity, but also colour. There is always this tension between my Zen side and my magpie side and it’s a challenge to maintain harmony between the two!” Anneliese also left other pretty items and quality kitchen utensils in the beach house so that guests can utilise and enjoy them. The furniture is a collection of new and old items. “There are some nice old cupboards that I got from my mother, but the dining room table was one of those mega-expensive investment buys,”
Cheerful pouffes, tub chairs and an orange wire table create a playful aesthetic in the living area.
says Anneliese. “I love how the ‘mid-century’ lines of the table and chairs work with the rest of the space, especially the wooden elements behind them. “The brown sofa in the lounge was also a new purchase. And if there is one piece of furniture that has stood the test of time, it’s that!” says Anneliese with a smile. Her favourite colours are yellow, red and green, but in their holiday home she has stuck to just a few pops of colour – to keep her “eclectic magpie” in check!
[ ANNELIESE’S HOLIDAY HOME TIPS ]
• Keep the floors simple. “Rugs don’t work with beach sand,” she says. • Consider the weather. Design your home so that you have a sheltered outdoor space when the wind blows (vital in Pringle Bay). “We have stoeps on both sides of the house.” • Cooking and socialising should be able to happen in the same space; plan how you can connect the different areas. • Think out of the box when it comes to a braai area: “You don’t necessarily have to have a braai room – a large fireplace in your living room is also an option.” >>
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The tiny ‘peephole’ window in this shower affords a lovely view of the crest of the mountain. “It’s like a painting,” says Anneliese.
Mosaic tiles create a holiday vibe and add a pop of colour to the bathrooms – blue was used in the downstairs bathroom and green upstairs. This bath provides the perfect spot for taking in the mountain and ocean views.
This pendant is a replica of the moon, designed by astronaut Buzz Aldrin for Habitat.
Did you know? Pringle Bay is located in the Kogelberg Biosphere, the first UNESCO-declared biosphere in Southern Africa. This Cape floral kingdom boasts 1 300 species per 10 000km2. According to Anneliese, the next most biodiverse place on earth is the Amazon with 400 species per 10 000km2.
The girls’ small shower room is reminiscent of a Moroccan steam room.
STOCKISTS AND CONTACT Art Africa artatafrica.art Habitat habitat.co.uk Hadeda 011 788 9859, hadeda.net Modernist 011 447 0016, modernist.biz Monica Soer 082 775 6518, tribayaccommodation.co.za
The girls’ bedroom is simple yet fun. Artwork from Art Africa
December 2020 | January 2021
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The opening between the kitchen and living room serves as a work surface and seating area and has a wonderful view of the ocean. The kitchen and dining room open onto the indoor braai to create one large entertainment area.
Cool, calm
& collected
Every day feels like a holiday in this earthy home that epitomises minimalist coastal elegance. By Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel • Photographs Francois Oberholster • Styling Misi Overturf
WHO LIVES HERE? Carla and John Gründlingh WHERE Grotto Bay, West Coast SIZE 270m² December 2020 | January 2021
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or the Gründlinghs of Grotto Bay, there is little distinction between ‘real life’ and holidays – for this couple, every day feels like a vacation since making the West Coast their permanent home in 2016. “John surfs almost every day and when there are no waves, he catches fish and forages for seafood,” says Carla. “We love looking for mussels and seaweed in the rock pools and harvesting wild cabbage, common ice plant and samphire from the dune ‘pantry’ here on the West Coast.” John and Carla bought their house in the Grotto Bay Private Nature Reserve on auction in September 2015. Since it’s less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, they can still cope with the daily commute to work. Although the house was in a terrible state, the location was perfect with a green belt between their property and the sea – which meant that no one would be able to build in front of them and obstruct their view. “When we first walked into the house and John opened a window, the wood was so rotten that the frame literally came off in his hand!” says Carla. “That winter, we also discovered that the roof leaked like a sieve – there were ‘waterfalls’ all over the house!” Over the years, John and Carla have taken on as much of the renovation work as possible. In 2018, John and his brother Sean set up a construction company, Gründlingh Construction & Project Management, which enabled him to work on the house with the help of a team of builders whenever they were in the area. The project took five years – with phase two now in the pipeline. >>
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The built-in counters in the kitchen provide ample work surfaces for John and Carla – both of whom love cooking and entertaining. The white sandstone complements the clean, earthy look of the rest of the house. The sandstone is naturally white, but John and Carla made sure to choose the whitest stones they could find. Unlike at the fireplace and braai, the stones here are placed further apart for variation; the plaster in-between was simply painted white. The scullery is hidden at the back. As in the rest of the house, baskets have been cleverly converted into pendants. Baskets from Smith’s Interiors
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Earthy décor With John in the construction industry and Carla an export manager at Hertex Fabrics, they both have a keen eye for design. “I didn’t want a typical blue-and-white beach house; I wanted to create an organic feel inspired by the surroundings and our African travels,” explains Carla. She describes her décor style as “minimalist coastal elegance”. They have achieved a fine balance between light and dark: light wood, white stonework, grass baskets and a variety of plants emphasise the dark wood and leather accents. With a neutral palette, the right amount of texture is essential and Carla has mastered this perfectly with textured fabric on the Morris chairs and on the sofa cushions. “The contrast between the white, wood and stone keeps the aesthetic interesting without it being too busy,” she explains. John and Carla say their home ticks all the boxes. “After a long day of rushing around in an ‘everything-is-urgent-world’, we love coming home to this quiet, calm space where time really does stand still. We can unwind and recharge here.”
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Large aluminium stacking doors ensure that the spacious stoep can be used for entertaining year-round – they can be opened wide on balmy days or completely closed if the wind is blowing.
Floors and textures
A collection of indoor plants, each one in a carefully selected basket or ceramic pot, softens the hard stone and wooden elements. “Plants bring their own sense of tranquillity to interior spaces,” says Carla.
The floors in the house were initially a chaotic combination of tiles, exposed bricks, cement and vinyl. The Gründlinghs removed the vinyl and used a self-levelling epoxy to get the floors as even and uniform as possible. “Unfortunately, the white epoxy isn’t UV-resistant so it discoloured after a while,” says Carla. “We then applied white polyurethane, which can withstand the sun, on top.” Thanks to the new floors, the house feels bigger and it’s easier to keep clean. Characteristic white sandstone from the area was used to create detail and accents – and it adds a natural touch. “The rough stone walls contrast with the plastered walls, which in turn provide a lovely palette for the décor,” explains Carla. “We wanted to create a clean, earthy and minimalist haven with furniture and décor that takes nothing away from the view, because that’s the real focal point of the house.” John and Carla plan to embark on phase two of the project in 2021 with the help of their architect uncle, Len Gründlingh – this includes the construction of a braai room with a pizza oven, a swimming pool and landscaping for the garden. >>
The furniture consists of a combination of old and new pieces. The Morris chairs, jonkmanskas and bookshelf (above) are all beloved heirlooms, while other items were newly purchased. The four mirrors are from a room divider that was taken apart. Leather sofa, coffee table and wood-framed artwork from Weylandts; scatters from Hertex; Morris chair cushions covered by Meubelment with fabric from Hertex
December 2020 | January 2021
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The stoep has a latte roof that provides the necessary shade but still allows light through. It also contributes to the West Coast feel of the home.
Finds from their travels, such as the mokoros from Zambia, add warmth and tell a story.
Wooden doors add texture to the house. Door from Tique
An old fireplace mirror that belonged to Carla’s grandmother adorns the guest loo on the lower level. Light from Hertex
John was part of the winning team in the TV show Ultimate Braai Master in 2015 – and this fire pit saw some serious practising for the competition! John is a master of cooking anything on the coals – from bread, seafood and puddings to smoked dishes and spit braais.
The guest room on the lower level is also minimalist, light and airy. >> Cushions and curtains made by Style Décor with Hertex fabric
We enjoy regular visits from duiker, steenbok and grysbok, as well as caracals, tortoises, mongooses, porcupines and various bird species. – Carla
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A hammock offers the perfect spot for an afternoon nap.
An old trunk in the nursery was given a new lease on life with a light sanding and a fresh coat of white paint on the steel parts. The Moses basket was purchased from a Malawian woman. Shapes toy from Lia and Reese
West Coast style In typical West Coast style, the house has white walls and a pitched roof with simple gables – plus a spacious covered stoep, of course. “The house is designed to take full advantage of the view,” says Carla. “The living area, kitchen, dining room and braai area all connect seamlessly and draw your eye outdoors to the stoep, across the fynbos and to the ocean beyond. “We love every part of the house. The stoep may be top of the list, but the kitchen comes a close second. We both enjoy cooking and spend a lot of time in the kitchen. And at the braai too, naturally. In winter, on the other hand, the stone fireplace is our favourite spot.” The two guest rooms on the lower level, each with an en-suite bathroom, are located at the back of the house. The upper level is divided by a staircase, with the main bedroom and bathroom on one side and a nursery that will welcome a baby boy in March on the other.
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The vanity in the upstairs bathroom was built from recycled Oregon pine by a carpenter in Woodstock.
Bathroom
Nursery
Upper level
Main bedroom
Garage
Lounge
Ground level
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bedroom
Stairs
• Don’t relegate your old furniture to your beach house. Rather, surround yourself with practical pieces that bring you joy when you look at them. • Create a moodboard that represents your desired look. All the beautiful things in the shops can easily distract you, but a moodboard will help you to stick to one style. • Holiday time is socialising time, so keep entertainment areas in mind. Make sure they are spacious enough for a lovely long table that can accommodate the whole family – and don’t forget a braai area! • Keep your décor simple and uncluttered – this will definitely help you to switch off your busy thoughts. • Keep wind direction in mind when building. We all want to spend time outdoors in summer, so your entertainment areas must be sheltered. • Use your surroundings as a focal point; it doesn’t have to be the ocean or a mountain – you can create a pretty garden focal point that can be viewed through a window. • It’s easy to add warmth and personality with scatters and throws; they create character and make a house a home. They are also easy to replace. • Treat yourself to quality bedding for a good night’s rest.
Stairs
[ CARLA AND JOHN’S TIPS ]
Dining room and indoor braai Stoep
A recycled pallet conceals the plumbing under the bath in the upstairs bathroom. STOCKISTS AND CONTACT Gründlingh Construction & Project Management 072 292 5991, grundlinghconstruction.com Hertex 0860 437 839, hertex.co.za Lia and Reese 076 203 9825, liaandreese.co.za Meubelment 082 436 6342, facebook.com/meubelment Smith’s Interiors 021 863 1171, smithsinteriors.co.za Style Décor 021 975 2433 Tique 082 497 8421, tique.co.za Weylandts 021 914 1433, weylandts.co.za
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WHO LIVES HERE? Elzanne Woeke WHERE Fisherhaven, Hermanus SIZE About 200m²
46 home December 2020 | January 2021
‘My house, My Haven’ In search of her ideal home, this designer found a ‘treehouse’ that ticks all the right boxes...
By Marie Opperman Photographs Greg Cox Styling Marian van Wyk
The rafters in the living room were not painted white like the ceiling. “It adds depth,” Elzanne explains. Round tables from Hertex; half-moon table from Snuffels
The oak dining room table dates from the Anglo-Boer War and belonged to Elzanne’s grandparents; her mom Elbe gifted it to her. Pine benches from BUCO; tea towel from Masquerade
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The tiles on the counter were initially brown; Elzanne cleaned them with sugar soap, painted them with Tjhoko Paint in the colour Da’vid and then sealed them with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Lacquer. >>
December 2020 | January 2021
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Elzanne inherited the old divan on the stoep from her grandmother; the large cushions with the blue peony design were custom made. Peony cushions made from Designers Guild fabric by Nazeema of Sew and Shades; outdoor rug from Hertex; bust planter from Stodels; the wooden board was a gift and the milk jug is an heirloom
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lzanne Woeke found her dream home near the Bot River lagoon, where wild horses graze and flamingos wade in the shallow water. Surrounded by tall trees, the house is nestled in a spacious garden. The veranda on the first floor overlooks the mountains and glistening water, while the twinkling lights of Kleinmond can be seen in the evening. “It’s the house I’ve always wanted,” she says with a contented sigh. Five years ago, this textile- and interior designer put together a “dreamboard” of the house she longed to buy and pasted the words “Happiness is a house by the beach” on it. Alongside that she tacked up a roadmap on which she drew a dotted line from Cape Town, where she worked, to Fisherhaven, where she now lives. She added a written wish that by dividing her life between these two places she would find her balance. But now this house, which she has named The Haven, has become her permanent home. “It was part of my awakening. It became the juxtaposition between the ‘Cape Town me’ and ‘The Haven me’. I now live closer to nature and to my true self. My home is my haven.”
A treehouse to call home Elzanne says that all her life she longed for a home surrounded by nature. “I bought My Haven in September 2019. It was the first time I had a house where I could do as I pleased; these days, I love working in the garden and I have a thriving veggie patch.” When Elzanne first fell in love with this area, she bought an empty plot and then started property speculating so that she could raise enough money to buy a house here. “People love this locality next to the Bot River lagoon between Kleinmond and Hermanus. I wanted to buy a hidden gem, an uncut diamond that I could renovate and increase in value. “I spent every spare moment looking for another place to buy. I bought a flat in Muizenberg, renovated it and sold it at a profit within three months. Then I bought and renovated a flat in Mowbray, which I now rent out. I also sold my empty plot. “The house I eventually found in Fisherhaven was a late 70s home built with bricks and cement blocks. It consists of a main house with a wooden deck on the first floor, and a flat downstairs. The interior walls are cladded with wooden panelling. “The previous owners initially used it as a holiday home and later lived here permanently. They planted the trees and cactuses that are now taller than the house. “I usually find it easy to imagine how I can improve a place but it was a challenge to look past the home’s appearance. The garden was so overgrown and the house was dark and cluttered with a huge stone bar taking up half the living area. “But what kept me going back time and again were the garden and the veranda on the first floor. The house is surrounded by trees, which makes you feel as if you’re in a treehouse. It also has a lovely view of the lagoon and mountains.” >> The old scale (right) belonged to Elzanne’s grandmother; the Easter egg nest she bought years ago is now used as a bowl for fresh garlic and ginger.
The shelf that now forms a partition on the kitchen counter was a cupboard before Elzanne broke it apart, revamped it and painted it white.
I feel blessed by everything I have here, including the fresh air and my beautiful surroundings. – Elzanne
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Elzanne says she loves pretty fabric. “I have so much of it that I no longer know where it all comes from.” She had the print of Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer printed on canvas. White faux fur scatter, bedside lamp and ladder from MRP Home
A blessing in disguise Elzanne spent many weekends working on her ‘treehouse’ after she bought it. “The upper part became My Haven and below that I set up an apartment, The Haven Flat, which I rent out during the holidays. I made the top section liveable by first getting rid of everything I disliked. Then I painted the walls white.” It became increasingly difficult for her to return to the city after a weekend at Fisherhaven. “All I wanted to do was live here. I wasn’t sure when I would be able to make the transition from my busy life in Cape Town to this peaceful Hermanus suburb.” But shortly before lockdown started in March this year, Elzanne lost her job and moved to My Haven permanently. “Ironically, in the midst of a world crisis, I ended up exactly where I was meant to be – in the place where I’m happiest. The lagoon is only a five-minute walk away and it’s a paradise for birds; there’s even a hadeda breeding pair that returns to the same nest next to my deck every year. My dog Luna and cat Penelop-hê keep me company and my neighbour’s dog Rusty comes to visit every day while his owners are at work.
An organic process Elzanne says her house is not a typical beach home, but rather a lagoon abode in a farm setting. “Even though I can hear the sound of the sea from my house, it is closer to the lagoon. I didn’t set out to create a holiday home or a particular aesthetic, but rather threw together everything I love. The look of the house now is the end result of a process; it has grown organically. I had no idea how it would turn out.” It is filled with treasures that Elzanne has slowly accumulated over the years. She says her collection started when she backpacked through Europe years ago. “I had already started collecting textiles by then. In Turkey, I had to make room in my backpack for a kelim I’d bought – that rug is now in the flat. While working on a cruise liner, I bought a valuable picture frame for next to nothing and had it cut into pieces so that I could transport it home. It now hangs above my bed and frames the Gustav Klimt print that I bought at an exhibition of his works in Vienna.” Eventually, Elzanne had accumulated so much stuff that she had to store it in three different places. Only once she’d moved to Fisherhaven and everything was under one roof for the first time did she realise how many things she owned. “I didn’t think it would all fit in my house but I found a spot for each and every item.” >>
All the floors in the house are still covered in the old linoleum; Elzanne conceals them with rugs, as she has done here in the main bedroom (left). She inherited the round mirror and zebra chair from her Aunt Lorraine and had the latter reupholstered. The photo on the chest of drawers, which she painted white, is of her grandparents. Rug from Hertex; pink scatter from MRP Home; upholstery by Mint Decor with fabric from Hertex; handles on chest of drawers from The Factory Shop
Wooden buck head from Wanda Woods
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A collection of straw hats in the living room is a telltale sign that this homeowner is a regular sunworshipper. Elzanne bought the pink artwork (below) from artist Michael Lawrence in Greece.
ELZANNE’S DECORATING TIPS FOR A HOLIDAY HOME
Colour and contrast Elzanne explains how she put together her interior décor: “I like a neutral base and then I add contrasting textures and patterns to it, as well as other contrasts such as rough and smooth, old and new. I love strong black statement pieces, such as the chair with its zebra stripes in my bedroom and the Nguni rug in the living room. “I’ve also incorporated pops of colour, such as the pink in my living room. My marshmallow-pink easy chairs look beautiful with the Michael Lawrence artwork I bought in Greece. It reminds me of the exuberant colour of bougainvilleas in Mediterranean countries.” Only when her friends described her house as bohemian did she realise it was so, says Elzanne. “It’s artistic with a rich variety of textures and eclectic items. I layer rugs on top of each other because they not only hide the linoleum floors but also add colour and texture. There are many intimate nooks and small French café tables where guests can relax and socialise. I don’t have any seating areas for large groups of people. “Here’s what My Haven has taught me: never underestimate your dreams; make them real by talking about them and acknowledging their existence. Be willing to work hard at it. And create a moodboard!”
• Comfy seating is essential, including at the dining room table. “Few things upset me as much as uncomfortable chairs and benches in holiday accommodation.” • Use fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. People want to relax in a holiday home without feeling sorry for furniture. • A colour scheme consisting of light, neutral shades creates a sense of coolness and a summery feel. • Create a layered effect by using the same elements in different forms. “When it comes to lighting, for example, use lamps for ambience, a reading light for a reading nook and candles for intimacy,” Elzanne explains. • For a bohemian feel, create more layers and complement them with a variety of textures, textiles and shapes. Baskets and plants also contribute to the look.
STOCKISTS BUCO 0861 174 273, buco.co.za Designers Guild designersguild.com Hertex 021 914 3390, hertex.co.za Masquerade masquerade.co.za Mint Decor 021 555 3048, mintdecor.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Sew and Shades 074 422 1218 Snuffels 028 312 1802, snuffels.co.za Stodels stodels.co.za The Factory Shop 028 312 3265 Wanda Woods 063 882 3875
54 home December 2020 | January 2021
reader home
A RONDAVEL
on the Wild Coast
WHO LIVES HERE? Zirk and Charné Kay with their sons Jonathan (9), Samuel (5) and Daniel (3) WHERE Zithulele, Wild Coast SIZE 38m²
56 home December 2020 | January 2021
“Everything in our house revolves around the dining table (left),” says Charné. “We use it for eating, socialising, homeschooling and craft projects.”
By Shané Barnard • Photographs Nicole Jonker
The Kay family’s sabbatical in a remote village in the former Transkei has turned into a life-changing adventure…
One of the benefits of a much slower pace is plenty of time for reading, a pastime Zirk enjoys.
During lockdown, the Kays and their neighbours, Philip and Nicole Jonker, laid out a new vegetable garden on the property. “Previously, this area housed a dilapidated goat pen,” Charné explains. “When the owners started repairing it, we offered them some of our building materials and then they decided to move the pen to another spot. With the owners’ permission, we were then able to set up a vegetable garden on that well-fertilised soil.”
Daniel, Samuel and Jonathan lend a hand in the kitchen.
58 home December 2020 | January 2021
reader home
I
n January 2020, Zirk and Charné Kay and their three young sons arrived in Zithulele on the Wild Coast with a fully laden bakkie. It was the first time they’d laid eyes on this small settlement – and their new home – in this remote part of the Eastern Cape. But the Kays had a dream: a six-month-long sabbatical to get some rest, get involved with the local community, and spend quality time together as a family. They left their comfy five-bedroom home 1 300km behind them in Durbanville outside Cape Town to be rented out for the duration. Zirk, an architect, had largely entrusted his practice to a colleague and Charné was ready to home-school their three boys while they renovated their new home – a small rondavel on the undulating green hills of the Wild Coast. It would just be for six months – well, that was the plan… The decision to make such a monumental change wasn’t made lightly. In April 2019, the Kays started dreaming of exchanging the hustle and bustle of the city for something different for a year. Initially, they considered Vietnam and the United States but when George Carstens, a friend who serves on the board of local NGO Sihamba Sonke, asked them to volunteer in Zithulele, they changed their plans. “We realised the value in exploring our own country and experiencing a different culture and way of life with our sons,” says Zirk. “It was definitely a leap of faith! We wanted to get away from the stress of the city and invest in our children by spending quality time together. We wanted to live more meaningfully.”
A project with purpose Zithulele is essentially a hamlet situated around a hospital. Since their arrival, Zirk has been volunteering at Sihamba Sonke, an organisation that runs a mentorship programme for youngsters in the area. In between, he also does architectural work for two other NGOs. The Kays’ home is a traditional rondavel and their income comes mostly from renting out their house in Durbanville. The rondavel belongs to a local family, the Makubalos, and the couple rent it via the NGO. It provided a roof over their heads when they moved in but offered no other creature comforts. “The prospect was quite terrifying,” admits Charné. “But we decided we like camping, so we would make it work!” As serial renovators (their kitchen and outdoor area were featured in previous issues of Home), the Kays had quite a few improvements in mind. They describe the renovation as their “contribution to the rondavel owners so they can hopefully earn more rental income in the future”. To fund the project, Charné’s sister Anya started raising money specifically for the roof overhaul. And thanks to a donation from 4hope.org.za, one of the NGOs for which Zirk and Charné work, they were able to cover most of the project costs. >>
A covered stoep increased the Kays’ living space. “There are many benefits to living in such a tight space,” says Charné. “We were forced to bring only the essentials and our cupboards are tidier than ever. Everything must have a place, otherwise it must go! You’d be surprised by how little you can make do with.”
reader home
Room for five The traditional mudstone rondavel with its cattle manure floor, two small windows, neon-green walls and a diameter of about 7m was radically different to the Kays’ suburban home. “These rondavels are traditionally used like rooms of a house,” explains Charné. “For example, one rondavel is the kitchen, another the bedroom. We decided to fit an entire house into one rondavel.” It took quite a bit of forethought to squeeze a kitchen, bathroom, living area and two bedrooms into 38m²; luckily, Zirk got the dimensions of the rondavel three months before their arrival in Zithulele and began planning accordingly. “We had no idea of the condition or stability of the structure, so we planned all the changes in such a way that nothing would be attached to the structure,” he explains. For example, the mezzanine level, which serves as storage space, doesn’t rest on the walls but on cupboards, new reinforced wooden walls and the structure of the children’s bunk beds. Initially, the plan was to cover the existing manure floor with vinyl and have the interior walls, beds and cupboards standing on it, but the floor was in such poor condition that they had to chop out the top layer and pour a concrete floor. A leaking corrugated iron roof needed urgent attention, although the thatch ceiling and beams were still in good condition, albeit a bit run-down. Two local artisans helped to trim the thatch neatly. “We wanted to install additional windows but we weren’t sure if the structure could handle it, so we looked for the smallest aluminium windows we could find,” says Zirk. “Fortunately, it was sturdy enough for us to replace the two old windows and install four new ones.” Then they could start building the two bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen – all with 18mm plywood. “It was all we could get here,” explains Zirk. “You also can’t get your planks pre-cut to size like in the city!” To ensure that no precious materials were wasted, he worked out all the measurements down to the last millimetre. They were able to get most of the building materials in Ngcwanguba, about a half-hour drive from Zithulele, but the paint, hinges and fittings for the gas stove came from Mthatha, 90 minutes away. The rest was delivered by Takealot. “Can you believe they deliver here!” Apart from the concrete floor and plaster frames around the windows, the Kays did everything themselves. During the five-week building period, they stayed in the staff quarters of the local hospital. By the end of February, the family could move into their new home. Then came Covid-19 and the National State of Disaster… >>
Naturally, almost all the fittings in the rondavel are rounded in some way.
To make the rondavel liveable for a family of five, Zirk made the two bedrooms as compact as possible so that their living area could be more spacious.
The 60-year-old gas stove has already produced more than 20 different types of bread. “Now we buy our flour in 12.5kg bags instead of 2.5kg!” says Charné.
It’s in the detail!
Charné made these supports from leather strips she brought with her; they hold the backrest for the built-in bench at the dining table.
“We made sure that we have lots of hidden storage space so we don’t have any visible clutter,” says Zirk.
These narrow wooden shelves suspended on ropes attached to the roof beams are a smart way to utilise the vertical space in the rondavel.
Small pieces of driftwood were used as drawer handles.
The Kays didn’t bring any furniture with them – if it couldn’t fit inside or on the roof of the bakkie, it had to stay behind. Their first purchase was the queen-size bed (second-hand from doctors who had just completed their community service) in Zirk and Charné’s bedroom.
The two older boys have bunk beds and Daniel sleeps on a short single bed. The lower bunk bed can be folded up to provide more space to play.
The Kays were adamant that they wanted an indoor loo. “We maintain the compost toilet ourselves, but rather that than stepping on a frog in the middle of the night on the way to an outdoor loo!” says Zirk.
Closer to nature Naturally, Zirk and Charné could not have foreseen that their sabbatical would coincide with a global pandemic. “The plan was to live here for six months and complete the rondavel renovations but when Covid-19 hit, we decided to just stay on for the entire year,” says Zirk. The family had to adjust their city expectations considerably, says Charné. “The pace is much slower here. We also had to learn to live with the local animals. One night, a hungry horse kept on getting through our stoep barricade (before the gate was finished) to chew on some cardboard boxes. When Zirk finally caught him in the act, he was so startled that he kicked a hole in the paint on our wall before he fled. We also had to fence in the stoep because it became a shelter for the animals whenever it rained – and, of course, they left their droppings for us to unwittingly step on… The chickens regularly came into the house looking for crumbs.” Zirk says that without the stress of keeping appointments or school commitments, the family definitely enjoys a more tranquil lifestyle. “We’re completely off the grid. All our water is collected in tanks and at first we had to carry in 60L per day for cooking, bathing, drinking and dishes.” Zirk has since connected a pump to the rainwater tank to provide water indoors. A solar panel keeps the computers, cell phones, lights and pump on the go. Living together in 38m² in a new place has had its challenges. “It can sometimes get a little cramped,” admits Zirk. “And three boisterous boys can be quite noisy…”
Another year… In addition to adjusting to home-schooling and being away from their friends, the boys also had to become accustomed to doing chores. “They had to learn to do laundry because it’s all done by hand. Even our three-year-old can help pack away dishes and clean the house!” says Charné. “We gained a new appreciation for luxuries such as a flush toilet, hot baths, washing machines and hairdryers.” Essentially, the Kays have learned to get by with less and to live closer to nature. “The boys really enjoy playing outdoors and having fewer toys has taught them to find more creative ways to play, which they would never have done in Durbanville,” says Zirk. The family has truly embraced their new rural lifestyle. “There’s a strong possibility that our sabbatical will extend for a few more years,” says Charné. The couple has decided to remain in Zithulele in 2021. “It’s incredible to see the kids thriving and playing with new friends, even though they don’t speak the same language. Our needs have become much more simple and we’ve gained a new perspective on life, which wouldn’t have been possible if we had only experienced our own ‘normal’. This journey has been character-building and it has strengthened our faith!” CONTACT Nicole Jonker (photographer) nicolejonkerphotography.co.za
A ladder leads to the mezzanine level, which the Kays use as storage space – necessary since they buy groceries in bulk. The benches also serve as storage space for tools, school supplies and other knickknacks. Charné’s sister Anya and mom Annamarie made the cushion covers and curtains. December 2020 | January 2021
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A fresh look
Johané Neilson
The most beautiful mosaic border for a new cement floor, and a facelift for an old built-in braai – all with a lick of paint! By Johané Neilson • Photographs Francois Oberholster • Styling Marian van Wyk
I
n 2019, I attended an Annie Sloan workshop in France with a group of readers. Shortly after I returned, my husband Allister and I moved into a new home and I decided to pretty up the sliding-door entrance to our braai room with a mosaic-look paint technique. The built-in braai also needed attention – and paint was the solution.
Before
Strings of fairy lights add a playful touch to the space. The bright green chest of drawers provides handy storage for toys.
66 home December 2020 | January 2021
do it yourself
You will need (in addition to patience!) SHOPPING LIST • masking tape • chalk paint in 5 shades • Duram Showfloor paint in Clear
TOOLS • paintbrush • ruler • craft knife
PROJECT NOTES • Use masking tape that suits the dimensions of your design; I used 24mm masking tape. • Decide in advance what colours you’d like to paint; I used Annie Sloan paint in the colours Napoleonic Blue, Greek Blue and Scandinavian Pink, and Tjhoko Paint in the colours Matt Black, Goodness (green) and Silvermoon (light grey).
How to create the mosaic pattern
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1 Start with the ‘grout’ lines. Stick strips of masking tape next to each other, leaving a 2mm gap in-between, along the length of the area where you want to paint the mosaic pattern. Paint over these gaps with black paint (Tjhoko Paint Matt Black). Remove the masking tape, wait until the paint has dried and then stick masking tape in the opposite direction over the first strip, again 2mm apart, to complete the checkered pattern. Although it is time-consuming, make sure each square resembles a small tile.
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2 Using a ruler and craft knife, cut out strips and triangles in the masking tape at random; ready to be ‘coloured-in’. Keep in mind where you’d like each colour to be in the final look and use extra masking tape as needed to cover the ‘grout’ lines in-between. Paint the first colour in the prepared squares.
It was a labour of love that took longer than I care to admit but I’m thrilled with the end result. – Johané
3 Cut open those sections where you’d like the next colour and carefully paint between the lines again. 4 Repeat the process until all the squares of the entire strip have been painted in your desired colours. It may be necessary later in the painting process to apply fresh masking tape over the squares you’ve already painted to protect them, but that’s part of the fun.
To finish
The braai room was originally a stoep with a brick floor. It was cement-screeded and then sealed – once the mosaic design had been applied – with two coats of Duram Showfloor Clear. The brick wall was painted with two coats of black Duram Weather Roof; this disguised the different textures of the wall and made the built-in braai ‘melt away’, instead of it looking like a black hole. The ceiling was painted white, making it seem higher.
Deon de Goede
Ready to roll! Keep all your braai essentials – from firewood and firelighters to tongs and kitchen towels – close at hand with this mobile unit. By Deon de Goede Photographs Francois Oberholster and Stephane van Eck Styling Marian van Wyk
Tea towel from Muddy Jane; olive oil from Waterleliefontein; granite slab from Econo Granite
QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 4/10 Skill level 4/10 Time needed 2 to 3 hours Do it yourself for R1 440: timber R950, screws and hinges R80, glue R40, sandpaper R10, castors R360 (paint is optional)
PROJECT NOTES • Ask your nearest granite merchant for a granite, quartz or marble offcut to use for the slab of your braai trolley. • We used leftover paint (Plascon Clouded Cover) and painted only some parts of the trolley.
do it yourself
You will need SHOPPING LIST • 21mm plywood, cut into the following panels: two 900 x 460mm (sides) one 900 x 708mm (back) two 900 x 350mm (sides of gas cylinder cupboard) one 418 x 350mm (shelf for gas cylinder cupboard) two 1 100 x 460mm (top and bottom) one 708 x 300mm (shelf for drawers) one 300 x 130mm (divider between drawers) four 300 x 100mm (drawer sides) four 295 x 100mm (front and back of drawers)
two 295 x 258mm (drawer bottoms) two 150 x 360mm (drawer fronts) one 418 x 50mm (reinforcement for gas cylinder cupboard) one 890 x 450mm (door for gas cylinder cupboard) • one packet 6mm x 50mm chipboard screws • two cabinet hinges TOOLS • one handle • cordless drill and 3mm drill bit • two or more hooks • pencil • 200-grit sandpaper • tape measure • Alcolin Silicone Sealant
Here’s how…
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1 Measure and mark 300mm in from a long side of the two 900 x 460mm side panels and drill pilot holes. Attach the 900 x 708mm back panel at that mark between the side panels.
2 Screw the two 900 x 350mm sides of the gas cylinder cupboard at right angles to one of the above-mentioned side panels. Measure and mark 250mm in from the top edge and attach the 418 x 350mm shelf for the gas cylinder cupboard horizontally at that mark. Turn the trolley on its back and attach the 1 100 x 460mm top and bottom.
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3 Measure and mark 130mm from the top edge of the trolley (use the 300 x 130mm divider as a gauge) to determine the position of the 708 x 300mm shelf for the drawers. Screw in the shelf at that mark, then screw in the divider in the middle of the shelf, from above and below. Screw in a castor at each bottom corner of the trolley. >> December 2020 | January 2021
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4 Make the frame for the drawers by screwing two 295 x 100mm front and back pieces between the ends of two 300 x 100mm sides; place a 295 x 258mm bottom panel inside the frame and screw together. Place the frame on a 150 x 360mm drawer front and screw together from the inside. Repeat this process for the second drawer.
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5 Use an old leather belt or leather remnant for the drawer handles. Cut it to the desired length and make a hole in each end; attach one to each drawer front. Screw in the 418 x 50mm reinforcement underneath the top of the gas cylinder cupboard. Attach the cupboard door using the two cabinet hinges, then screw in the handle. Screw in hooks, as desired, for hanging up your braai equipment. Fill all the screw holes with wood filler and allow to dry before sanding the trolley and painting or varnishing it in the colour or finish of your choice. For a food-friendly work surface, place a quartz or granite slab on top of the trolley; secure it with silicone sealant.
STOCKISTS Econo Granite 021 982 8613, econogranite.co.za Muddy Jane muddyjane.com Timbercity 0861 174 273, timbercity.co.za Waterleliefontein waterleliefontein.co.za
Did you know? DIY Deon runs his own business and can make anything under the sun – from units such as this one to kitchen cabinets and wardrobes. Send an email to deon@diydeon.co.za or call him on 084 589 5026.
70 home December 2020 | January 2021
Timber supplied by Timbercity
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YOU WILL NEED • Alcolin Ultra Wood Glue • two 22 x 144 x 520mm planks • seven 22 x 144 x 560mm planks • two 22 x 144 x 272mm planks • two 22 x 95 x 515mm planks • one packet 6mm x 50mm screws • four castors • Alcolin Woodfiller • 220-grit sandpaper
Bench from Hope Garden Furniture (hopegf.com); cushions from Skinny laMinx (skinnylaminx.com); flip-flops from Veldskoen (veldskoen.shoes)
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2
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1 Using the Alcolin Ultra Wood Glue with its new precision applicator, glue and screw the two 520mm planks between the ends of two 560mm planks. 2 Glue and screw three of the 560mm planks across the top of the frame to form the base of the box – position two planks flush with the sides and the third plank in the middle. Screw a castor in at each corner of the box. Find us on
3 Lay the remaining two 560mm planks on your worktop, with the two 272mm planks in-between. Glue and screw the two 22 x 95 x 515mm planks across each end, about 25mm in from each edge, to form the lid of the box. Fill all screw holes with Alcolin Woodfiller and allow to dry completely. Sand the box, then paint or varnish it in the finish or colour of your choice. Visit www.alcolin.com for product details or call the Sticky Questions Helpline toll-free on 0800 222 400 for expert advice.
Paint colour
Dulux Rich Matt in Silver Quill
Side table painted with Dulux Pearlglo in the colour Light Taupe.
Did you know? The Dulux Colour of the Year 2021 is Brave Ground™. This warm, natural hue provides a strong foundation for embracing change; it connects us with nature and the simple things. It stands on its own as a beautiful neutral and can be used in a way that allows other colours to shine. Earthy and empowering, Brave Ground evokes security, growth and the potential to create environments that fill us with courage.
Bench painted with Dulux Pearlglo in the colour Tobacco Brown.
PROMOTION
EMBRACE CHANGE!
Paint colour
Dulux Rich Matt in White Bucks
QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 2/10 Skill level 2/10 Time needed 1 day
Inspired by the Dulux Trust Colour palette from ColourFutures™ 2021, we created a stunning focal wall with earthy and empowering Brave Ground. We show you how… SHOPPING LIST • masking tape (48mm wide) • cardboard (cut to the same width as the masking tape to use as a spacer) • Dulux Rich Matt in Brave Ground
By Shelly Bergh • Photographs Francois Oberholster
Side table painted with Dulux Pearlglo in the colour White Bucks.
1 Mask around the area in which you want to create the striped pattern. Then start by masking out the larger shapes.
TOOLS • pencil • paintbrush • paint roller and tray • stepladder
2 Once you’re happy with the big shapes, start masking the stripes. Use your spacer to mark where the next piece of masking tape should go. Fill all the big shapes with stripes at various angles.
Dulux has been voted “Most Loved Brand in South Africa”.
3 Use the paintbrush to paint the edges with Brave Ground.
4 Paint the rest with a roller. Let it dry and paint a second coat.
5 Once the second coat has dried, remove all the masking tape.
December 2020 | January 2021
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advice
Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za
Ask the experts
Compiled by Shané Barnard
ASK US ON FAC EBO OK Do you have an urgent question that just can’t wait? Then join our Tuis|Home Experts group on Facebook and get help from the team, professionals and other readers.
Need help reimagining your kitchen or wondering how to repair your stoep floor? You ask – we find the answers.
Our Kitchen Heroes! In July 2020, we announced our third Kitchen Heroes competition in partnership with Milestone Kitchens in which one lucky reader could win a makeover to the value of R50 000. The winners are Adri and Vincent Boulle of Memel in the Free State and their ‘hero item’ is the Mini Island on Castors.
The problem Adri and Vincent’s dated kitchen desperately needs a makeover and they’re keen to change the layout to create a more modern open-plan design. The existing cabinets are in dire need of an update, but the couple’s budget will only allow them to purchase new ones intermittently. “We want the kitchen to be a gathering spot where friends and family can spend time together while we’re cooking,” says Adri.
The solution Your dream makeover doesn’t have to happen all at once, says Sabrina Miles, managing director of Milestone Kitchens. “Transforming your space gradually, as your budget allows, is always an option with freestanding units. The Milestone units are available in three styles: African Allure, French Flair and Swedish Style. We’ve drawn up a plan with the Swedish Style units which ensures that the heart of the Boulles’ home is both beautiful and functional at every stage.” 1 FLOW Currently, there is a wall that separates the
kitchen from the pantry. Breaking it down will open up the kitchen space considerably and eyesores such as the dishwasher, washing machine and fridge will remain concealed in a separate “fridge room”. However, demolishing this wall is not a possibility at present, so we’ve placed the couple’s hero item, the Mini Island on Castors, just in front of it. When a wall is knocked down between a kitchen and another room, a freestanding island works well to bring the two spaces together. When the Boulles get around to removing their wall, the Mini Island can be rotated 90° and moved into the centre of the room, so creating a good flow between the two areas. Conversely, islands can also be used as a division, differentiating one space from another in the same room (for example, a kitchen and lounge). 2 FUNCTION It’s a good idea to position a Coffee Dresser near the Mini Island so friends and family can enjoy a cuppa together without the hassle of having to locate the various bits and pieces necessary for a tea party. 3 HEIGHT Tall units such as the freestanding Deluxe Grocery Cupboard make good use of vertical space. Two or three Deluxe Grocery Cupboards, perfect for storing pantry goods, will add height to the kitchen and create the illusion of greater space. A revamp can be done all at once or a section at a time. For example, the Boulles can focus on the kitchen first and then the scullery and removal of the wall. CONTACT milestonekitchens.co.za
74 home December 2020 | January 2021
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Spice Rack
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Two-door Utensils Wall Unit
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Pot Drawers
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Oven House with microwave space
Vincent and Adri in their kitchen.
Ready for a revamp!
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Coffee Dresser 5
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Four-drawer Unit
Corner Unit
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Recipe Book Shelf
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600 x 400mm
900 x 700mm 9
Mini Island on Castors
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11
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790 x 600mm
700 x 600mm
1600 x 850mm
2
Hero item
450 x 250mm
5
600 x 600mm
1
760 x 1 450mm
900 x 600mm
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720 x 600mm
The couple intend to demolish this wall. 10
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Chalkboard
Kitchen Stool in Ash
Quick questions Q: Where did Mariette and Pieter Bouwer find the brass plates and trays hanging against their stoep wall as featured on page 13 of your July 2020 edition? And how did they attach them? – Els Jacobs, Johannesburg A: The plates were bought at antique shops and flea markets over the years; some are heirlooms. Mariette glues metal hooks onto the back of the plates and then attaches them to nails in the wall.
Q: I love the cherub-and-roses fabric in Galashiels Lodge featured on page 16 and 17 of your September 2020 issue; what kind of material is it? – Yvette East, Cape Town A: It’s linen; owner Rosalind Nale bought it from Amulet (amuletlifestyle.com) in Hermanus some years ago.
76 home December 2020 | January 2021
Q: Who made the beautiful bathroom cabinet in the Frascos’ home on page 72 of your May 2020 edition? – Liza du Plessis, Somerset West A: The homeowners’ custom design was built by Dynamic Furniture Contracts (dynafurn.co.za) in Salt River, Cape Town.
Q: I love the look of the wooden tongue-and-groove cladding in the farm-style bathroom on page 24 of your February 2012 issue; where can I find some and is it pre-cut? – Erika Honiball, Vanderbijlpark A: You can get tongue-and-groove panels in various types of wood from most building suppliers and hardware stores. Go to a store with a cutting facility if you want to have them cut to size; try BUCO (buco.co.za), Builders (builders.co.za) or Leroy Merlin (leroymerlin.co.za). >>
advice
Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za
On the stoep
Elize Perrin of Victoria West writes Our Karoo farmhouse dates from 1850 and the stoep has given me endless headaches as the floor flakes constantly. I’ve attempted several fixes without success. How can I solve this problem and keep maintenance to a minimum? Joanne Sykes of Cemcrete replies The first step is to strip the paint. There is likely a moisture ingress on this stoep which will prevent any paint from lasting. Once you’ve stripped the paint and grinded at least 3mm into the concrete substrate, follow these steps: 1 Dampen the concrete slab and apply Cemcrete Permastop, a damp-proof membrane. 2 Wait 20 minutes before applying a screed mix sufficient for a depth of 20mm and compact using a screed stamper. 3 Apply Permastop slurry onto this and embed CemForce into the slurry with overlaps of 50mm. Apply a second liberal coat of Permastop slurry to saturate the CemForce. 4 Lay a second level of 20mm screed, incorporating Cemcrete Water Repellent Cement and compact. 5 Apply Cemcrete Colour Hardener to the moist screed. Allow the screed to cure by misting for at least three days after application. 6 Wait for the screed to cure before sealing with Cemcrete Colour Hardener Sealer. CONTACT cemcrete.co.za
Stash it or trash it? A handsome trio
Ethné Smith of Worcester writes I inherited these three paintings from my mother, who bought them all during the 1970s, as far as I can recall. They are all by the same artist, Carlo Sdoya, and all are framed. Can you tell me a bit about the artist and what the paintings might be worth? Kayleen Wrigley of Walker Scott Art Advisory replies Unfortunately, not much is known about the artist Carlo Sdoya. He was born in Rome in 1914 and moved to South Africa in 1947. During his time here, he resided in Johannesburg where he ran The Da Vinci School of Fine Art and he participated in three solo exhibitions and various group exhibitions that travelled as far as Namibia. Sdoya is known for his expressive use of the palette knife, creating oil paintings with gentle impasto, as can be seen in these works. Despite not achieving high prices, Sdoya has performed consistently on the auction market. CIRCA 20th century VALUE R2 000 – R3 500 each CONTACT walkerscott.co.za
78 home December 2020 | January 2021
PROMOTION
Shopping guide Take care of the whole family by filling up your basket with these goodies! UNILEVER Sunlight Liquid Add a capful of Sunlight Summer Sensations Auto Washing Liquid to your laundry to give your clothes a sensational clean. Made with the best that Sunlight has to offer, it will wash your clothes thoroughly and leave them with a long-lasting fragrance. Recommended by Hisense.
SAVANNA Savanna Jean Enjoy the same crisp apple cider flavour of Savanna that you love with a juniper-flavoured twist. It’s not complicated, it’s just Jean. The fresh juniper taste goes down really well in the afternoon, in the evening – in fact, at any time and on any occasion. It’s best served ice-cold with a lemon in the bottle neck. Simple as that!
CORICRAFT Jefferson dining table The perfect spot to enjoy long, lazy lunches all through the summer! The 6-seater Jefferson dining table is available in Natural or Grey and costs R19 999, while the Malibu chairs are R3 399 each and also come in Natural or Grey.
EUROLUX When creating a truly minimalistic space, it is important to ensure that each design element is purposeful. With a 5V 1A USB port and nifty console, this LED wall fitting is both decorative and functional. It is a stylish and convenient addition to your bedside, which can help you to save on valuable floor space.
Camden table Where long lunches turn into late dinners. Take a seat at our new Camden dining table crafted from reclaimed wood and black metal. It’s available at selected stores and online; visit one of Coricraft’s 44 shops in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. For details, go to www.coricraft.co.za. Jefferson dining table
Camden table
A.SHAK SpraySeal is a water-resistant sealant and coating formulated for repairing and sealing cracks, tile grouting, brickwork and masonry; it creates a water-resistant coating once applied. It won’t discolour surfaces, but care should be taken to protect glazing and glazed tiles from over-spray. It’s perfect for the DIY enthusiast with clear instructions on the bottle. SpraySeal is available from leading hardware stores and building merchants or directly from A.Shak: www.ashak.co.za.
A.SHAK Cameo Décor Paint is a uniquely formulated, silky-smooth, water-based paint with exceptional adhesion properties. It is easy to apply with no priming or sanding required beforehand. It adheres to almost any surface with a sound substrate such as previously painted surfaces, wood, plastic, glass, fabric, concrete, melamine and metal. It’s available from leading hardware and craft stores or directly from A.Shak: www.cameodecor.co.za
December 2020 | January 2021
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KEEP YOUR COOL WITH
ISOBOARD Improve your home’s insulation with energy-efficient IsoBoard.
I
soBoard offers an easy-to-install insulation solution to fit to new builds or retrofit to existing buildings. This enables your home to manage external temperature fluctuations with ease, maintaining comfortable living and working spaces for the lifetime of your building. Suitable for all the different areas in your home, this environmentally responsible thermal insulation solution is as versatile as it is effective. You’ll keep your home’s temperature steady, which means using less electricity for heating or cooling.
PROMOTION
Practical and stylish
IsoBoard is easy to install; watch the video at homemag.co.za.
Did you know? 1
IsoBoard can be treated with water-based paints and wood stains to suit your own colour scheme.
2
When replacing a ceiling, leave the existing ceiling as is and simply install IsoBoard directly underneath – a quick and permanent solution with minimal mess or fuss!
3
Adjacent boards interlock with tongue-and-groove edges, providing easy installation and a continuous layer of thermal insulation.
4
Use IsoBoard concealed fixing clips and an adhesive when installing your ceiling.
5
IsoBoard is available in thicknesses ranging from 25–80mm and lengths up to 8m to match your thermal insulation requirements.
For more tips, tricks and information, visit isoboard.com, like us on facebook.com/isoboard and follow us on Twitter @isoboard.
GET IN TOUCH CAPE TOWN 021 983 1140, southsales@isoboard.com DURBAN 031 569 1800, dbnsales@isoboard.com PRETORIA 012 653 8204, northsales@isoboard.com
outdoor kitchen
Caren and Dave are thrilled with their boma under the trees. They have always enjoyed camping next to the river on their farm, but now they can cook and socialise in comfort. Table from Holly Wood Furniture; dining chairs and bar stools from Cielo; kitchenware from Le Creuset, CulinaryKraft and Yuppiechef; fridges from Takealot; sinks and taps from The House Shop
82 home December 2020 | January 2021
‘Our beautiful bush kitchen’ Thanks to a clever container conversion, the boma on this farm has everything that opens and shuts – and it’s baboon-resistant! By Elna van der Merwe • Photographs Greg Cox • Styling Marian van Wyk
WHO LIVES HERE? Caren and Dave Mills with their kids Michaela (22), Courtney (20), James (19), Sarah (17) and Josh (11) WHERE Witkrans Farm, about 68km from Beaufort West SIZE OF BOMA 120m²
outdoor kitchen
We look forward to making lots of memories here! – Caren
A retaining wall was built to protect the boma from flooding and this created the ideal spot for a fire pit on the lower level closer to the river. Animal hides from Montebello Design Centre
84 home December 2020 | January 2021
he vision for this gorgeous boma took shape around a campfire. But unlike those pipe dreams discussed under the stars late at night, this one came true. The Mills family of Witkrans Farm outside Beaufort West often camp on the banks of the river on their farm and dreamed of having an outdoor kitchen there to make things easier. “When you wake up in the morning to the sound of the river, the birds in the trees and sometimes the call of the lookout baboon, you really feel part of the farm,” says Caren. “Dave and I wanted a kitchen by the river that would become a central hub where everyone can cook delicious food, relax and tell stories around the campfire.” But that self-same male baboon and his troop, as well as vervet monkeys and other wild animals, made the idea of an outdoor kitchen problematic. “The animals often come to the campsite when we’re not here – the baboons and monkeys during the day and the porcupines at night – and they raid whatever they find! We spent many days discussing our options,” says Caren. The people who were sitting around the campfire that night when Caren and Dave started formulating their ideas were Vince and Ronelle Muir, the owners of Holly Wood Kitchens. Talk about the right people at the right time! “We discussed our needs and the different ways to create what we wanted. One of the major factors was that it had to be able to withstand wild animals. A container was the obvious way forward. Apart from the fact that it can be completely closed up, the container could be kitted out in Cape Town and then simply brought here. Once the seed had been planted, the concept just grew and grew!” When Vince describes the “simply brought here” process, it seems that this might have been the most difficult part of the project. The container was transported by truck from Cape Town to Beaufort West and then over the last 60km on a dirt road to the farm. He says they tackled the last 20m like the ancient Egyptians: “The container was placed on poles by the truck’s crane and then we rolled it over them into position.” >> The bar area (right) has a bar fridge and an L-shaped bar counter. The island is 3m long and 1m wide, with gas plates on one side and a stove underneath. The counter can accommodate five bar stools. Fire pit from The Firepit Company
The back wall has space for a fridge, pantry, rubbish bin, cupboards and drawers, plus slots for chopping boards and trays.
The container is situated in the shade of karee, poplar and acacia trees next to the Krom River. Unlike large parts of the Great Karoo with its vast open plains, the farm boasts impressive cliffs. This area is covered with sweetveld grass so the game thrives, while the river provides plenty of water. “We carefully cleared the surrounding bush and had the ground levelled; our incredible builder, Wijnand Millard, prepared the site meticulously,” says Caren. Vince provided a sketch of where to prepare the foundation and where the concrete blocks had to be placed for the four corners. Pipes for water and electricity were laid underground. “Dave loves detail and kept everyone up to date with endless lists,” explains Caren. “The entire boma – which includes the kitchen, the lounging area, a hot tub and the fire pit – is integrated so that it never feels as if one area is separate from the other. “And because the Karoo has a lot of fine dust, we decided to create a proper floor – it’s a combination of a wooden deck and stone paving.” A retaining wall provides protection against flooding when the river is in full flow. “As a bonus, there was space below the wall for our braai pit,” says Caren. “We’re so happy with the way everything has turned out.”
Photographs Cameron Prince
Ready for action
The container doors were removed and an opening was cut for a roller shutter.
Vegetation was removed and the ground levelled when the site was being prepared.
A truck delivered the container and it was offloaded on the farm by means of a crane.
Everybody helped to get the container onto steel pipes so it could be rolled further.
A digger-loader pushes the container into position...
...and then muscle power is harnessed to roll it over the pipes to the foundation.
The hardwood deck (above) is level with the container floor; this facilitates sliding the mobile island out. A stone floor was constructed next to the deck. Storage space for chopping boards and trays (left) is standard in most Holly Wood Kitchens designs. Blue pots from Le Creuset
outdoor kitchen
E XP E RT A DV I C E
The concrete slab in front of the container (above) slopes to ensure that rainwater runs off to the stormwater pipe (right). Josh watches the birds in the trees. Beanbag from Fatsak
Vince Muir of Holly Wood Kitchens and Furniture designed a fully-fitted kitchen for the container, including a fridge/freezer, bar fridge, gas oven, gas burners, lighting, sink, shelves and storage space. He cautions that if shipping containers are not treated or maintained, they may rust. “They spend a lot of time at sea, so there might be rust spots. These must be repaired before the conversion begins,” he says. The container, both inside and out, was painted in a charcoal colour with the same paint that is used on new shipping containers to protect them from conditions at sea. The floor was covered with oakpatterned vinyl, the main work surfaces are Dekton in the colour Trilium and the bar counter is white oak. “We also used solid white oak for the splashback. “To regulate the temperature, the walls and ceiling were lined with 50mm-thick Chromadek insulation panels. These were also painted a charcoal colour.”
THE BENEFITS OF A CONTAINER • If you move, you can take it with you. • You can add more containers next to an existing one or on top to enlarge your space as your needs change. • Containers can easily be transported; after all, they are designed to fit on a standard truck. • Converting a container into different rooms such as a kitchen or bedroom, or turning it into a complete home, can be considerably cheaper than building according to conventional methods. • A container can be converted into a kitchen or bathroom beforehand and then transported to its destination. In the case of the Witkrans kitchen, the condition of the road was poor, so the installation had to be done on the farm.
STOCKISTS AND CONTACT Cielo 021 492 7340, cielo.co.za CulinaryKraft 021 914 3411, culinarykraft.co.za Fatsak 087 820 4328, fatsak.co.za Holly Wood Kitchens and Furniture 021 701 7737, hollywoodfurniture.co.za Le Creuset 0800 014 886 lecreuset.co.za Montebello Design Centre 021 685 6445, montebello.co.za Takealot takealot.com The Fire Pit Company 073 121 7564, thefirepitco.com The House Shop 082 885 2953, houseshop.co.za Yuppiechef yuppiechef.com Wijnand Millard 082 531 1655, millardkonstruksie@gmail.com
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Move in & improve! Sutherland’s first parsonage was meticulously restored to its former glory – then a ‘witch’ took up residence. By Shané Barnard • Photographs Greg Cox • Styling Marian van Wyk
WHO LIVES HERE? Marné Marais and her Boerboel, Voodoo WHERE Sutherland, Northern Cape SIZE 200m2
Before
“Black has always been one of my favourite colours and I had dreamt of having a black house for years. Since I’m the resident ‘witch’ in town, it was only appropriate to paint the entire house pitch-black,” says Marné. She used Plascon Easy Living paint in the colour Black.
Email your renovation to experts@homemag.co.za.
advice
WITH FLAIR 2020
‘Most Beautiful’ winner
Marné’s brother-in-law Warren Strydom and his partner De Villiers Hattingh of Anvl Kraft, who actually build and restore motorcycles, constructed the kitchen from recycled wood and old pipes, and installed a laboratory sink. The kitchen island comes from the United States, where Marné previously lived.
Before
December 2020 | January 2021
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advice
I
n the middle of Sutherland, in the shadow of the Dutch Reformed Church, stands a house that at first glance seems a bit out of place. With black exterior walls and a woman on a broomstick instead of the traditional weathervane on the roof, Die Heks se Huis (The Witch’s House), where Marné Marais lives, is in stark contrast to the other homes – some built with Karoo stone, others painted white – in this small town. While on the lookout for a place with authentic Karoo charm, Marné fell in love with this historic house that dates back to 1905. “I visited every Karoo town within a 350km radius of Cape Town in search of a house that spoke to me. When I came across this one in Sutherland, it was only the second time in my life that I had set foot in the town,” she says.
Two interior walls were broken out where the living room, dining room and kitchen now form one open space. Before the kitchen was completed in November 2017, Marné and Voodoo would eat out at one of the local pubs every evening.
90 home December 2020 | January 2021
Since the Dutch Reformed Church bought the house from the first missionary, Reverend Gabriel Johannes Viviers, in 1908 it has seen quite a few alterations at the hands of the owners. It has been a doctor’s consulting room, a boarding house and a guesthouse. “The house was in a terrible state when I bought it,” recalls Marné. “And it was painted a greenish colour. At that stage I had no money to sandblast the place and restore it to a stone building, so I simply painted over the green. “The only items in the house at the time were a tiny wardrobe in the bedroom and a basin in the kitchen. My mother was mortified when she first saw it.” But Marné had a vision to restore the house to its former glory. >>
Vintage rolling pins from Romantiques
In all her renovation projects, Marné likes to leave a section of bricks exposed as part of the finishes. The artworks form part of a series of 35 paintings she did during lockdown.
Casement windows and front door from Wood Strippers
Marné transported the Union #7 woodfired stove in the back of her hatchback all the way from Wellington to Sutherland.
advice
Total: R232 000 Slipper bath
8000
Copper taps
8000
Kitchen cupboards and installation
50000
Laboratory sink
1500
Yellowwood lintel for fireplace
1500
Coal stove
5500
Bathroom vanity
1500
Basin
1000
Windows
3000
Doors
35000
Glass
2000
Knotty pine ceiling Lighting
10000 3000
Paint
25000
Rubble removal
15000
Cement
20000
Sand
20000
Contractors
22000
I feel like a dust mite because I’ve been living in old houses – where there’s always some construction project on the go – for the past 10 years. – Marné
Marné says the leather jacket hanging on the hallway rack is from her motorcycling days, when she travelled about 54 000km across South Africa. The old suitcases and trunks were bought on Craigslist when she lived in the USA. Front door stained glass from Hero Stained Glass
The old oak chest of drawers next to Marné’s bed was previously used as a toolbox by her stepfather. “When I got it, it was infested with beetles. I cleaned it up and sent the beetles packing,” she says with a chuckle.
The renovation Fortunately, Marné was no novice when it came to renovations and she has had a passion for old homes since she was a child – her parents’ house was the former Stellenbosch Hotel. For about a decade she lived abroad, including in Costa Rica and the United States where she studied at the College of Wicca and Old Lore in Denver, Colorado, the modern manifestation of the old pagan or witch movement, Wicca. In 2007 she bought a house in Denver that dated back to 1890 and worked on it for four years. In 2012, she also renovated a Victorian house in the same city. “It’s a creative process,” she says of the manner in which she tackles a restoration project. “It’s extremely satisfying to turn something that is basically a ruin into a comfy, liveable space.” The sale of the Sutherland house was concluded on 7 January 2017, and Marné started clearing the 2 141m² plot in May of that year. On 1 June, the renovation of the building could begin. Marné enlisted the help of two local workers and decided to launch her own construction company, Witchy Worx Renovations. Marné and Voodoo moved into the main bedroom while the renovation was underway and she also set up an office where she could get on with work while keeping an eye on the project. “I lived in a cloud of dust for six months while they demolished walls… and with a hole in the roof in the middle of an icy Sutherland winter!” Any additions that were not part of the original structure were demolished so that the exterior of the house would go back to the
The wall between the main bedroom and bathroom was demolished to create a bathroom en suite. The old hand mirrors adorning the wall were antique store finds. Slipper bath from Italtile, copper taps from Brassique
way it looked in 1905. “The entire house was constructed with Karoo stone. In order to build the huge fireplace, we removed one of the outer walls and put it back afterwards, stone by stone,” she says. In the midst of the worst of the demolishing and construction, Marné broke both her ankles. “I was in a wheelchair for a month. But with the help of an employee at my guesthouse Maison d’Bosch in Stellenbosch, a set of crutches and two moonboots, we were able to get the job done. “I wanted this house to be as creative and eclectic as possible because it’s where I live. It had to be unique, but with typical old-world Karoo flair.”
CONTACTS AND STOCKISTS Anvl Kraft 082 820 5658 Brassique 021 851 3812, brassique.co.za Die Heks se Huis diehekssehuis.co.za Hero Stained Glass 021 851 0522, herostainedglass.co.za Italtile 010 271 2272, italtile.co.za Romantiques 028 312 4226 Witchy Worx Renovations facebook.com/witchy-worx-renovations Wood Strippers 082 465 6057, woodstrippers.co.za
advice
Email your queries to pets@homemag.co.za
Animal antics
Compiled by Shané Barnard
Coastal capers!
Cool in the pool Max loves to take a quick dip. – Erica Thompson-Henning, Port Elizabeth
Game over Benji knows Frisbee isn’t for the faint-hearted! – Elandè van Heerden, Pretoria
What a catch! With these skills, Ava could try out for the Proteas! – Odette Calitz, Alberton
Handsome fellas Loki and his younger brother Pablo strike a pose. – Emsie Lauwrens, Gordon’s Bay
Q&A
Full speed ahead! Scratt has a blast on the beach! – Sue Barclay, Marina Beach, KZN
All jumped up
Kate McGrath of Plumstead writes Whenever we arrive home or receive visitors, our Ridgeback puppy jumps up onto us or our guests. Why does she do this?
One step at a time Zara gets her daily exercise. – Marguerite Venter, Bloemfontein Each owner whose pet is featured here wins a Deluxe Car Seat Hammock or an XL K9 Camper from Wagworld (wagworld.co.za); available from leading vet and pet shops. The Car Seat Hammock features hardwearing, waterproof canvas on top with rubberised, waterproof fabric at the bottom to prevent sliding. The Deluxe version also has zip-up sides to protect your door panels. The nifty K9 Camper is made from heavy-duty waterproof canvas, discouraging the breeding of fleas and other mites, and while perfect for patios or kennels, it will also look attractive in your home’s interior. Send your pics (at least 2MB each) and details to pets@homemag.co.za – you could be a winner too! See our competition rules on page 145.
WIN!
Hot product The stylish PetPod from Quirky Pets (R1 199, quirkypets.co.za) is a versatile teepee bed suitable for cats and small dogs. Available in a range of colours, it has a removable cover which makes it easy to clean and your furry friend can use it as a hideout, playground or bed.
Jeanette Vockerodt, dog behaviourist and owner of Executive Dog Training, replies Dogs that jump up onto owners or visitors can become problematic, especially when children or elderly family members are involved. Before you can address this issue, it’s important to understand the possible reasons behind this behaviour. First establish why your pooch is ‘acting out’, then work with a trained dog behaviourist to address your concerns. Here are a few possible issues: Social skills No matter the context, if a dog has poor social skills, she is likely to jump up on people. Fear and stress If your pooch rarely jumps up on you and this behaviour starts suddenly, it’s likely she is trying to communicate something urgent. Pay close attention as a dog’s behaviour can change dramatically when it is stressed or afraid. This is her way of telling you that something is wrong. Dominance and control A dog might jump up on you to establish dominance and control. This kind of behaviour requires the expertise of an experienced dog trainer. Greeting Dogs usually greet each other face to face and then start sniffing. By jumping up, your pup might be trying to get closer to your face to say hello. Natural instinct Puppies jump up onto their mothers for attention; they warmly greet each other in a jumping and licking ritual. Pups also jump up onto their mother and lick her face to ask for food in a submissive manner. This is an instinct deeply rooted in the nature of a puppy. CONTACT 072 479 8103, executivedogtraining.co.za December 2020 | January 2021
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advice
Send garden info and queries to gardens@homemag.co.za.
Gardening notebook
WATERING STRATEGIES
Gillian Eva
Compiled by Gillian Eva • Photographs Francois Oberholster and supplied
The holiday season is a gardener’s time to shine!
If you won’t be at home these holidays, hire a plant-sitter to water your plants, or remember to set the timer on your automatic irrigation system. If you don’t have that luxury, your local garden centre stocks a variety of water-retaining products such as Wonder Stockosorb or Starke Ayres Hydrocache that will help indoor and outdoor plants cope with reduced watering.
Heavenly holidays With family and friends on their way, make sure your garden is ready to receive admirers.
Sweet William
Day lily
Festive flowers Foxglove
Plants that bear perfect cut flower blooms will not only get beds looking festive, but you’ll be able to enjoy a constant stream of vibrant colour to brighten up every room in your home and your patio. Go for Inca lily (Alstroemeria), delphinium, sweet William (Dianthus), foxglove, cone flower (Echinacea) and day lily (Hemerocallis).
Copy supplied by Life is a Garden; go to lifeisagarden.co.za for more, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram: lifeisagardensa.
GARDEN ON THE GO This year may not have left you with much time to give to the garden, but luckily you’ve got a last-minute solution. Pots are the busybody’s best friend and you can quickly bring the garden and patio to life with a couple of beautiful flowers and striking foliage in containers. Pop over to your favourite nursery and see which lovelies are in bloom. Don’t forget to consider your existing décor and space when selecting pots. Our pick for the holidays! Petunias boast a long flowering period and adorn containers with a variety of bright colours and atterns Inca lily
SHADELOVER Cone flower
Ecoinspired Celebrate the festive season waste-free. Your garden has many tricks up its sleeve to help you decorate your space in an ecofriendly manner: bark shards, vine cuttings, pebbles and seedpods are excellent organic options for décor that bring in texture and earthiness. Use natural elements from the garden as centrepieces, vase fillers and DIY mobiles. Add ambience to outdoor areas with a few oil lanterns along pathways or solar lights surrounding your entertainment area.
Make sure your shady beds are on top form by planting Lamium maculatum, also known as deadnettle. This evergreen, waterwise groundcover bears clusters of pink, white, yellow, or purple flowers that attract honeybees and bumblebees, who in turn help to pollinate the rest of the garden. With intriguingly textured and pretty patterned leaves, this fastspreading groundcover is sure to creep into your heart!
Lamium maculatum
Petunia ‘Easy Wave Mix’
GIFTS FROM YOUR HARVEST Personalised salad jars are a grand gesture that your guests will love – and a great way to show off your homegrown veggies! Layer a medium-sized glass jar with their favourite ingredients – they’ll not only be impressed by your effort and presentation, but will also enjoy turning their salad over onto their plates. >> December 2020 | January 2021
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Grow your own! Staycationing at home over the festive season? Make this a productive time by sowing quick-growing summer crops, including baby veggies, to entice the kids. They’ll love growing crunchy radishes like ‘Sparkler’ that are ready to harvest within 20 days. Sow thickly into compost-enriched soil or in a container. Water regularly because radishes need to grow quickly if they are to be plump and crunchy.
Lovely lettuce Strictly speaking, lettuce is a cool season crop, but it is possible to grow a summer crop in light shade, with some direct sun, or in dappled sun throughout the day. Cut-and-come-again, loose-leaf varieties are the most suitable for semi-shade. The variety ‘Salad Mixed’ includes red and green lettuce with varied leaf types; it can be used as baby leaf or full-grown lettuce. When treating it as a cut-and-come-again salad leaf, use the older, outer leaves, and new leaves will grow from the centre. Also suitable for semi-shade are ‘Butterhead’ lettuces which produce large, firm heads that are round and slightly flattened. The smooth, green leaves have an intense green colour and soft, buttery flavour. CONTACTS kirchhoffs.co.za; rawliving.co.za
‘Sparkler’ radish
Try this! Photograph Life is a Garden
For a festive season starter, thread chunks of baby marrows, sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes and radishes onto a skewer, adding chunks of pineapple or kiwi fruit. Drizzle with a chilli-based dressing for a kick and decorate with herbs from the garden.
‘Salad Mixed’
Did you know? Epsom salts (hydrated magnesium sulphate) aids seed germination when added to the soil before sowing.
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Kitchen garden tasks • Water more frequently, even daily if it is hot and dry. • Remove weeds that compete for water. • Eradicate white fly and other sucking pests by spraying weekly with an organic insecticide. • Support fruit-bearing tomato stems. • Fertilise fruiting crops when they start to flower and leafy vegetables after picking.
[ WHAT TO SOW NOW ] Summer rainfall areas Asparagus, bush and runner bean, cucumber, Swiss chard, beetroot, radish, cucumbers, sweetcorn, bush and trailing squash, sweet melon, pumpkin, tomato. Winter rainfall areas Asparagus, bush and runner bean, lettuce, sweet melon, sweetcorn, radish, bush and trailing squash, tomato. Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal coast Capsicums and all summer vegetables if grown in semi-shade.
Living décor
‘Acapulco Orange’
Ornamental pepper As a festive ‘living’ table decoration, you would be hard-pressed to find a more colourful plant than this ornamental pepper, Capsicum annum ‘Acapulco Orange’. The fruit stands in upright clusters above glossy green leaves, and it changes colour as it ripens. Being an ornamental variety, the fruit is edible but not very tasty. Rather enjoy the display as an indoor plant or on a sunny patio table. They need bright light indoors, and evenly moist soil. After the festive season, plant outside as a bedding plant or in the veggie garden. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za
We love succulents! Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’
is named for its fleshy, tubular leaves that look like the stubby little fingers of hobbits, as imagined in the fantasy world of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This indigenous shrubby succulent can be grown outdoors or as an indoor plant; its mature height is 90cm. How to grow Tolerant of neglect, it will cope with full sun or semi-shade (at least four hours of sunlight). Indoors it can be grown on or near a sunny windowsill. With less sun, the red tips of the leaves may revert to green. In the garden, it does best in well-drained soil and should not be overwatered as the roots may rot. Indoors, put the plant in the sink, water well and allow it to drain completely (it must almost dry out before watering again). Reduce watering in winter. This plant is not frost-tolerant. Garden uses Being a slow grower with a tree-like habit, it can be trained as a bonsai or grown in a terrarium. As a garden plant it can be combined with other succulents as a groundcover or small shrub. It may produce small, star-shaped flowers in autumn or early winter. Different types It is similar to the variety Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ in looks and growth habit, but ‘Gollum’ has more pronounced tubular leaves. Did you know? This cultivar grows naturally in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, on rocky hillsides in full sun with little rainfall. Common problems The plant tends to become leggy but doesn’t mind being pruned in spring to be kept in shape. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za
Ask Ludwig Roses on the go
Elaine Smuts of George writes We are moving and would like to take three of our ‘Knysna’ roses with us. They are full of buds and flowers. I want to transplant them into large flowerpots. What is the best way to remove these rose bushes? Ludwig replies Now is not the best time to do so. If possible, wait until the buds have opened and the blooms are fading. Water them very sparingly from now on, if at all. At the time of transplanting, water the soil the night before so that it is soft. Cut back the faded flowering stems halfway. ‘Knysna’ Dig up the rose, trying to keep as much of the soil around the root ball as possible. Immediately settle the roses in the pots, water, and keep them in a shady position for a week or so. By then, new hair roots would have been formed and the sap flow will have been restored. CONTACT ludwigsroses.co.za
Ask JJ Amaryllis belladonna
Get the best blooms
Dolly Genis of Vredendal writes When should I stop watering my amaryllis lilies after they have bloomed in October, and when should I start watering again? JJ replies The best time to reduce watering and let the plants rest will be in winter, as soon as the leaves start to drop off. Then you can start watering again at the end of August and they’ll bloom again in October. >>
Listen to JJ’s gardening tips and tricks on Derrich Gardner’s show Brekfis met Derrich at 07:30 every Saturday on RSG. December 2020 | January 2021
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advice
Garden goodies Compiled by Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel Hertex Melrose outdoor rug (200cm) R2 599, superbalist.com
New in nurseries! A light touch Singing Friend bird feeder R399, takealot.com
Garden Pro 360° rotatable grass shears R109, Pick n Pay
Pagoda steel cantilever parasol (3m) R1 399, Pick n Pay
Alstroemeria ‘Summer Sky’ wears its flowers like a light summer dress: a wealth of white petals flushed with delicate yellow cover the plant. This summer-flowering perennial forms an upright clump (60cm tall and wide) with narrow, dark green leaves. It grows in full sun, likes fertile soil that drains well and regular watering. Being compact, it doesn’t need staking. As the flowers fade, cut or twist off the stems at the base, leaving the tubers in the ground. The foliage dies down in winter but shoots out quickly in spring. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za Linen House Monstera coir doormat (45 x 75cm) R399, superbalist.com
Garden Pro 2-in-1 bow saw R84.99, Pick n Pay
Aroma Di Rogito scented candles in glass jars R47.99 each, Clicks
Round kubu basket (45cm) R499, Decofurn
Design House tucks and strings chair pad (40 x 40cm) R98, Builders
H&S rectangular plant rack (50 x 66 x 26cm) R599, superbalist.com
Portable insect killer (109cm) R2 470, Eurolux
STOCKISTS Builders 0860 284 533, builders.co.za Clicks 0860 254 257, clicks.co.za Decofurn 087 740 1800, decofurnsa.co.za Eurolux 021 528 8400, eurolux.co.za Pick n Pay 0860 30 30 30, pnp.co.za
100 home December 2020 | January 2021
Compiled by Gerda Engelbrecht
Covid-19 Stay safe, keep busy
Issue #1
2021
Crosswords
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Name ............................................................................. Address ...............................................................
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Sudoku
Scan and email your completed crossword #148 to competition@homemag.co.za to reach us by 11 February 2021.
16
21001
6 5 2 8
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of five Home puzzle books worth R70 each could be yours. WIN! One Home has published its first book of puzzles, boasting 100 pages of summer fun! It’s jam-packed with crosswords, sudoku and word searches for those who want to exercise their brains or simply kick back and relax over the festive season. There’s something for everyone! The first five readers whose correctly completed crosswords are drawn will each win a Home puzzle book worth R70! See our competition rules on page 145.
8
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...............................................................................................................................Postal code .................... Cell .............................................. Tel. (w) ............................................. Email .................................. Note: The solution to Crossword #146 is available online at homemag.co.za. December 2020 | January 2021
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A VIEW FROM
every corner Spoilt for choice, these homeowners have many garden nooks in which to relax and enjoy the vistas. By Marié Esterhuyse Photographs Francois Oberholster, Evan Hodkinson and Kathi Hodkinson
reader garden
WHO LIVES HERE? Evan and Kathi Hodkinson WHERE Greyton SIZE 2 000m2 TYPE OF SOIL Sandy
December 2020 | January 2021
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reader garden
Pansies in shades of blue, red poppies and yellow fennel add colour to the veggie garden.
Pelargonium
Inca lily
E
van Hodkinson is passionate about his garden; he works in it every weekend and he and his wife Kathi enjoy spending time here together, relaxing in one of many shady seating areas beneath the trees. Their favourite spot, though, is in their veggie garden with its gorgeous view of the mountains. “Both of our moms were avid gardeners,” Evan says. “We definitely inherited our love of beautiful gardens from them. Kathi selects the plants and decides on the colour schemes and designs while I, along with my right-hand man Standiwe Ndlovo, take care of the gardening. There’s always something to keep me busy!” When the Hodkinsons bought the property five years ago, it was overgrown and sorely neglected but it had a good basic structure with established shrubs and large trees. Before planting could begin though, they first had to clear sections of the garden and incorporate masses of compost. And although the garden is now well established, they still plant new shrubs and August sees them transplanting about 80 trays of colourful spring seedlings into the beds.
[ PLANT PALETTE ]
A wide variety of plants creates a spectacle of colour in the garden, especially in spring. Large shrubs such as plumbago, fragrant Buddleja, glossy abelia and ribbon bush provide structure throughout the year, while annuals such as poppies, cornflower, snapdragon, fairy primula and sweet William ensure an abundance of colour. Perennials such as Japanese anemone, Shasta daisy, lavender and day lily bloom in the mixed borders. >> Azalea
reader garden
Garden rooms
Evan and Kathi designed their garden to complement the architecture of their home and created plenty of flower-filled borders, which they love. The garden is divided into four clearly defined rooms:
#1 Front garden
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The front garden was completely overgrown so it had to be redone from scratch. Almost everything was removed and hard elements such as the low walls and pathways were built before the couple started laying out and preparing the beds. This room has a formal design with precise dimensions that have a similar footprint to the house. There are four squares, each with a Port Jackson fig (Ficus rubiginosa) that the Hodkinsons planted as mature trees. Brick pathways separate the four squares, with white ‘Iceberg’ roses lining the paths. Australian rosemary shrubs pruned into ball shapes are planted in cement urns, with topiary balls of Australian brush cherry in each corner of the four squares.
#2 Main garden The main garden at the back of the house is a typical English cottage garden with an abundance of flowers in mixed borders. A veranda with comfy seating overlooks this part of the garden. The potato vine (Solanum jasminoides) growing all along the veranda was planted four years ago. About 10 cubic metres of compost was worked in before the major planting could begin. The lawn was also newly planted and the beds were filled with plants such as foxgloves, pelargoniums, irises, delphiniums, day lilies, dahlias and Inca lilies. This garden room also boasts more than 200 roses.
Solanum jasminoides
#3 Formal rose and veggie garden A pergola covered with wisteria and ‘Blossom Magic’ and ‘Clair Matin’ roses provides the link between the main garden and the formal rose garden and veggie garden. Although the latter two gardens are in the same ‘room’, they are separated by a brick pathway. Different types of veggies and herbs thrive in the edible garden, while the formal rose garden consists of four beds, each with 12 roses. Favourites include ‘Duet’, ‘Lemonessence’, ‘Garden Queen’ and ‘Sharifa Asma’. >>
[ HOMEGROWN GOODNESS ] Evan finds it most satisfying to grow fresh produce. “I spend a lot of my time in the veggie garden; there’s always something to do. It needs continuous composting. Whenever we plant new seedlings, we incorporate compost. “Nutrition is important to ensure a good harvest. The vegetables get water-soluble plant food such as Seagro every two weeks and the tomatoes also get Epsom salts fortnightly – 1 tablespoon dissolved in 5L of water,” he says. The fruit trees such as the orange, lemon and apricot trees get two big handfuls of Epsom salts three times a year. “Unfortunately, the bugs also love our veggies! To control pests, I spray with Biogrow organic sprays. “Quite a few vegetables, such as tomatoes, peas, beans and brinjal, need a structure to climb up, so I use some of our bamboo for this purpose.” Favourites in the vegetable garden include tomatoes, lettuce, peas, celery, chillies, carrots, rocket, radishes and herbs such as basil, coriander, parsley, rosemary, thyme, origanum and mint. >>
The veggie garden is my happy place. – Evan
#4 The ‘Gin Shack’
The ‘Gin Shack’ – with a rectangular pond and potted garden – is a cosy outside bar. “It’s the perfect place to have a sundowner (G&Ts of course!),” says Evan. Potted fleabane, pelargoniums and annuals such as lobelias and pansies are grown here. Gravel around the pond completes the picture.
A leiwater pond is located in the formal veggie and rose garden ‘room’. The pond is filled with borehole water and topped up with leiwater in the summer months when available. Natural vegetation frames the pond.
Pink ‘Blossom Magic’ roses and white ‘Iceberg’ roses provide an abundance of blooms along the pathway in spring. Salt bush (Rhagodia hastata syn. Einadia hastata) and Australian brush cherry (Syzygium paniculatum) trimmed into neat balls add structure to the space.
‘Pink Polo’
Favourite plants With such a huge selection, Evan and Kathi say it is difficult to choose their favourites but these plants are close to their hearts: • The ‘My Granny’ rose that blooms for six months of the year. “Actually, any rose that can be picked for the vase,” says Evan. “We would have been bankrupt by now if we didn’t have our own cut roses!” • There’s little to beat the awesome display put on by the Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) for four to six weeks in spring. • Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and delphinium (Delphinium x elatum) add colour and height in the heart of a bed. • “Both of our moms adored sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) and we also love growing and picking them,” Kathi says. • Hydrangeas for their beautiful bright green leaves and plentiful colour beneath the trees.
[ ROSE CARE ] With over 200 roses in the garden, Evan needs to give them special attention. In summer, each rosebush receives 20L of water every second morning via overhead irrigation; this also helps to keep the roses cool in the hot summer months. Each rose also gets mulched to retain soil moisture and keep the soil cool. In winter, the roses are only watered if no rain falls. In mid-September, December and February, each rose is fed with Ludwig’s Vigorosa, and from September to April they are given a monthly application of Nitrosol as a foliar feed. Evan sprays the roses with Rosecare every three weeks during the growing season and follows a monthly spraying programme to control black spot and powdery mildew. The third week in July is pruning time, which ensures that the roses will be at their best for the Greyton Rose Show in the last week of October. >> December 2020 | January 2021
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[ EVAN’S GARDENING TIPS ] • Our soil is sandy and needs regular composting. In August, we incorporate compost to prepare the beds for spring planting. In November, we reapply compost after the vigorous spring growth and to prepare the soil for the hot summer months. “Compost not only feeds the beds, it also helps to keep the soil moist,” explains Evan. “In the lushest parts of the garden, we apply the compost on top of the soil; elsewhere we dig it in. We get excellent compost from Agri Organics in Grabouw; it’s definitely worth buying the best possible compost.” New plants and seedlings also get bone meal in their planting holes to give them a boost. • “A well-kept lawn makes the entire garden look amazing,” Evan says. The lawn is given a top dressing of a mixture of equal parts topsoil and compost in August, which feeds the grass just before the start of the growing season. • View your garden in the winter months when its bare framework is visible. This is a good time to make changes. • Give each bed an edging – it looks neat and makes mowing so much easier. Evan says they use a single row of bricks and push bamboo sticks into the soil to keep the plants off the grass. “There’s a bamboo bush on the property, so we have a ready supply as needed.” • If possible, buy seedlings from a wholesaler; this will help your spring seedling budget! The Hodkinsons buy their seedlings from Pieter Niel Nursery in Caledon. • Create focal points in your garden with large pots, sculptures or a bench. “The owl in our garden, made by local artist Alastair Barnes, was placed on a pedestal that we had custom built for it,” explains Evan. “It immediately catches the eye.” • If your roses are not growing well, move them to another part of the garden. Often, it is where they are planted that is the root of their problem, not the rose itself.
The main garden and veranda with its potato vine in full bloom are a sight to behold. The beds framing the lawn are filled with about 200 roses, as well as annuals and perennials such as day lilies, irises, foxgloves and delphiniums.
CONTACTS Agri Organics agriorganics.co.za Pieter Niel Nursery 028 212 2465
Japanese flowering crab apple (Malus floribunda)
coastal gardening
A garden
by the sea
Gardening near the ocean requires no small measure of determination, but Namaqualanders like Una Nieuwoudt are proof positive that miracles can be achieved. We’ve asked the experts what you can do to ensure success in your coastal garden... By Elna van der Merwe • Photographs Francois Oberholster
WHO LIVES HERE? Una Nieuwoudt WHERE Yzerfontein, West Coast SIZE 720m² TYPE OF SOIL Poor, alkaline
December 2020 | January 2021
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ust three years ago, Una Nieuwoudt’s garden was – in her own words – “disgraceful”. She knew she desperately needed to do something to improve it. However, there were two vital factors that counted against her: she had never gardened in her life, and her house is by the sea where the West Coast winds and salt spray are a huge problem – even for expert gardeners. This Yzerfontein fitness instructor and freelance journalist says the trees and lawn in her previous garden in Cape Town had all but looked after themselves. “Plants were scarce in my world!” But when you walk through her front gate now, it’s hard to believe that she was such a novice gardener, as you are greeted by a multitude of healthy, thriving plants in a variety of pots. Una says she was a late bloomer in the world of gardening and that potted plants were the catalyst that got her interested. “I started placing small pots of succulents in front of my house. And then more and more, until eventually I had so many that it started to look like a pawnshop. One day I came to the realisation that gardening with succulents is really quite simple, because even if you push a cutting into the soil by accident, it will grow. This gave me the confidence I needed. Before long, it became a compulsion. And when the shrubs in my front garden took off, I decided something had to be done about the back because it was a disaster,” she says. “Fortunately, people couldn’t see my backyard.” Una says she’s still a child at heart and loves incorporating fairy elements in her garden. Other than the porcelain figurines that she picks up for next to nothing at markets or in second-hand stores, she also adorns her garden with solar lights, tree stumps and lots of potted plants that are placed among the shrubs and trees. A variety of items, from gumboots to cracked bowls (opposite), are used as planters for her succulents.
coastal gardening
Aenonium arboreum, with its showy yellow flower clusters, flourishes in winter but in summer, when it’s drier, the plants shrink as a survival mechanism until the next rainy season.
Una Nieuwoudt
Patterns and circles Una says her gardening journey was helped along by Dylan Samuels, who occasionally came to cut the lawn. “I discovered that he has an artistic streak and would rather make a bed than mow the lawn. He would take an old piece of wood, nail it up somewhere and mount a pot on it. He put an old gutter up on the fence, which I then planted seedlings in. Soon he started arranging rocks and stones in circles and patterns in the backyard.” This triggered Una’s own creativity. “I was short on cash so I decided just to cover the soil, which is very oily, with stones.” Luckily, there is an abundance of white limestone rocks in the open veld in town, so she loaded up her car with this bounty. “People are also happy to share any rocks excavated on their property when they’re building. I brought them in by the bootload. It was hard work – and in the middle of summer too! The stones also helped to contain the fine sand that blows everywhere when it’s windy.” Using a wheelbarrow, Una carted the stones to her backyard and created the pathways that formed the backbone of her soon-to-be garden. She also laid pavers and added small white limestone rocks interspersed with different coloured gravel in-between. “I created beds, islands and circles and systematically filled them with plants. Because I’m a tad impulsive, I didn’t want to plant everything in the ground. I tend to want to move containers from one spot to another, so I also make sure I have lots of potted plants.”
Minimal maintenance
A three-stemmed yucca makes a statement at the front door.
Dune berry (Muraltia scoparia)
Yzerfontein’s residents are keen to share plants, so about 80% of what Una has in her garden cost her nothing. “People are always sharing cuttings and once those are thriving in your own garden, you pay it forward. “My biggest investment was a Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) which I bought as quite a big specimen because I wanted to put up a hammock. But don’t plant them too close to your house as they have aggressive roots.” Una sought advice from the local nursery and neighbours with beautiful gardens. “Not all plants take, and something that grows well 20km inland will battle here. But that’s the wonderful thing about the platteland – people are willing to share their advice and tips.” It’s three years down the line and Una’s garden is thriving with large, intertwined plants. “That’s the way I like it. I don’t like things to be too symmetrical. “It’s the easiest garden to maintain. All I have to do is prune occasionally and pull out weeds.” The variety of succulents and their shapes and textures fascinate her. “I went from being neutral about succulents to being passionate about them. They are also such grateful plants,” says Una. “In Namaqualand, where I was born, people experience so many droughts. They struggle to make a living, especially the farmers. Yet they persevere. Succulents are like that. I discovered that when succulents are battling the most, they are at their most beautiful.” >> December 2020 | January 2021
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[ AN EXPERT ON COASTAL GARDENS ]
Una’s garden is a typical West Coast garden, and what she has achieved will not necessarily work in other coastal areas such as St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape, or Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal, for example. The climate differs so much that you have to select entirely different shrubs and trees, says Port Elizabeth expert Allan Haschick, author of Coastal Gardening in South Africa. • “Our coastline stretches from subtropical St Lucia in northern KZN to the border with Namibia, where it is dry and almost desert-like. Between these two extremes lies fynbos, coastal shrubland and grassland.” They do have some climatic factors in common: exposure to wind, salt and humidity, or a lot of mist, like on the West Coast. • Allan suggests driving around your neighbourhood to see what grows well in other people’s gardens. “Take photos of those plants to your nearest nursery, or knock on doors and
Una’s garden is home to all sorts of found objects – from old, rusty chairs to broken bricks and pots. Yuccas grow well in her garden, offsetting the other succulents that don’t grow as tall.
find out the names of the plants from the locals. This also helps you to build a network of people with whom you can exchange advice. • “Supermarkets and urban garden centres are often full of plants that look amazing but don’t be fooled into thinking they will thrive in your seaside garden,” he warns. • It’s easy to do your own research. “Google, books and magazines are full of ideas and solutions. Or join a garden club. And if you’re really not a keen gardener, hire a landscaper.
If you mainly use plants and shrubs that are endemic to your region, you will also enjoy the bonus of birds and insects visiting your garden. – Allan
A Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) forms the centre point of the garden.
coastal gardening
[ SEASIDE GARDEN CHALLENGES ]
• Wind is top of the list; it dries out plants and soil. It can deform bushes and make them look brown and untidy. Salt-laden winds also scorch foliage, while the salt raises the pH of the soil. • Coastal soils are often poor – sandy or pure sand – with few nutrients. • Erratic growing seasons affect plant growth. Along the coast, there are often warm spells in winter with temperatures up to 30°C, and in summer the wind can have a cooling effect. This affects how plants grow and bloom. Solutions to coastal challenges • It is essential to provide protection for new plants in a seaside garden. Plant windscreens (see box overleaf) or build screens. This will help new plants to become established sooner. • Plant choice is just as important: stick to wind-hardy plants that are endemic to your area. It’s a waste of time and money to plant things you love if they won’t flourish. You can add more delicate plants later when they can be protected by established, hardy plants. • Spend time and money on good soil preparation. Loads of compost, as well as loamy soil, will help your plants to become established quicker and grow healthier. • Spray leaves with your garden hose to rinse off the salt, especially if the wind has been blowing for long periods.
[ COMMON MISTAKES MADE BY COASTAL GARDENERS ] • Impatience. Coastal gardens are not transformed instantaneously. Don’t be in a hurry to make a garden that is too big or buy shrubs and trees that are too big. • Too little research. You need to look at what type of soil you have, the direction and strength of the wind, which areas are in full sun and which are in the shade. • The pursuit of impossible dreams. Roses, orchids, vegetables, the typical English garden... Don’t go there; they won’t thrive in a coastal garden, and it’ll make you feel like a failure. • Buying large, established shrubs or trees from a nursery outside your area. They may perish or be scorched by coastal winds because they are not acclimatised to the seaside. Allan’s favourite plants for seaside gardens Trees • Coastal silver oak (Brachylaena discolor) • Camphor bush (Tarchonanthus camphoratus) • False olive (Buddleja saligna) Shrubs (all fast growers that will become shrubby and provide colour and a measure of protection quickly) • September bush (Polygala myrtifolia) • Woolly resin bush (Euryops pectinatus) • Hibiscus
• Coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) • Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) • Mirror bush (Coprosma repens) • Natal bottlebrush (Greyia sutherlandii) • Buchu (Agathosma crenulata) • Confetti bush (Coleonema) • Beach sage (Salvia aurea) • Lavender • Salt bush (Rhagodia hastata syn. Einadia hastata)
A low wooden fence made by Dylan from leftover planks was installed to prevent the dogs from trampling the plants in the front garden when they run up and down the boundary.
coastal gardening
Una carted in loads of white limestone rocks to keep the oily soil in check.
Circular planters were constructed from wire and filled with smaller limestones.
[ A GARDEN DESIGNER’S TIPS ]
Garden designer Ties-Mari Mostert of Hermanus says she’ll occasionally plant exotics if it is expected of her, but she focuses mainly on waterwise indigenous plants. Here are her tips: • Plant in the rainy season. “I find that gardens laid out in a region’s rainy season settle more quickly and do better in the long run.” • For minimal maintenance, choose plants that require little pruning and use hardy groundcovers such as blue coleus (Coleus neochilus) and vygies. • Apply mulch. “I cover the soil with a thick layer of bark that slowly decomposes. Gravel laid on top of Weed Gard also works well; it helps to retain soil moisture.” • Enrich your soil with plenty of compost. “Fynbos does not like fertiliser, which is why I like to use fine or organic compost. I also add bone meal to the soil at planting time.” • Don’t mix plants with different water needs together. • Stone and other natural elements from the immediate surroundings can be used decoratively and functionally – stone for paths, for example, and driftwood. Plant the following as windbreaks: • White milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme) • Coast silver oak (Brachylaena discolor) • Num-num (Carissa macrocarpa) • Beach sage (Salvia aurea) • Rough blue sage (Salvia chamelaeagnea) • Tick berry (Osteospermum moniliferum) • Restios such as Cape thatching reed (Elegia tectorum) • New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax)
120 home December 2020 | January 2021
CONTACTS Allan Haschick Flourish Garden Plants, allanhaschick@gmail.com; Ties-Mari Mostert TMG Gardens, tiesm.greentrails@gmail.com
CHICKEN LIVER PÂTÉ WITH BACON
Recipe on page 124
pl
Crowd-
summer holiday
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LAMB RUMP STEAKS WITH MINT SAUCE
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Recipe on page 124
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b d i a l r o f t
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Roasted brinjal with olive oil and spices
Chicken liver pâté with bacon
Lamb rump steaks with mint sauce
My friend Lené Meadon’s winning recipe is rich and delicious, as befits French cuisine.
The great thing about individual rump steaks, as opposed to a whole leg of lamb, is that guests can braai their steaks the way they like them. Alternatively, cook them as you prefer and then arrange thin slices of meat on a large chopping board along with mint sauce and roasted brinjal so everyone can snack and socialise together.
This aromatic relish is delicious as a side dish, but can also be served as a spread for bread.
Serves 4 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: about 15 minutes
• 4 medium-sized brinjals • 60ml olive oil • 3 plump garlic cloves, finely chopped • 5ml smoked paprika • 5ml ground cumin • a pinch of dried chilli flakes • 30ml fresh lemon juice (or to taste) • 15ml chopped Italian parsley or fresh coriander • Greek yoghurt (optional)
Makes about 600ml pâté Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: about 10 minutes • 15ml each butter and olive oil • 200g bacon bits • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 500g chicken livers, cleaned • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste • 30ml Old Brown sherry • 125ml cream • 125ml butter • a few sprigs of fresh herbs, to garnish (origanum, thyme, rosemary or a bay leaf or two) 1 Melt the butter and oil and fry the bacon until golden-brown and crisp. Stir in the onion and garlic and fry gently until the onion is glossy (preferably not browned). 2 Move the bacon mixture to the side of the pan and fry the liver in the rendered fat until brown all over. Don’t stir too much; first let the liver brown on one side before carefully turning it over to brown the other side. 3 Season the liver well with salt and pepper and add the sherry, followed by the cream. Simmer for a few minutes until the liver is just cooked through and the cream has reduced slightly. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. 4 Blend the mixture with a stick blender or food processor until smooth and spoon into a deep bowl. Melt the butter – skim off any foam so that only the bright yellow butter remains – and pour this over the top of the liver to form a layer. Garnish with herbs, cover and refrigerate until needed. Serve with bread and crackers; this pâté is the perfect addition to a snack platter.
• 4 lamb rump steaks • 15ml olive oil • juice and zest of 1 lemon • 10ml coriander seeds, crushed MINT SAUCE • 250ml fresh mint • 125ml fresh coriander • 125ml fresh parsley • 1 small onion, coarsely chopped • about 30ml fresh lemon juice • 1–2 green chillies (or to taste) • about 3ml salt (or to taste) • 15ml water • 1ml ground cumin 1 Mix the oil, lemon juice and zest, coriander and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste through the meat. Marinate at room temperature while making the mint sauce. 2 Remove all the stalks from the herbs and then blend all the sauce ingredients together in your food processor – the stronger the motor, the smoother the texture will be. Spoon into a bowl and set aside. 3 Heat a cast-iron pan until nice and hot and fry the steaks until golden-brown with crispy fat and cooked the way you like them (you can, of course, also braai them over the coals). Serve with the mint sauce and roasted brinjal (see recipe alongside).
Gleaming skin; a plump elongated shape: the eggplant is a vegetable you’d want to caress with your eyes and fingers, even if you didn’t know its luscious flavour. – Legendary French chef, Roger Verge 124 home December 2020 | January 2021
Serves 6 Preparation time: 40 minutes Cooking time: 50 minutes Oven temperature: 200°C
1 Preheat the oven. Using a vegetable peeler, peel strips of the brinjal skin off to create a striped effect. Now cut the brinjals into 2cm-thick slices. Arrange the slices on a baking tray lined with baking paper and mix the olive oil and spices through. Keep the lemon juice and herbs for later. 2 Bake the brinjals for 20 minutes, turn the slices over and bake for another 10 minutes or until cooked through and tender. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, sprinkle with the lemon juice and then sprinkle with the herbs while the brinjals are still hot. Mash lightly with a fork. Spoon into a serving dish and drizzle with a little olive oil. Garnish with a dollop of Greek yoghurt if desired.
summer holiday
‘Braaibroodjie’ calzones We’ve given these Italian ‘folded pizzas’ a South African twist! Bake them in a pizza oven or ordinary oven and enjoy them poolside with an ice-cold drink. Makes 6 calzones Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 8–10 minutes • 1kg store-bought bread dough • flour for dusting • about 60ml chutney • 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced • ½ white onion, thinly sliced • 750ml grated Cheddar and mozzarella mixed 1 Preheat the pizza oven by making a small fire at the back or on the side; add wood as needed to keep the fire going and allow the oven to reach the correct temperature*. 2 Working on a floured surface, divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece of dough into a thin circle; spread a thin layer of chutney over the middle and arrange two slices of tomato (season with salt and pepper) followed by a few slices of onion and lastly a handful of cheese on one half. Fold into half-moon shapes. Seal the calzone by folding the lower edge slightly over the top edge and pinching closed. Use enough flour to prevent the calzones from sticking to the surface and tearing, but not so much that the dough becomes difficult to roll out. 3 Using a sharp knife, score the top of the calzone twice. Place a generous sprinkle of flour on your spatula before lifting the calzone and sliding it into the oven; place it on the opposite side to the fire. Bake for about 4 minutes until the bottom keeps its shape, then turn the calzone by 180° with the spatula and bake for another 4 minutes. It cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it; the cooking time will depend on how hot your oven is. Once the filling bubbles, it is usually ready. Serve hot straight from the oven. * Remember, it takes about 2–3 hours, depending on the size of the pizza oven, for it to heat up. For pizza, the temperature should be between 300°C and 400°C but because a calzone is thicker and bakes for longer, it can be slightly cooler – closer to 300°C. If you use an infrared thermometer (available from yuppiechef.com), you can determine the temperature without touching the oven.
In an ordinary oven Preheat the oven to 230°C. Place the prepared calzones on a baking tray sprinkled with a little flour and bake at the bottom of the oven for 10–15 minutes or until golden-brown and cooked through.
food
Three-cheese sliders with red wine onion relish These burgers may be small in stature but they’re big on flavour! Makes 6 sliders • Preparation time: 30 minutes • Cooking time: 8–10 minutes • 600g beef mince • 200ml fresh breadcrumbs • 15ml Worcestershire sauce • 30ml chopped spring onions • 1 egg • 5ml Dijon mustard • oil for shallow-frying • 6 small slider buns • butter and/or mayonnaise for spreading • fresh rocket • 6 rashers of bacon biltong (optional) • 6 gherkins, sliced
FILLING • 30ml medium-fat cream cheese • 100g blue cheese, crumbled • 125ml grated mozzarella RELISH • 15ml olive oil • 2 small red onions, sliced into thin rings • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 1 green apple, cored and cubed • 125ml red wine • 60ml brown sugar • 30ml apple cider vinegar
1 Mix the three cheeses for the filling and shape them into 6 equal-sized balls; set aside. Next, mix the mince, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, spring onions, egg and mustard and season well with salt and pepper to taste. 2 Divide the meat into 6 equal portions and form the patties around the cheese balls. Flatten slightly and refrigerate to firm up while you make the relish. 3 Fry the red onion, garlic and apple in the olive oil for a few minutes until fragrant. Stir in the red wine and sugar and mix until all the sugar has dissolved. Simmer until thick and glossy. Finally, add the vinegar, season to taste with salt and pepper, and simmer for 1 more minute before removing from the heat. 4 Fry the patties in the pan in a little olive oil or over the coals until golden-brown and caramelised – this shouldn’t take longer than 4 minutes on one side, but cook them to your liking. 5 To assemble, cut the rolls open and dry-roast them in a pan; spread with butter then build your burgers with the rocket, bacon biltong, gherkins, patties and, of course, the red wine onion relish. Push a skewer through the top of each burger to hold everything together. >>
food
summer holiday
Summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. – Henry James, author
QUINOA SALAD WITH HALLOUMI
Recipe on page 132
128 home December 2020 | January 2021
food
summer holiday
This showstopper combines sweet, salty and smoky flavours to perfection, creating a feast for the eyes and the palate.
CHAR SIU GLAZED GAMMON WITH GRILLED PINEAPPLE
Recipe on page 132
130 home December 2020 | January 2021
Char siu glazed gammon with grilled pineapple Thinly sliced gammon with sticky sauce and sweet pineapple is a summer favourite! Serve hot with steamed rice and use the leftovers for the most delicious sandwiches or gourmet Hawaiian pizzas. Serves 8 • Preparation time: 30 minutes • Cooking time: 2 hours, 45 minutes Oven temperature: 200°C • • • • • • •
1.7kg gammon (deboned) 1 onion, coarsely chopped 1 carrot, coarsely chopped 1 bay leaf juice of 1 orange 80ml Chinese braai sauce (char siu) 45ml honey
• 1 red chilli, chopped • 2cm fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 5ml Dijon mustard • 15ml low-sodium soy sauce • 1–2 pineapples, peeled and cut into 1cm slices • about 15ml castor sugar
1 Place the gammon in a large pot with the onion, carrot, bay leaf and orange juice, and cover with water. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes (usually 30 minutes per 500g of meat). Let the meat cool in the cooking liquid for a further 20 minutes. 2 Preheat the oven to 200°C. Trim off the skin of the gammon as soon as it is manageable (keep the fat), then score the fat without cutting into the meat. Place the gammon in an ovenproof dish. Beat the char siu, honey, chilli, ginger, mustard and soy sauce together and glaze the top of the meat. Pour about 250ml of the cooking liquid into the bottom of the dish (this will prevent any glaze that drips from burning) and bake for about 40 minutes or until the glaze is golden-brown and caramelised. Baste occasionally. 3 Fry the pineapple slices on a griddle pan until they have lovely char lines on both sides. Add the fruit to the meat in the pan. Sprinkle a thin layer of castor sugar over the glaze and bake for the last 10–15 minutes – this makes the glaze glossy and crunchy. Let the meat rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Quinoa salad with halloumi Quinoa has a delicious nutty taste and it’s healthy to boot! If you can’t get hold of it, bulgur wheat or couscous is also delicious in this salad. Serves 6 • Preparation time: 20 minutes • Cooking time: 15 minutes • • • • • • • •
250ml quinoa, rinsed about 60ml olive oil about 30ml lemon juice 5ml Dijon mustard 3ml grated garlic 1 tin (400g) chickpeas, drained 2 tomatoes, diced 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 sweet pepper, diced • a small handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped • 300g halloumi • 15ml flour • 30ml olive oil • a sprinkle of pomegranate rubies • 3ml sumac
1 Bring 500ml water to the boil and add the quinoa. Once the water has boiled again, reduce the temperature slightly and simmer gently until all the water has been absorbed (usually about 10 minutes, but brands differ). Remove from the heat and let it stand with the lid on for 5 minutes. Beat the oil, lemon juice, mustard and garlic together and pour half over the quinoa. Loosen the granules with a fork and allow to cool. 2 Mix the chickpeas, tomato, cucumber, sweet pepper and herbs through the quinoa and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to a pretty serving platter or salad bowl. 3 Fry the halloumi just before you plan to serve: cut it into 1cm-thick slices and roll in the flour. Shake off the excess flour. Heat the oil and fry the slices on one side and then on the other until golden-brown. Hold the slices with tongs and also fry the narrow sides so that there is no uncooked flour on the cheese. Place the hot cheese on top of the salad and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Sprinkle with pomegranate rubies and sesame seeds and serve immediately.
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Potato salad, 3 ways The secret to a delicious potato salad? The sauce! Here are three to choose from – taste each one and adjust to your liking. It’s essential that the sweet, sour, salty and tangy flavours work well together. #1 CREAMY POTATO SALAD WITH HERBS This potato salad is sumptuous in its simplicity but if you’re feeling decadent, you can add fried onions, fried mushrooms and crispy bacon. Cook 700g potatoes until just tender, drain and allow to cool until manageable. Meanwhile, mix 125ml sour cream or Greek yoghurt, 125ml French mayonnaise, about 15ml lemon juice and 3ml lemon zest, 2.5ml finely grated garlic, a pinch of dried mixed herbs, a pinch of mild curry powder, a pinch of sugar, and salt and ground black pepper to taste. Peel the potatoes and break each one into bite-sized pieces with your fingers. Stir in the dressing, transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle a handful of soft herbs such as basil, dill, watercress and micro herbs on top. #2 MORNÉ’S POTATO SALAD WITH CONDENSED MILK I never thought I’d like a hint of sweetness in my potato salad until I tasted my brother-in-law Morné Marais’ version. This salad is perfect with a braai. Start by mixing 200ml mayonnaise (Morné uses Nola), about 30ml condensed milk (or to taste), 5ml mustard powder and 45ml milk; season with salt and white pepper. Boil 700g unpeeled potatoes. Drain the potatoes as soon as they are soft then peel and cut them into quarters. Mix the hot potatoes with the dressing and allow to cool slightly. Grate 2 hard-boiled eggs on top and garnish with a generous sprinkle of paprika and snipped chives. Preferably serve at room temperature (not ice cold).
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CREAMY POTATO SALAD WITH HERBS
Join the conversation!
2
MORNÉ’S POTATO SALAD WITH CONDENSED MILK
What’s your favourite potato salad recipe? Follow Home on Facebook, join our Recipe Club and share your recipe with us and fellow readers.
3
HOT POTATO SALAD WITH BACON VINAIGRETTE This flavourful salad doesn’t have mayonnaise in it and is best served lukewarm. The spinach is optional, but I love the extra texture – and it soothes my conscience when it comes to all the indulgent bacon fat! Halve 500g unpeeled baby potatoes and cook in salted water until soft. Heat 30ml olive oil and fry 150g chopped bacon in it until crispy. Stir in 1 small chopped red onion and fry gently until fragrant. Stir about 45ml apple cider vinegar, 5ml wholegrain mustard and a pinch of sugar into the pan and mix through. Drain the hot potatoes and add to the bacon mixture. Mix through, remove from the heat and sprinkle with about 30ml chopped parsley and about 6 torn spinach leaves. Allow to cool slightly and season to taste with salt and pepper.
food
step by step
Sushi sandwiches
By Johané Neilson • Photographs Francois Oberholster
Use your favourite ingredients to make delicious Japanese-inspired onigirazu. Master the folding technique and surprise your family with a picnic! Makes 8 parcels • Preparation time: 25 minutes (provided the rice is cooked) • 8 square nori sheets • 2 cups sushi rice, cooked according to the instructions on the packet • 25ml black sesame seeds • ½ cucumber, thinly sliced • 8 radishes, thinly sliced • about 100g smoked salmon offcuts • about 80ml sliced pickled ginger, finely chopped • shichimi togarashi spices (see box) or wasabi • 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced • 3 spring onions, finely chopped • Kewpie mayonnaise and soy sauce, to serve
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1 Get all the filling ingredients ready, as well as a bowl of water for dipping your fingers so that the ingredients (especially the rice) don’t stick together when you’re assembling the sandwiches. 2 Shape a 5 x 5cm square of rice, diagonally, in the middle of the first nori sheet. Sprinkle with a few sesame seeds. 3 Arrange a layer of cucumber, radish, smoked salmon, ginger, a sprinkling of spices, avocado and some spring onions neatly on top of the rice square – like a stacked sandwich.
WHAT IS SHICHIMI TOGARASHI? Shichimi togarashi, or Japanese 7-spice blend, is a spicy seasoning that usually consists of dried red chilli peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, dried orange peel, black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, ground ginger, poppy seeds and nori. Look out for it at your nearest Asian supermarket or deli. It’s not only delicious with sushi but also with noodles, in rubbing marinades, soups and salads – whether of Japanese origin or not.
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4 Finish with a thin layer of sushi rice and another sprinkling of sesame seeds. 5 Fold each corner of the nori over the rice filling and press down gently. Use your fingers to slightly wet the corners of the nori with water if it doesn’t stick. Turn the parcel over so the seam is at the bottom and let it stand for a few minutes so the nori can soften and stick together properly. Repeat with the other sheets and filling.
134 home December 2020 | January 2021
6 Using a sharp knife, cut each square in half and arrange on a serving platter with the cut sides facing up. Garnish with a pinch of the spices, spring onions and, if desired, a squirt of Kewpie mayonnaise and serve with soy sauce for dipping.
Variations Other than the nori and sushi rice, the ingredients we’ve used can all be substituted. Feel free to experiment with your favourite combinations – even crumbed chicken and coleslaw, if you feel like it! For vegetarian or vegan sushi sandwiches, you can use thinly sliced beetroot, tomato, peppers, corn kernels or kimchi.
quick food
fridge tarts
We love fridge tarts
Four delicious holiday treats.
By Johané Neilson • Photographs Francois Oberholster
Custard tart with strawberries Under R150 • Makes 2 tarts • Preparation time: 30 minutes • 1 packet (80g) strawberry jelly • 2 packets (200g each) finger biscuits • 1 tin (385g) condensed milk • 600ml water
• 400ml milk • 165ml custard powder • 200g fresh strawberries • 125ml chopped peanuts • whipped cream, to serve
1 Line two large loaf pans with cling film. Dissolve the jelly in 225ml boiling water then stir in 225ml ice water. Dip the biscuits in the jelly, one by one, and arrange them side by side on the bottom and sides of the two loaf pans. 2 Mix the condensed milk, water and 300ml of the milk in a microwave-safe mixing bowl and microwave on high for 10 minutes. 3 Mix the custard powder with the remaining milk to form a smooth paste. Beat the hot mixture into the custard mixture and then pour everything back into the large mixing bowl. 4 Microwave the custard for 1 minute, stir and repeat twice more or until the custard is thick and smooth. Divide the custard between the prepared pans, then refrigerate until cold. Turn out and garnish the tarts with strawberries and peanuts, and serve with whipped cream. Tip To make a conventional flat tart, arrange the biscuits in a deep, rectangular dish and spread the custard on top. Garnish as above.
136 home December 2020 | January 2021
Chocolate peppermint tart Under R165 • Makes 1 x 26cm tart Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus cooling time • 200g chocolate digestive biscuits, crushed • 125ml butter, melted • mint leaves, chocolate biscuits and shards, to garnish
FILLING • 15ml gelatine powder* • 1 tin (375g) peppermintflavoured caramel • 250ml cream • 200g dark or milk chocolate, melted
1 Mix the biscuit crumbs with the butter, then line the bottom and sides of a 26cm springform tart pan evenly to form a crust. Set aside in the fridge. 2 Dissolve the gelatine in 30ml cold water in a bowl and leave to set. Then melt it carefully by putting the bowl in a larger bowl of boiling water and stirring gently until runny. 3 Beat the caramel and cream together until smooth. Beat in the melted chocolate until just mixed. Lastly, add the melted gelatine. Pour the batter into the prepared crust and refrigerate until set. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, chocolate biscuits and shards. * Gelatine ensures that the tart slices easily, even on hot days when the chocolate filling tends to lose its shape if you haven’t used gelatine; you can omit it for a softer texture. >>
PROMOTION
THE LIGHT THAT’S
JUST RIGHT For those who appreciate a good wine but like to stay level-headed
S
ometimes you just want to keep it light. Whether you’re relaxing at home with family or trying to fit in a last-minute business lunch before the festive season really kicks off, it feels good to be able to relax in style while still keeping your alcohol intake in check. That’s why Spier’s new range of 5.5% wine is just the thing for summer. The highly-acclaimed Stellenbosch winery has launched a range featuring a Chenin Blanc and Shiraz that contain less than half the alcohol and kilojoules of their other wines. These are the bottles to reach for when you want to enjoy a quality wine at lunch without derailing the day, or when you need to fit in more than one get-together on one day.
HOW IT’S MADE
Spier 5.5% maintains the premium, layered taste that characterises the Spier range. Selected from specific vineyards with light, sandy soils, the harvest was timed to pick the grapes while at a lower sugar level and natural acidity. During the fermentation process, a portion of the alcohol is removed at a low temperature in a vacuum by using the latest spinning cone technology. Fermentation is completed with the remaining natural sugars and nutrients. It’s a gentle process that preserves the flavours and aromatics of the wine.
The wine profile The Spier 5.5% Chenin Blanc is unwooded and offers the characteristic flavours and complexity that the varietal is known for. It has a crisp and fruity taste with flavours of pear and apple and hints of litchi. It pairs well with a light summer salad. The Spier 5.5% Shiraz is full of flavour and complexity, and it’s also unwooded. You’ll find a juicy layering of subtle spice, red fruit and mulberry. It pairs well with grilled meat and seasonal vegetables.
Only 149kJ or 36 cal. per 100ml
Only 149kJ or 36 cal. per 100ml
To see more of what Spier has to offer, visit their website at spier.co.za. You can order wine online and join their wine club. Exclusively available online at shop.spier.co.za and Checkers stores.
Drink responsibly. Not For Persons Under The Age Of 18.
quick food
fridge tarts
Milk tart Under R75 • Makes 12 squares Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus cooling time
Peach fridge tart Under R125 • Makes 1 x 20cm cheesecake Preparation time: 25 minutes, plus cooling time • 1 packet (200g) ginger biscuits, crushed • about 125ml melted butter FILLING • 1 tin (410g) peaches, syrup and fruit separated • 125ml fruit juice
• 1 packet (80g) peachflavoured jelly powder • 1 tub (230g) medium-fat cream cheese • 125ml cream • 30ml castor sugar • gooseberries (optional)
1 Mix the crumbs and butter and line the bottom and sides of a 20cm springform cake tin evenly to form a crust (or use a tart pan, if preferred). Set aside in the fridge. 2 Mix the peach syrup and fruit juice in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Dissolve the jelly in the hot juice and allow to cool. 3 Beat the cream cheese, cream and castor sugar together until smooth. Gradually beat in the chilled jelly until blended. Spoon into the prepared crust and refrigerate until set. Garnish with the reserved peach slices and, if desired, gooseberries.
138 home December 2020 | January 2021
• 1 tin (385g) condensed milk • 750ml milk • 5ml vanilla essence • 5ml cinnamon, plus extra for garnishing
• • • • •
2 eggs 45ml cornflour 15ml custard powder 24 Tennis biscuits edible glitter (optional)
1 Heat the condensed milk, milk, vanilla and cinnamon together to just below boiling point. Beat the eggs, cornflour and custard powder together with two tablespoons of water until smooth, then gradually beat in the hot milk until smooth. Pour back into the saucepan and heat until the mixture has thickened (about 5 minutes). 2 Arrange 12 of the biscuits on the bottom of a rectangular pie dish and spoon half of the custard on top. Smooth the surface and arrange the other 12 biscuits on top of the custard layer. Spoon the remaining custard on top and smooth again. Allow to cool completely and garnish with extra cinnamon and some edible glitter if desired.
PROMOTION
SHARE
THE LOVE
Keen to serve something special for dessert? Try a yummy SPAR Freshline Christmas cake and pudding as well as their decadent mince pies paired with juicy seasonal fruit and berries – and invite the family for a festive feast!
Petit four platter These quick and easy treats look impressive and taste delicious! Mascarpone and white chocolate frosted mince pies Melt 80g white chocolate and whip 250ml cream till soft peaks form then fold both through 1 tub (250g) of softened mascarpone to create a light mousse. Use a star-shaped nozzle to pipe this on top of 12 SPAR Freshline Mince Pies. Makes 12. Stone fruit and fruit cake bites Melt 125ml cream and 240g chopped dark chocolate together. Stir in 250ml finely chopped SPAR Freshline Fruit Cake and refrigerate until firm. Halve and stone 12 plums (or your favourite stone fruit). Use a melon baller to make a hollow in each and fill with the chocolate mixture. Leftover ganache? Form bite-sized balls and roll in cacao to create truffles. Makes 24. Christmas cake towers with cream and custard Mix 2 egg yolks, 30ml sugar, 30ml custard powder and 3ml vanilla essence then add 250ml warm milk and whisk until combined. Warm in a saucepan over moderate heat, whisking until the custard is cooked. Decant into a bowl and cover with cling film to prevent a skin from forming; allow to cool. Halve 6 SPAR Freshline Mini Christmas Fruit Cakes (100g each) and slice into three layers, horizontally. Spread with sweetened whipped cream, mascarpone or thick custard and restack the layers. Pipe a rosette of custard on top of each one and decorate with a sprig of mint or a white chocolate star. Serves 12. Christmas pudding truffles Crumble 400g SPAR Freshline Christmas Fruit Pudding into a mixing bowl and roll into 15 bite-sized truffles. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Melt 300g chocolate and dip the truffles in the chocolate, one by one. Use a fork to remove the truffles; tap the fork lightly on the edge of the bowl to get rid of excess chocolate. Slide the truffles off with the tip of a knife, roll in desiccated coconut or add chocolate sprinkles and allow to harden on a cooling rack. Makes 15.
food & drinks
’Tis the season to be jolly! By Johané Neilson Photographs supplied
Kick-start your kitchen If you’re moving into your first home or kitting out your student digs, The Crazy Store has all the kitchen essentials you need in their new Kickstart range, including everything from cutlery to spatulas in trendy green, grey and white – there’s even an extensive variety of baking sheets, muffin trays and cake tins. With prices starting at R19.99, you’ll be cooking up a storm in no time! Go to crazystore.co.za.
MAKE A MEAL OF IT
With over 14 000 copies of Banting 7 Day Meal Plans sold within a year, the new Banting 7 Day Meal Plans Vegetarian by Rita Venter, Natalie Lawson and Kim Blom (R375, Quivertree) is the book the vegetarian banting community has been waiting for. Be inspired by more than 100 easy-toprepare recipes (over 40 of which are vegan) to live a nutritionally balanced, sustainable, meat-free lifestyle!
Buy the bullet
Extract maximum nutritional value from your fruit and veg with the NutriBullet Blender Combo (R3 999). Choose between various speeds and pulse functions and make single or multiple servings, thanks to a 1.6L pitcher. Go to nutribullet.co.za.
Happy New Year!
Keep your bubbly chilled in style with this French Etched Champagne Cooler (R299, ma kro.co.za).
PURE PLEASURE
Bliss from Clover is a thick and creamy indulgent double-cream yoghurt – and it’s nutritious! Choose between a variety of flavours and sizes to suit every craving. Go to clover.co.za.
KIDS’ CORNER
140 home December 2020 | January 2021
The Nutrikids flavoured low-fat singleserve dairy snack is perfect for your little one’s lunchbox, ensuring that they get the calcium and vitamin D they need for strong bones! Check out clover.co.za. >>
PROMOTION
FARM FRESH IN YOUR FRIDGE Clover milk is so fresh you can almost believe that it’s delivered every morning straight from a cowshed in your backyard to your fridge.
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hen it comes to milk, there are various brands to choose from, but if you want fresh milk, then Clover stands out. Freshness is Clover’s priority. To ensure their milk’s fresh taste, every litre undergoes more than 80 quality tests and a unique three-step procedure, called Clover Triple Protect. How does this process work? Firstly, the milk is double purified. This gets rid of more bacteria than pasteurisation alone. Then it is deep cooling, which ensures that all nutrients are preserved. Finally, there’s no human contact when the milk is bottled in ultra clean packaging. Clover’s milk only comes from the healthiest cows and includes a secret ingredient: love. Their milk is delivered with the greatest care from the cow to farm fresh in your fridge. Clover has been supplying South Africans with milk for more than 120 years, so you know they are the experts in this field. Their milk isn’t just fresh, it’s Mooo Fresh.
Photograph: Getty Images/Gallo Images
Clover offers a wide range of dairy products, including lactose-free products. Visit clover.co.za or your nearest store to see what’s available.
food & drinks
Sweet ’n spicy Known for its sweet, savoury, hot and pungent flavour, Gochujang paste (R64.99, woolworths.co.za) is a fermented red chilli paste from Korea. Try it with our delicious twice-fried chicken wings (see opposite).
So convenient!
Ucook now offers ready-made craft meals so you can take the night off, without compromising on taste or nutrition. Prices for a free-range meatbased dish vary from R59 for single portions to R361 for a four-portion serving. Visit ucook.co.za or take a look in the freezer section at selected Western Cape Pick n Pay branches.
RAISE A GLASS
Whether you’re planning a sticky Christmas gammon or keeping it casual with retro chutney chicken, the Du Toitskloof Chenin Blanc 2020 (R50, dutoitskloof.co.za) is the perfect partner with which to toast the joys of family and friendship.
IT’S A GIFT
Photograph @tashaseccombe
Luuks Studio is a one-stop online shop that offers handcrafted gifts made from natural indigenous products such as wood, leather, hemp and cotton – all made to bring joy. Browse the kitchen accessories and gift boxes at luuksstudio.co.za and spoil someone special.
SPOIL SOMEONE SPECIAL...
A taste of Japan
Suntory Toki Whisky (R449, takealot.com) is a blend of carefully selected whiskies from the House of Suntory’s globally acclaimed Hakushu, Yamazaki and Chita distilleries. The selection of Hakushu American White Oak cask malt whisky and Chita heavy-type grain whisky as the blend’s two pillars overturns the old relationship between malt and grain and creates a taste that is both ground-breaking and timeless.
Distillery Road Gin and Barker and Quin, two premium locally produced Stellenbosch brands, have teamed up to create a limited-edition gift pack. The Spring Wheel Box (R350) combines a bottle of Distillery Road gin, eight different Barker and Quin tonic water blends and a special Garnish Wheel so you can pour the perfect tipple. To order, email candice@autographgin.com and keep an eye on facebook.com/ autographdistillery/ for more.
PROMOTION
TWICE AS NICE!
Spoil loved ones with the quality and freshness of proudly South African Grain Field Chickens – straight from the farm to your plate! TWICE-FRIED SWEET ’N CRUNCHY CHICKEN WINGS
These easy-to-prepare winglets are delicious dipped in a sweetand-spicy Korean-style glaze and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and zingy spring onion.
Serves 6–8 as a starter • Preparation time: 40 minutes Cooking time: about 20 minutes • 16 Grain Field Chickens chicken wings • cornflour (Maizena) • vegetable oil for deep-frying GLAZE • 30ml sesame oil • 1 clove garlic, grated • 180ml brown sugar • 15ml Korean Gochujang paste • 15ml apple cider vinegar
• 80ml light- or low-sodium soy sauce • 30ml honey • 30ml tomato sauce • pinch of dried chilli flakes (optional) • 30ml cornflour (Maizena) • 30ml water GARNISH • 15ml sesame seeds • 1 spring onion, chopped
1 To make the glaze, heat the sesame oil in a pot and quickly fry the garlic over low heat for ½ a minute until fragrant. Stir in the sugar, Gochujang, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, tomato sauce and chilli flakes and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Mix the cornflour and water to form a smooth paste, add to the sauce and simmer for a couple of minutes until thick and glossy. Remove from the heat. 2 Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to trim off the tips of the wings (use them for stock) and then cut each wing in half at the joint. 3 Season the wings with salt and black pepper then dip them into the cornflour, making sure that each piece is coated. Shake off the excess cornflour. 4 Deep-fry the coated wings in a large pot of hot oil for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the oil: the first fry is to gently cook the chicken; the second fry is for colour and crunch. 5 Spoon all the chicken out of the oil, drain on paper towel and wait a couple of minutes. Fry the chicken for a second time. 6 Scoop the crunchy wings out of the oil and drain on paper towel. Brush each wing all over with the glaze and arrange on a serving platter; sprinkle with sesame seeds and spring onion – and serve! Follow Grain Field Chickens on Facebook and Instagram or visit grainfieldchickens.co.za.
TIP If you can’t find Gochujang paste, you can use Sriracha sauce or your favourite chilli paste such as sambal oelek. Alternatively, try a ready-made chilli glaze. For a milder taste, use sweet chilli or plum sauce.
SHOP WINDOW
To advertise here, contact Evonne Mehl on 021 461 2396 or evonne.mehl@media24.com
Nooitgedacht Country House www.joubertsdal.co.za 0760741219 R60, Swellendam info@jouber tsdal.co.za Photographs Lourens Rossouw Photography and Greg Cox
The Paxton Hotel is situated in Port Elizabeth, affectionately known as the ‘Friendly City’ of South Africa. Here, you will discover a vibrant urban lifestyle in the heart of the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Located in the bustling precinct of Humewood close to the city centre, the hotel offers magnificent views of Algoa Bay and is conveniently situated close to the airport, restaurants, gym, The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex and many beautiful beaches.
The Paxton Hotel • Carnarvon Place Humerail, Port Elizabeth 6001 • www.paxton.co.za Tel: + 27 41 585 9655 • reservations@paxton.co.za
Die Heks se Huis Sutherland
Tel: 064 657 0693 info@diehekssehuis.co.za
Choose between Artemis, Cerridwen, Hecate, Luna or Gaea in this magical guesthouse!
"Your wedding photos should be breathtaking and natural!"
NICOLE JONKER #%)!)&$"(%'
Find out about our wedding packages! Email nicolejonkerphotography@gmail.com
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Sweetfontein Boutique Farm Lodge
Experience a luxury Karoo getaway to Sweetfontein Boutique Farm Lodge in the Northern Cape, offering a chic & modern alternative with emphasis on traditional Karoo hospitality. Sweetfontein guests can experience the wonder of the Karoo complete with exclusive facilities, outstanding service and exciting activities. Contact us to book your holiday now! Tel: 060 381 8753; sweetfontein.co.za
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Website: www.nicolejonkerphotography.co.za Facebook: @nicolejonkerphotography Instagram: @nicolejonkerphotography
D I E W A E N H U I S C O T T A G E: As the name suggests, our rustic yet romantic award-winning cottage is situated adjacent to Die Waenhuis Restaurant in the heart of Nieu-Bethesda in the Great Karoo. Surrounded by beautiful views, guests can access a variety of walks, restaurants, shops and the famous Owl House from here.
F O R B O O K I N G S, C O N T A C T Jacques Muller 082 497 2138 | Email cottageatdiewaenhuis@gmail.com Facebook @COTTAGEATDIEWAENHUIS | Instagram @COTTAGEATDIEWAENHUIS
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No pain, no gain
y poor old Mum would have keeled right over if she could see me now – on my back in a room full of people, legs up and knees spread wide. How unbecoming, she’d say. How unladylike and uncouth, lying there like a floozy with your ‘fannygaloo’ pointing at the ceiling. You look like an upturned frog, a spatchcocked roast chicken. Worst of all, you’re paying for it. “Wider-wider-wider!” the trainer yells. “Stretch! Spread the knees! More. Feel the burn! Adductors must work!” Adductors-adschmuctors. I’m not even sure I have those and, if I did, where on my body you’d find them. Because my everything is burning. It’s my first day in an exercise class and I curse it. I signed up in a fit of New Year determination to shed the stuffed python that had settled in around my waist over Christmas. And this class, everyone swore, was the real deal. The trainer is the very best – degrees and certificates galore. She’d transform any blubbery old nag into a sleek, svelte filly. But nobody mentioned the agony involved. To the 10th degree. My teeth will be ground to stumps long before I can feel my ribs again. This class, they told me, is no ordinary gym class. They use super-duper special machines on which you get a top-to-tail workout, all very modern and grand. They’re weird-looking contraptions, very much like massage tables, but with ropes and pulleys and springs and all sorts of moving parts – a cross between an obstetric bed and a shipyard crane. They have a name I can never recall – something severe like “The Corrector” or “The Enforcer”. I sommer call it “The Torture Table”. “Open, close, open, close! Move those knees! Butterfly wings! Pinch your bum, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze!” I squeeze and stretch and pinch. But my knees just won’t do the butterfly, they’ve developed a severe case of lockjaw. The instructor’s ponytail bounces in my direction. “Gluteus maximus! Use your bum muscles, lift the pubis (ag nee sies, Mom would say)! Squeeze, squeeze! Stabilise your core!”
146 home December 2020 | January 2021
I squeeze like crazy, all the while praying I don’t produce flatus with all this squeezing down under. Poor Mom would never survive that. Then the trainer changes tactics and orders us to harness the stirrups. You heard me; these tables have stirrups. They reside somewhere behind your ears and you must lift your ankles right over your head to get your feet into them. Ooh boy. And as if that’s not enough, the tabletop you’re lying on moves. It runs on fast sliding wheels and you must keep your wits about you, otherwise you slip right off. It takes a hellish effort to insert your ankles without ending up hung, drawn and quartered. Now we must straighten our legs and lower our ‘stirruped’ feet, which makes the tabletop slide up beneath us. When we bend our knees, we slide down again. We’re working the quadriceps, our drill mistress tells us. Whatever, I think; can’t I just go home? Whirring like crazy, everyone slides up and down on their tables. Everyone but me. One of my feet has slipped through the stirrup and the damn thing is stuck in the pudgy flesh of my calf. The other foot is flailing with the pulleys whirring above my head and I become totally snarled up and askew. I grapple with the errant stirrup and the more I wriggle, the more entangled I get. I lie there like an overcooked koeksister in a macramé experiment. At the end of the lesson I make a dash for the door – never to return. But the mistress stops me. “Everyone struggles at first, but for a newcomer you did very well,” she says, and her ponytail bounces encouragingly. “Soon as your core is strong, the rest is easy. You’ll see.” “Uhm, ok,” I say sheepishly as I smooth a self-conscious hand over the baroque contour of my hip. I sneak a peek at her delicately sculpted flanks. Somewhere, far beyond my core, perhaps between the quadriceps and the maximus, I sense a flicker of hope. “Till tomorrow, then,” she says breezily. “Till tomorrow,” I echo and wobble off.
Illustrations Paula Dubois • Translation Marlene van Niekerk
Is it vanity or masochism, wonders Karin Brynard, that drives one back to the sweaty trenches in the gym every new year?