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PRETORIA

DURBANVILLE

SOMERSET WEST

shop online at

www.incanda.co.za PAARL

BLOEMFONTEIN

HERMANUS

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Your vision.

Our expertise.

The perfect kitchen.

30 years of quality service. 32 showrooms countrywide.

2 year kitchen guarantee.

0861 327 9543 www.easylifekitchens.co.za Proud member of Kitchen Specialists Association.

“We had a great experience designing and installing our new kitchen with Easylife Kitchens. Our designer, Amanda, was great at incorporating all of our ideas, and giving suggestions that enhanced the overall look of the kitchen. We are so pleased with the result, which was even better than we initially envisaged.” Jannie and Cathrine Scheepers Northriding

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Boston Pendants, Floor & Table Lamp Codes: G-KLCH-8103, G-KLT-8103T & G-KLT-8103F

DESIGN • SER VICE • QUALIT Y Viewing Showrooms Only, K. Light Import supplies only to Retailers and not to the public directly.

Cape Town: 7 Kunene Circle, Omuramba Business Park, Milnerton, 021 552 4370 Johannesburg: Units 8 & 9, The Arena, Capital Hill Business Park, Halfway House, Midrand, 011 312 1247 info@klight.co.za I www.klight.co.za I Facebook.com/klightimport I Instagram: k_light_import

FRESH IDEA S

By Johané Neilson and Elna van der Merwe Styling Mary Jane Harris and Sumien Brink Photographs Christoph Hoffmann and Greg Cox

Better together

Carefully curated collections and colour can transform a space.

Sumien is very fond of orchids – which are clearly very happy here, since most of them bloom time and again.

The brown ceramic ware is from the ’70s. “This style of plates is making a huge comeback,” she says.

A collection of white ceramic ware comes into its own on a light table, especially at night when the lights under the glass are switched on. Before the days of digital photos, negatives were viewed on tables like this before being developed.

Ceramic ware from Ceramic Matters; artwork by Clinton Freedman

Group therapy

She’ll never be a minimalist as beautiful things are her life, says Sumien Brink, former editor of décor magazine Visi. But she also doesn’t describe herself as a collector; perhaps it’s a case of her being a magnet rather, someone who notices the beautiful things that others may overlook.

She loves grouping items together in her apartment (see her living area on page 56), and these change constantly. The secret is to group the same kind of things together, she advises, otherwise your space will look cluttered.

Sumien’s workspace is in her bedroom, in front of what she calls her “inspiration wall” (left). At the very top is a photo her brother, photographer Corrie Hansen, took of Table Mountain a long time ago. Below it are sketches of women from the book 100 Girls on Cheap Paper by Tina Berning, a make-up artist who sketched models after she’d done their make-up.

The bottom row consists of photos of Sumien’s favourite photographers with whom she has worked over the years.

“I’ve strung up lengths of cable and clipped the images to them instead of storing them in files. It’s a cheap, interesting way to display my collection of photos.” >> A grouping with a red theme (right). These days, Sumien makes linen tea towels such as the one featuring the rooster.

She inherited the plates from a friend, the late Sue Robinson, who bought them in Vallauris, France in the 1940s; this is where Picasso started doing pottery. The Italian water jug, on the other hand, is a flea market find from the Milnerton Market.

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Inside and out

Even though Sonette de Beer, owner of Nitali Re-Invented Décor in Nelspruit, inherited this dresser from her grandma, there’s nothing old-fashioned about her project! Updated for her own bedroom, Sonette describes the makeover of this piece as a favourite.

“I bought Tjhoko Paint Dani’s Dare just before lockdown and when I lost my job, it signified the start of a new journey painting furniture and running my décor business full-time!”

The texture on the door panels was created using a thin layer of Tjhoko Paint Stencil of Paris and stencils, and then the whole piece was finished in Dani’s Dare. The drawer faces on the inside are painted in a playful buffalo check pattern.

The drawer faces are a lovely surprise when you open the doors. – Sonette

10 home July 2022

Here’s how she did it, step by step: 1 Start with a solid white base. Then carefully mark equal-spaced lines in one direction with masking tape and paint them in your lightest blue (I used Tjhoko Paint Pebble Blue).

2 Remove the tape. Once the paint is dry, tape equal-spaced lines in the opposite direction and paint in a medium blue (I used Tjhoko Paint Geoffrey’s Glimpse). Do not remove this tape.

3 Once the paint is dry, tape equal-spaced lines in the opposite direction and paint the darkest colour (Dani’s Dare) in the exposed blocks. Remove all the tape at the end and touch up any imperfections.

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Send décor and lifestyle news to news@homemag.co.za.

what’s new Compiled by Johané Neilson

CREATE, INNOVATE! WHO Sian Rubelli WHERE KwaZulu-Natal BUSINESS Shelby Finds HER WORK After travelling the world as a flight attendant for 14 years, Sian Rubelli returned to SA in 2020 to start Shelby Finds and fulfil her dream of introducing unusual handmade treasures to local homes.

All the home furnishings are ethically sourced, artisan made and crafted from natural materials.

Shelby Finds’ textiles are all from Jaipur, India. The Tiger Kantha quilt (above, far right) made from 100% Indian Cotton (230 x 270cm; R1 950) is block-printed and stitched by hand. The rugs are hand-tufted with Indian wool and have a cotton backing.

“I like to keep things fresh by only bringing in limited amounts of each item and I’m continually searching for new designs and colourways,” says Sian. Follow her on Instagram @shelby_finds and visit shelbyfinds.co.za.

Good to cuddle

Add a touch of opulence to your bed with a luxuriously soft faux fur grey Aspen blanket (R2 299, volpes.co.za) with a smooth reverse.

On the tiles

Make a splash with trendy KitKat tiles from Italtile.

Available in a range of neutrals as well as gorgeous peacock blues and emerald greens, these Gloss Porcelain Mosaic Sheet tiles (pictured here in Sapphire, Moss and Emerald, 289 x 296mm; R159 each, italtile.co.za) add glamour, texture and an architectural pattern to walls.

With a silhouette that changes according to its position, the Silhouette Side Table from Leonardo Design (400mm D x 500mm H; R3 183, leonardodesign.co.za) boasts a sculptural quality.

It’s available in two sizes, allowing for easy placement in a host of settings.

The mild steel tables are handcrafted and finished in 12 Ferrugrain powder-coated colours, so there’s something for everyone!

For display

The minimalist reeded glass display cabinet by Studio Delta (1 800mm H x 430mm D x 820mm W; from R6 499, studiodelta.co.za) combines a tubular steel frame with toughened glass doors and sides to add a fresh, modern feel to any space. You can tailor yours to suit your unique decorative taste by choosing the handles and colour.

TO THE LETTER

Looking for a special gift?

The Babylonstoren ‘Alphabet’ Personal Journal (R260, babylonstoren.com) makes a great diary or notebook and a laminated cover means it can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Each letter is hand-drawn

by Gerda Smit and accompanied by a short essay written by garden expert Liesl van der Walt.

Warm up to winter with a Renaissance-inspired printed chenille Iris Midnight Round Rug (240cm; R10 099, yuppiechef.com) from Hertex Haus.

Get to work

Improve your home office with a comfortable Cece swivel chair in plush velvet (pictured in Mustard, 63cm L x 63cm W x 86cm H; R4 999) and a Drake desk (pictured in Dark Oak, 135cm L x 60cm W x 76cm H; R7 999) from Coricraft. Shop online at coricraft.co.za. >>

FOLLOW YOUR NOSE The latest fragrance by Cape Island Candles, African Storm unleashes a burst of exotic baobab, jasmine and the warmth of white sandalwood. The hand-poured candles boast a soy wax blend and perfume oils imported from the Grasse region of France. Treat yourself to a Classic (R335) or Large (R545) Candle; go to capeisland.co.za.

The Supreme Medium Crystal Chandelier (32cm H x 60cm D with 100cm-long chain; R13 000, klight.co.za) with its clear K9 crystals is simply magnificent – spoil yourself!

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WHAT’S NEW

For your walls

These hand-painted portraits by illustrator Mieke Wertschnig are the latest addition to the Soil & Co print collection. The artworks, starting at R210, are printed on Eltoro 160g art paper and they’re available in sizes from A4–A1.

Order yours at soilprints.co.za.

A CLASSIC LOOK

The Palm and Cedar tile range at Concrete Studio is a collaboration with talented local artist Lane Esterhuizen, owner of Palm and Cedar in Melkbosstrand. The range comprises 10 designs inspired by European cobblestone walkways and classic Portuguese tiles. The concrete tiles (15 x 15cm; R1 300/m2, concretestudio.co.za) are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, walls, floors and tables, but need to be sealed.

Aura Amber Footed Vase (20cm) R305, thehomequarter.co.za

Large macrame stool R1 500, mrphome.com

Mother City Jungle understands that busy lifestyles often lead to thirsty house plants, so they came up with a solution: a Fishbowl vase (from R350–R600, mothercityjungle.co.za) for plants that need almost no attention – just keep the roots covered and change the water once a month!

IN TOUCH

Textile company Ecru offers 100% natural fibres and hand-woven products for your home. The Adwa range, which features Navy/Natural fringed bath towels (100 x 180cm; R895 each), is inspired by the colourscape of the Denakil Plains of Ethiopia.

Shop for more towels, table linen and throws at ecruspaces.com.

Around the world

Precious Cargo from St Leger & Viney (R1 098/m – R2 317/m, stleger.co.za) is an exquisite collection of prints inspired by the rich fabrics transported by tea clippers that plied global routes in the 19th century. Highlights include (pictured left to right) fantastical botanical Ravello in Document; Skywalk in Mist, a design inspired by Navajo blankets; and Jacobean Floral in Celadon.

16 home July 2022

Expect the Unexpected Discover our new furniture collection in-store now.

Shop online at www.coricraft.co.za or in-store at one of our 43 stores countrywide.

R229.99 Super comfy longpile blankets 180 x 200cm

.

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landscape

Behind stone walls that gently merge with the Karoo veld that Jan Sauer Lambrechts loves so much awaits a characterful interior in which he likes to seek out the winter sun.

By Marian van Wyk Photographs Greg Cox

WHO LIVES HERE? Jan Sauer Lambrechts WHERE The farm Twyfelberg, between Britstown and De Aar SIZE 350m²

READER HOME

Jan Sauer started renovating the Twyfelberg homestead in February 2020, and eight months later the house was almost unrecognisable.

A wraparound stoep was built and the building team clad all the exterior walls with ironstone.

One has to look closely, past the attractive veranda, to see the architectural lines and steelframed windows that reveal that this is a ’70s house. The stone circles in the veggie garden are Jan’s way of playing off the rough texture of the landscape against finer details. “From the top of the koppie, it looks like there’s a patchwork quilt lying here,” he says.

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PLAN WITH A LOW CEILING Well-planned lighting is non-negotiable for Jan Sauer. Massive pendants, as in the living room, are a recurring theme.

“The old pine ceiling is very low, but the oversized lighting draws attention away from it. It also helps that I painted the wood white and stained the beams dark.”

READER HOME

A LIVING ROOM FROM THE ’70S In the interior, the sunken living room, slate floors and steel-framed windows are the only elements that reveal that the house dates back to the ’70s.

A low wall separates the space from the dining room. In winter, it’s the best place to soak up some sun, says Jan Sauer. In fact, the Lambrechts – mom Marleen, dad Jannie, Jan Sauer’s brother George, his wife Kiara and their two daughters – tend to gravitate here when the De Aar cold becomes too much to bear. The furniture pieces are all vintage or second-hand finds. Old Persian rugs that were later dyed are a feature throughout the house; Jan Sauer bought them on auction.

The original steel-framed windows were painted black for a contemporary look.

Pendant lights from Weylandts; scatter cushions from Evolution Product

The built-in daybed on the back stoep, or summer veranda, is an inviting spot for an afternoon nap but it’s also the perfect hidey-hole. “There was an empty alcove here; the bed conceals gas bottles and plumbing pipes,” says Jan Sauer.

Cushions from Hertex; throw from The Cotton Company

Jan Sauer made the pendant lamps from old gravel sieves, which he bent and hung on thick chains.

ATMOSPHERE FIRST When the sun sets behind Twyfelberg koppie, the Lambrechts gather around the boma under the syringa trees; the vintage garden chairs, which Jan Sauer coated with black paint, belonged to Ouma Dias Osborne. In summer, the farm dam offers cool respite.

Kikoi from Mungo; glasses and cushions from Mr Price Home

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READER HOME

In the sunny main bedroom (above and left), items such as crystal glass, Delft ware and found objects sit equally comfortably between family heirlooms, handmade décor and new purchases.

The yellowwood sideboard comes from a second-hand store, the pendant lamps from a street vendor and the armchair from family.

Wallpaper from Hertex; handmade blanket and cushion by Rafel Decor; mirror from @home

The guest room opens onto the cool summer stoep. The blue velvet armchair is an heirloom from Ouma Dias Osborne.

In the main bedroom’s en suite, a sunken bath made way for a second-hand ball-and-claw tub that offers a view of the Karoo landscape.

Towels from Mungo; soap from Canettevallei Lavender; wooden bowl from Mr Price Home

“The guest room gets no sun at all but still has a cosy atmosphere, thanks to the black walls,” says Jan Sauer. The old TV cabinet that serves as a wardrobe, copper-coloured vases and a handmade lampshade provide warm accents that contrast with the handmade throw and black walls. >> Throw and blue cushion by Rafel Decor, aloe prints from Coricraft

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A corrugated iron roof for the summer rain Sociable nooks for every season have been set up outdoors.

The cool back stoep (opposite) on the south-facing side is a favourite spot in summer as it doesn’t get any sun during the hot months. The corrugated iron roof was non-negotiable. “You have to be able to hear the rain fall,” says Jan Sauer, firmly.

The patio furniture consists of old pieces that were stored in the barn. “I painted the cane chairs white at the bottom as a soft contrast to the brown palette and hardness of the stonework,” he says. The accessories are mainly found items from the landscape and treasures from the farmstead. Jan Sauer made the earthy decoration above the table by threading together pods from the camel thorn tree in front of the house.

Solar power, boreholes and rainwater tanks supply the house with electricity and water. The veranda keeps the living spaces naturally cool. Each bedroom opens onto a stoep, and there’s always a cool breeze blowing. For winter warmth, there are fireplaces.

In the backyard, planter boxes have been clad with old corrugated iron sheets found lying around on the farm (see page 22). A variety of herbs and vegetables thrive in these boxes.

“We’re far from the shops; we use the veggies and herbs in the restaurant at Sweetfontein (his guest farm and wedding venue next door) and here at Twyfelberg,” says Jan Sauer. Then he sighs: “That’s if the kudus don’t get to them. The house isn’t fenced, so they often browse right up to the stoep as it’s so quiet here.

During the drought, a large patch of lawn was removed where the long table now stands on a cement slab on the west-facing side of the homestead. “I sowed grass seed endemic to the Karoo to soften the cement. It’s the most wonderful spot to sit and enjoy sundowners.”

Lantern, amber-coloured glasses and cushions from Mr Price Home; gin in handmade ceramic bottles from Cape Saint Blaize

CONTACT AND STOCKISTS @home home.co.za Canettevallei Lavender canettevalleilavender.co.za Cape Saint Blaize capesaintblaize.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za Evolution Product evolutionproduct.co.za Hertex hertex.co.za Mr Price Home mrphome.com Mungo mungo.co.za Rafel Decor rafel.decor@gmail.com The Cotton Company thecottoncompany.co.za Twyfelberg Karoo Hideaway 060 381 8753 Weylandts weylandts.co.za

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READER HOME

EAST AST ME MEETS

west

By Elna van der Merwe • Photographs Greg Cox Production Marian van Wyk

WHO LIVES HERE? Pieter Erasmus WHERE Calitzdorp SIZE Main house 160 m², nagmaalhuisie 60m²

After many years in India, Pieter Erasmus brought back an exotic flavour to the Little Karoo.

Pieter believes a stoep floor should be red, like the one on his back stoep (opposite). “This is where my home really comes into its own. It gets lovely winter sun and provides cool shade in summer.

And it looks out over my ‘secret garden’.

This is where I socialise, rest and work.”

The bench and chairs, as well as the plantation chair at the back, are from India. The mask on the far wall is from Sri Lanka. The blinds were handwoven on the streets of Delhi. >> Cushions on couch (opposite) from Lula Fabrics

Living room

Kitchen

Back stoep Studio

Bedroom

Bathroom

Bedroom

Front stoep

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All Pieter’s bowls, plates, cups and saucers that he’s collected in various places are in the display cabinet in the kitchen (left). The cups, for example, come from a charity shop in Manchester, England; some of the bowls come from Hong Kong and Delhi and others from PepHome in Oudtshoorn.

A

utumn in Delhi, India sees temperatures around 34°C. The city is colourful and boisterous, thanks to a population of about 32 million people.

Far away in Calitzdorp, it’s autumn and about 29°C when the Home team arrives for a photoshoot. Under a vast, blue Little Karoo sky, the streets are peaceful in this town that’s home to about 4 000 people.

Eight years ago, Pieter Erasmus returned to South Africa from India. He had begun to realise that India demanded too much of him. At first it was different.

When he arrived in 2005, the country thrilled him. “But then you reach a point where you realise that you’re changing parts of yourself to adapt. You realise that you can’t adjust any more because then you risk losing yourself completely.”

Pieter settled in London in 1995 and started making costume jewellery.

A decade later, he moved to Delhi, where the cost of living was lower and it was cheaper to manufacture his pieces.

Almost a decade after that, he decided it was time to come back home.

“South Africa is in many ways a paradise; I’m willing to pay the price that the country asks of its people,” he says.

Calitzdorp was already in his sights as a place to Pieter loves to cook Indian call home, as he used to visit a friend here. So in dishes. He found the 2013, he came to check out what he’d be able to cabinets on either side afford. The market was quiet and not many of the stove at a secondproperties were moving. One house had potential hand shop outside Delhi. but the owner wasn’t selling.

Pieter made an offer anyway, and three days later it was accepted. He returned to Delhi, where he started to visualise what he wanted to do with the property. “There was a lot of work to be done, but in hindsight it was a good buy.” >>

An old bedroom in the nagmaalhuisie on the property has been converted into this intimate dining space.

Tea towel from African Jacquard

Colour is important to Pieter. “The more, the merrier,” he says. In the living room, his favourite room, is a daybed for watching movies, working, reading, thinking or just sitting and relaxing. It offers a view over the stoep and back garden.

“I bought the lamp with its mustard-coloured shade at a second-hand shop in Ladismith.” The hand-carved masks are from India.

The portrait of Pieter’s dad in his early twenties was painted by his mom.

“The painting is worth everything to me,” says Pieter.

The tea trolley was a gift from an artist friend, Marinda Combrinck.

Blanket on sofa from African Jacquard

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READER HOME

The guest bedroom leads into the hallway with its “wonderful” mustard-coloured rug. “I enjoy all the colours in my home; they work well together, even if they are challenging. Against the far wall in my bedroom you can see a naughty Krishna eating butter that he stole.”

Dark grey throw and cushion from African Jacquard

The embroidered wall hanging in the guest bedroom (above) comes from Rajasthan. “The couch apparently came from the foyer of an old colonial hotel in Jaipur. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it,” says Pieter. The patchwork blanket and chairs on either side of the bed are also from India. “The chairs are uncomfortable to sit on but make good nightstands.” Pieter’s mom crocheted the blue-and-black blanket.

Handled with care

“I considered the purchase of this house carefully, because in a way it was traumatic to renovate. It’s precious because it’s so old and I didn’t want to just break and build. And the energy flow in a home is important to me,” Pieter says. “If I were to make changes, how would they influence that energy?

“There was a front- and back door but that was too few for me. I need more doors so the interior and exterior can communicate.”

When Pieter finally returned to his home country in 2014, it took another three months before he started the restoration. The small house had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, two rooms that were difficult to identify and many tacked-on additions.

Prior to his art studies at Technikon Pretoria, Pieter had studied architectural drawing. “So I could sketch the basic plans for what I wanted to do with the space.”

He found a builder in town, a retired Austrian engineer, Klaus Traube, who has lived in Calitzdorp for years. “He was expensive but determined that everything should be just right. Klaus trained local people to work to his standards and today everything in my house is still perfect.” >>

36 home July 2022

“My room with my heavenly bed and the lovely yellow cabinet with the red bedside lamp. Everything in the room, except the nightstand which I immediately painted acid yellow, comes from India.” The copper bottle is for water.

A collection of necklaces – examples of the jewellery that Pieter designs.

It’s in the detail

The cabinet next to the basin was once a nightstand; it belonged to Pieter’s grandmother.

Pieter is crazy about his hospital corridor lights. “The branch hanging from the ceiling was needed to achieve visual balance in the room.”

Towels (this picture and left) from African Jacquard

The three-legged 1950s table was a gift from a friend. Pieter brought the linen cupboard from India.

The house was built in the 1880s. “In those days, there was no such thing as bathrooms in houses,” Pieter says. “This room used to be the kitchen. When I renovated the house I tried to use as much as possible of what was already here. I found the bath and mismatched taps in an ugly built-on room and I tracked down the baby-blue 1970s basin in Oudtshoorn.”

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A home AWAY FROM home

An abandoned Karoo farmstead has gently crept into the hearts of this KwaZulu-Natal family.

By Dina Venter • Photographs Greg Cox • Production Marian van Wyk

Britskraal’s solitary rooster likes to socialise with guests.

READER HOME WHO LIVES HERE? Jeanine and Loubser Theron with their three sons, Tobias (6), Joshua (4) and Simon (9 months) WHERE Britskraal Guest Farm, 10km outside Strydenburg, Northern Cape Karoo SIZE 290m² Although the Therons wanted to refurbish, they deliberately retained the old-world character of the homestead. Previously, the stoep was completely enclosed, but during the renovation it was opened up to form a traditional farm veranda once again.

Here, a combination of wooden and cane furniture creates an earthy atmosphere.

Lantern and round side table from Mr Price Home; Ruti Kikoi from Mungo

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READER HOME

Limestone from the veld was used to transform the alcove in which the stove stands into a focal point (opposite); Loubser’s mom, like an adept stonemason, helped the builders to pack the stones. Loubser and the builders constructed the concrete counter. Moving the original Aga stove from the old to the new kitchen was a huge undertaking; Loubser had to bring in a specialist from Springs to connect and service it. It now provides plenty of warmth in winter and serves as a reminder of the home’s history.

Steel-frame doors by PG Glass in Vryheid

42 home July 2022

Aga stove serviced

by Stove Mecca; tea towel and pot holder from Samesyn

W

Kitchen stools from HJvR Interiors

A wall forming a small waterfall was built to partially shield the courtyard from the wind.

It was inspired by a similar design that Loubser saw at the Lifestyle Centre in Ballito.

hen you’re accustomed to KwaZulu-Natal’s lush green hills, the dusty plains of the Karoo hold little charm.

Initially, this is how Jeanine Theron felt about the farm outside Strydenburg that she inherited from her father Pieter Claassen in 2011.

Pieter, originally a cattle farmer from Vryheid, bought this sheep farm as an investment more than 20 years ago. He mostly managed it from afar, which is why Jeanine had never formed an emotional attachment to it. “When asked to keep an eye on the farm as students, my hubby Loubser and I stayed in the barn – complete with bats flying over our heads at night. It was definitely not my idea of fun!” she says.

After her dad passed away, the farmstead was rented out for a while, and although the farming enterprise continued successfully, the building soon fell into disrepair. Jeanine wanted to sell the property but Loubser, also a farmer and veterinarian from Vryheid, had big dreams for the farm and its homestead.

“Loubser always had a soft spot for the place and enjoyed farming here, but I just couldn’t visualise how one could make something of such a dilapidated, remote place,” says Jeanine.

After much persuasion on Loubser’s part and with lots of support from his mother-in-law Elma, the couple finally decided to keep the farm, and then devoted a year to making the homestead liveable. The entire family, including Loubser’s parents and Elma, became involved in the project. The plan was to rent it out to holidaymakers in-between their own visits as it is a central point on the N12 for Gautengers travelling to the Cape or the West Coast. >> July 2022

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I’ve learned so much about myself, thanks to this place… I came to the realisation that I can make do with very little, as long as my loved ones are with me.

– Jeanine

The fireplace and original wooden floors in the lounge were retained, and Jeanine modernised the space with a leather couch and rug that she purchased at auction.

Fringed cushion from Mr Price Home; knitted cotton throw from Ethos

44 home July 2022

Invite the Karoo in...

Typical of an old farmhouse, this home was a maze of separate, dark rooms. Jeanine works as an image consultant but studied interior design. She applied her knowledge and followed her instincts to incorporate more light into the house.

“The atmosphere was so depressing,” she says. “I just wanted to break out walls so that we could enjoy a panorama of the veld and plains and experience it from every room, since that’s what makes the Karoo so special.”

The walls between the new kitchen, lounge and dining room were demolished to create one sociable living area and thanks to glass stacking doors, the Karoo landscape is now visible from virtually every corner of this open-plan space – just as Jeanine intended.

And the biggest bonus of all? The sunlight that shines deep into this room during the colder winter months. >>

The stone bed in front of the open-plan living-areacum-kitchen (right) was initially a temporary solution.

“Before the grass recovered, it was very dusty around the house. My mom and I started packing the ground with limestone from the veld and in no time at all, the local women came to help us finish the task,” says Jeanine.

READER HOME

A steep learning curve

Jeanine and Loubser soon discovered that it’s one thing to have Pinterest pictures, floor plans and new ideas, but a whole other ball game to renovate a house in the middle of nowhere. It required plenty of planning and logistics, especially since Strydenburg is about 800km from Vryheid, where they live. “We had no idea what we were letting ourselves in for.

I think if I’d known then what I know now, I would have run for the hills!” jokes Jeanine.

The couple had to develop a logical system, quickly. “Initially, we ordered building materials online, hooked up our sheep trailer in Vryheid and then picked up the goods in Bloemfontein en route to the farm,” explains Jeanine.

Kimberly, the nearest major business centre, is also 200km away and it would have cost the Therons a fortune to get suppliers and builders on-site. The solution was to involve the local community. Since the locals had only basic building knowledge, Loubser had to upskill himself.

“It turned into a learning opportunity,” explains Jeanine. “For example, Loubser had to find out from a cement floor specialist in Vryheid how the products work and then teach the builders how to apply them.

There was a lot we had to research online or ask Vryheid locals for help with, and then we would pass the information on to the workers.”

It was a positive experience for Jeanine and Loubser to involve the people of a remote community in this manner. “The way the local people became involved was incredible,” says Jeanine. “But it’s also how things work here. The locals were grateful for the work and enjoyed getting stuck into a project again.” >> Rhinolite was used in certain rooms as a finish on the walls, such as here in the main bedroom.

Rug from Fotakis; blanket from PEP Home

46 home July 2022

Lanterns and white cushions from Mr Price Home

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READER HOME

The wooden floor in the bathroom wasn’t strong enough to carry the weight of the freestanding bath, so this raised shutter floor was installed with reinforcements underneath. Thanks to the extra height, it offers a view of the Karoo plains from the bath and shower.

Towel from Mungo

Closer to nature

During the time that the farmstead stood empty, the Eskom power had been switched off. And when the Therons wanted to reconnect the water and electricity, they were shocked to discover that there was insufficient electricity to the area for them to reactivate their supply.

For Loubser, it was the ideal opportunity to install the solar-powered and water system he had always had in mind. The farm is rich in water, and he was able to harness the sun’s energy for irrigation.

A water softener was installed to make the lime water suitable for drinking and domestic use. “Loubser is a huge proponent of solar technology and now the kids are also learning about its value,” says Jeanine. The long-term plan is for the farm to be completely selfsufficient, so they plan to involve the community in a food garden and start keeping chickens.

Jeanine, after a year of blood, sweat and tears, came to the realisation that it was actually the obstacles that gave the home its unique character. “When you can’t just order something online quickly or go shopping in a store, you soon get creative.” Among other things, they bought chairs next to the roadside in Bloemfontein, converted an old piece of furniture from the barn into a bathroom cabinet and turned baskets into lampshades.

The renovation adventure began while Jeanine was pregnant and included a week during which they had to cope without water – with two toddlers and a three-month-old baby!

Nevertheless, the farm became dear to her too. “If it weren’t for Loubser’s dream, I would never have developed such a great appreciation for the environment, our community and all that it has to offer.” >>

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In the guest room, Jeanine made a wall hanging from Hertex fabric for above the bed.

An antique chair serves as a bedside table.

The shower in the newly built bathroom reflects Jeanine’s love of natural elements.

A basket from Weylandts was used as a lampshade.

Towel from Mungo

Jeanine and Loubser Theron with their sons, Tobias, Joshua and Simon.

Jeanine likes to create focal points using natural elements.

Wooden fish from Amatuli

The braai area in the courtyard was revamped with plaster and paint. A reed screen covered with climbing plants conceals the structure on which the water tanks rest.

Heavy rain fell shortly before the Home team’s arrival, and the clouds produced this spectacular sunset.

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KICK BACK ’N RELAX IN

comfort & style Turn your living area into a cosy and elegant retreat.

By Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel, Elna van der Merwe and Haidee Muller-Isaacs • Photographs Greg Cox and Jan Ras • Styling Misi Overturf

The chunky leather sofa is ideal for this space. “We have large dogs, so the furniture has to be pet-friendly,” says Errieda. The antique cabinet that houses the TV is a “dark British green”. “I’ve resisted the temptation to paint it for years. Its weathered state is part of its story.”

52 home July 2022

LIVING AREAS

Paint colour

Pits Paints Dave’s Blue

Tjoklit feels right at home here.

1Beautiful in blue

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WHO LIVES HERE? Errieda and Ian du Toit with their dogs, Poerring and Tjoklit WHERE Welgemoed, Cape Town

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Before

Did you know?

Deep blue is a versatile colour that works especially well with wood, from dark wood such as imbuia to lighter oak.

It also perfectly complements brown leather furniture, such as the Du Toits have in their lounge. If you have too much dark wood in your home, paint the walls blue!

even noticing. We’d be flipping through magazines and he’d say: ‘Wow, look at this wall’. Or: ‘What do you think of that one?’.”

That’s how he knew Errieda had been dreaming of a focal wall in a deep, dark colour. “The shade is somewhere between coal-black, midnight-blue and a very dark grey,” she explains. “The ceiling and cornices are a lovely fresh white and the other walls are a vintage white, both Misi’s own formulas.”

The artistic feel in Errieda’s living room is spot-on. “Ian knows I’m sentimental.

I like contemporary things but will never paint my mom’s imbuia cupboard, for example – my dad would turn in his grave! Ian and Misi have created a contemporary look but the old stuff still feels right at home. There’s a wonderful mix of sentiment and renewal.”

Now that the décor bug has bitten again, Errieda wants to get rid of all her superfluous and unloved items. “It’s quite overwhelming as one tends to cling to things. But Ian’s gesture of love gave me renewed energy, fortitude and the will to throw out what no longer brings me joy.”

Photograph Ian du Toit

[ EXPERT ADVICE ]

A specific dark blue paint caught décor expert Misi Overturf’s eye back in 2016; here’s how she used it to best effect in the Du Toits’ home: The colour on Errieda’s focal wall is deep but not harsh, says Misi. “It forms a neutral canvas and accentuates key elements; the blue makes the artworks pop and defines the architectural details. I also love the way the light affects the colour, depending on the time of day, as does the dark and shadows.

“These days, Pits Paints in Paarl mixes the colour for me, according to my own formula and using a Dulux base. I call it Dave’s Blue, after my late father.”

Misi prefers a washable matte paint.

“High-gloss paint shows up every blemish on a wall. I prefer a water-based paint – it’s not as much hard work as oil paint, and it also dries quickly and cleans easily.”

The antique white on the walls on either side of the focal wall, a colour Misi also had mixed, brings a fresh feel to the space.

She explains that the colour combination works very well in Errieda’s 1970s house with its characteristic high ceiling and generous fireplace.

“Errieda is a warm and colourful person.

In combination with her beautiful furniture and this striking blue, everything comes into its own,” says Misi.

CONTACT misioverturf.com

The large green velvet sofa was Sumien’s biggest indulgence; it’s perfect for relaxing and reading or watching TV, and it also creates a cosy nook away from the long tables.

Sofa from Loft Living

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Inner-city sanctuary

WHO LIVES HERE? Sumien Brink WHERE Cape Town

56 home July 2022

LIVING AREAS

Sumien in her signature white and black.

Sumien’s first rule of thumb is to have sofas with slipcovers that can easily be taken off and tossed into the washing machine – the only way to keep white furniture clean.

“Most of my furniture has been with me for a lifetime – these covers are made of linen.

W

hen you arrive at Sumien Brink’s ‘front door’ for the first time, you’d be forgiven for thinking you might be lost. Because the door is in an alley behind the Cape Sun Hotel, and the entrance to what seems like a five-storey office block.

You ring the bell and Sumien opens the door, leading you through a foyer with pink marbled walls to a small lift. And when that lift door opens seconds later on the fourth floor – inside her apartment – you’re pleasantly surprised to be greeted by 200 square metres of fabulous splendour.

Sumien, former editor of décor magazine Visi, lives in an old office building in the heart of the Cape Town city bowl – an entire floor that she has transformed into an apartment with the help of interior designer Etienne Hanekom.

“The most wonderful aspect of my large open-plan apartment is that I can see the entire space the moment the lift door opens,” says Sumien. “Even after almost 10 years of living here, I’m still surprised

every time by the long visual lines that one seldom sees in an ordinary house.”

When she bought the apartment, the floor was completely open, except for a bathroom with three toilets and three basins in a corner.

“I really liked its industrial feel with concrete pillars providing the basic structure. They formed the foundation for my subsequent planning. Etienne advised me to create a clean space with most of the furniture on castors so that all the pieces can be moved around with ease.”

No structural changes were made – two bedrooms were created using corrugated plastic sheets, each with a door that can be closed for privacy.

“When I brought my good friend Birrie le Roux here to come and have a look at the place, I thought the time had come for me to live a totally minimalist life... But I just couldn’t. After a lifetime of working with beautiful things, I’m not yet ready for the ‘one-of-everything’ lifestyle. I’ll always be surrounded by beautiful things.” >>

Their intake of breath when guests first see the open-plan space makes me very happy. – Sumien

Sumien invested in two Gregor Jenkin steel tables that complement the industrial windows. Twelve people can be seated around the long table with ease for one of Sumien’s legendary meals. The plastic chairs are a replica of Philippe Starck’s Masters Chair. The “spider lighting” was Etienne’s way of saving on lighting.

Chairs from Chair Crazy

[ SUMIEN’S TIPS FOR OPEN SPACES ]

• It’s essential to retain the long visual lines – this provides the ‘wow factor’ when people enter the space and everything can be seen at a glance. In a large area such as this, there are usually supporting pillars – I used them as my starting point by positioning cupboards in-between them. In this way, I divided the space in two.

• Furniture shouldn’t be too small. Choose a few attentiongrabbing pieces. In my case, the big green sofa and two Gregor Jenkin tables take the spotlight.

• Similarly, you should have something on the walls that is more than life-size, such as the photos I had printed as wallpaper.

• Oversized items form the backbone of a large space; thereafter, you can start bringing in smaller elements.

• Create ‘islands’ that divide the space in a natural way; for example, seating in front of the TV, a dining area, a place to sit and read, and a kitchen area. >>

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3

Twice as nice

This second living area is a smaller TV lounge; the bedrooms lead off from this space.

Photographs Elsa Young/Bureaux

WHO LIVES HERE? Lisa Storer WHERE Johannesburg

LIVING AREAS

[ DÉCOR AND COLOURS ]

Both spaces are grounded by neutrals with splashes of colour drawn from the surrounding vegetation. “I don’t have a décor style,” says Lisa. “I ‘listen’ to what the room needs and then start with a key furniture piece – everything develops organically from there. I do love to mix antique, mid-century, and modern pieces. Things that shouldn’t work together seem to form an eclectic relationship when chosen with heart.”

CONTACT thestorer.co

T

his modern farmhouse consisting of three barn structures connected by steel, concrete and glass walkways boasts the ultimate living spaces: an open-plan lounge with a high ceiling and a separate cosy TV room.

“I love both spaces equally, but the open-plan living area is for friends, family and entertainment,” says Lisa Storer, owner of bespoke interiors shop The Storer in Kramerville. “We’ve made so many happy memories here.

“I adore the open-plan space for its unconventional colour scheme and late-afternoon naps enjoyed on the oversized leather couch. The TV lounge is for cosy nights spent with family in front of the TV. I also love its white couch; it feels warm and like a cocoon.”

A fireplace with a large chimneybreast is the focal point in both living areas. The home opens up completely in summer and large fireplaces are required to keep the house toasty in winter. “Both are wood-burning; we love the farm-style ambience this creates,” says Lisa. >>

The TV room (above) doubles up as a study and family room; large mirrors were positioned on either side of the desk to reflect light and greenery from the courtyard. The room is also filled with plants to soften the look.

The walls are kept bare to create a clean and quiet space, and to make the most of the lovely surrounding views.

home July 2022 61

LIVING ROOMS

Furniture that works • A leather couch, two armchairs and a pair of upholstered wooden chairs create the perfect seating arrangement in the main lounge.

“Rooms talk to me: the quality of light, size and palette all start a conversation about what’s possible in that space,” explains Lisa.

“It’s about a feeling, not the current trends.

Pieces that in theory shouldn’t work together might surprise you in reality.”

• In the TV lounge (see page 60), a corner couch is the ideal solution for delineating the lounge space from the passage. “Both the TV and fireplace are in close proximity to the couch and if we have the kids’ friends over, the space is large enough to accommodate at least 10 to 12 of them,” says Lisa.

• Lisa firmly believes that storage should be both functional and visually pleasing. “In the main lounge, attractive open-plan storage accommodates wood for the fire, books and heritage pieces,” she explains. “The TV lounge has baskets and cupboards for toys, stationery and blankets.”

62 home July 2022

Lisa designed open steel shelves that flank the fireplace. She was inspired by the room dividers she remembers from the homes she grew up in during the ’70s and ’80s. Most pieces have been custom designed for the home; some are from Lisa’s shop The Storer, while others are heirlooms or market finds.

The main lounge is located in a 19m-long open-plan living space, along with the kitchen and dining area. The doors on the left lead to the scullery and laundry room. The storage in the kitchen consists of a large glass cupboard and open shelves; most items are stored in the pantry out of sight.

STOCKISTS Chair Crazy chaircrazy.co.za Etienne Hanekom etiennehanekom.com, Instagram.com/etiennehanekominteriors Gregor Jenkin gregorjenkin.com Loft Living blockandchisel.co.za Nerf-Af facebook.com/nerfafvintagefrenchshopping Pits Paints pits.co.za Robin Sprong robinsprong.com

Hibiscus Mia table lamp R1 050, Knus

Baskets (set of three) R999, Decofurn

Chelsey four-seater sofa R18 999, @home

Let’s go

shopping!

Marfa felt cluster pendant R2 135, Knus

By Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel

Orman nested coffee table set (90cm D and 60cm D) R10 999, Cielo

Swellendam ottomans (90 x 90cm) R4 750 each, Incanda

Claire Honey throw R899, Volpes

Linen Drawer Harmony pure cotton throw R2 129, Yuppiechef

STOCKISTS @home home.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Cielo cielo.co.za CLM Home clmhome.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za Decofurn decofurnsa.co.za Incanda incanda.co.za Knus knus.co Leroy Merlin leroymerlin.co.za Mr Price Home mrphome.com Sheet Street sheetstreet.com Superbalist superbalist.com Volpes volpes.co.za Woolworths woolworths.co.za Yuppiechef yuppiechef.com

SHOPPING Sixth Floor Petra textured cushion cover (50 x 50cm) R699, Superbalist

EcoDesign wood-burning stove (46.8cm W x 40.9cm D x 85cm H) R18 699, Leroy Merlin

Stripe scatter (50 x 50cm) R299, Woolworths

Indiana slipcover chair in Milly Olive fabric R6 499, Coricraft

Lorena Canals washable cotton Kaarol rug (170 x 240cm) R5 590, CLM Home

Destiny rug in red and natural (120 x 180cm) R1 695, Block & Chisel

Abbey plinth threeseater couch R9 500, Mr Price Home

Nomad tufted scatter (60 x 60cm) R179.99, Sheet Street

Jute pouffe R999.99, Mr Price Home

July 2022

home

65

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GO WITH THE FLOW Grocery Cupboard (610mm wide) R10 850

Sink Unit with Bin (2 100mm wide) R16 008

Dog not for sale!

milestonekitchens2010

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Quick questions Q: Are the scalloped tiles on page 56 of the April 2022 issue also available in Cape Town and where can I find the supplier? – Michele McCreadie, Cape Town A: Tile Space (tilespace.co.za) has a branch at 9 Paarden Eiland Road in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town.

Q: Can you provide me with the code for the charcoal paint listed as Plascon Velvaglo Chromodek Charcoal on page 41 of your February/March 2022 issue?

– Douw Grobler, Kempton Park A: The code is PB=55.000; PD=14.000; PE=20.000; PI=11.500; PK=10.000.

Q: Where can I get turned wooden stools as featured on page 12 of your Bathrooms 2019 issue? – Andrea van Heerden, Cape Town A: We’ve recently seen these stools (they’re sometimes called “root stools”) at Block & Chisel (blockandchisel.co.za) and Design Store (designstore.co.za). You can also look at Decofurn (decofurnsa.co.za) and Weylandts (weylandts.co.za).

Q: What’s the name of the wall colour in the home that took the title in the Mr Price Home Rookie Stylist competition, as featured on page 84 of your April 2022 issue? – Elmari Swart, Johannesburg A: The lovely green colour is Plascon Cape Cliffs.

Visit one of our showrooms Johannesburg 227 Jan Smuts Avenue Parktown North 011 447 3149 Centurion 15 Coachmen’s Park, 26 Jakaranda Street Hennopspark 012 653 6808 Cape Town Eagle Park, Computer Road, Montague Gardens 021 555 1034

Manufacturers of Distinctive Decorative Coatings www.cemcrete.co.za

0860 CEMCRETE

enquiry@cemcrete.co.za

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PROMOTION

KEEP WARM AND D COSY Y WITH

ISOBOARD B A

Improve your home’s insulation with energy-efficient IsoBoard.

Practical and stylish

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.

u nw 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-andgroove 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 30–80mm and lengths up to 8m to .

IsoBoard is easy to install; watch the video at news24.com/home.

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, capestores@isoboard.com DURBAN 031 569 1800, dbnsales@isoboard.com PRETORIA 012 653 8204, northsales@isoboard.com

COMPETITION

Bigger and better!

ROOKIE STYLIST 2022

This year we’re taking the competition to a whole new level – if you’re the winner, your space will be featured on the cover of Home !

T

op honours and a cover?

Indeed! In this year’s popular Rookie Stylist competition in partnership with Mr Price Home, the overall winner will not only receive a Mr Price Home voucher valued at R15 000, but will also get a professional photoshoot done by the Home team that will be featured on the cover of SA’s best-selling décor and gardening magazine.

How cool is that?

Since we launched the Rookie Stylist competition in 2019, thousands of house-proud Home readers and Mr Price Home shoppers have flocked to ‘the Gram’ to share their spaces with

fellow South African décor enthusiasts – but in year four we thought we’d shake things up a bit, and the heat is on!

It’s no secret that we’re passionate about all things beautiful and love to celebrate the ways in which South Africans decorate their spaces, as does the team at Mr Price Home.

Every week, one lucky entrant will win a Mr Price Home voucher worth R2 000 (the recipient will be selected by the Home team) and, ultimately, the overall winner and Rookie Stylist for 2022 will receive a R15 000 Mr Price Home voucher to spend on whatever tickles their fancy. The overall winner will also be chosen by the Home team. Come on, show us what you’ve got...

ENTER !

N I W D AN Jolindi van der Merwe was the overall winner of last year’s competition. Her entire home was featured in our April 2022 issue.

If you missed it, find it online at news24.com/home.

78 home July 2022

HOW IT WORKS Take a photo of your favourite space in your home, using your cellphone (take it in natural light for best results). Do a close-up or step back for a wide-angle shot. You could choose an entire room, a stoep, a focal wall, shelf or bed – anything goes, as long as it’s pretty and styled to your satisfaction.

Upload this picture to your Instagram account. If you don’t have an account, create one by downloading the app in the Apple app store or on Google Play.

Write a short caption; add the hashtag #mrpricehomerookiestylist2022; also tag @mrp_home and @tuishomemag – and off you go!

The competition closes at midnight on 19 June 2022.

1

2 3

ADVICE

Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za

Karoo blues COOL

By Marlene Malan Photographs Greg Cox

Thanks to experience gained from a previous renovation, the Johnsons were able to convert their old storeroom into a gorgeous garden cottage.

80 home July 2022

THE STOEP

The stoep of the garden cottage is lovely and warm in winter, while in summer the roof provides muchneeded shade. The bench with the comfy seat cushion is made from a palette; it has legs attached and was used as a coffee table at the Johnsons’ wedding. The wooden table was part of an outdoor furniture set that the Johnsons bought on Gumtree. The sour fig (Carpobrotus edulis) in the foreground grows extremely well in the Karoo and produces the most beautiful pink blooms in spring; it grows quickly, even from cuttings, and it’s hardy and waterwise.

Windows and patio doors from Swartland Bouhandel; metal chairs from Decofurn; seat cushion covered with fabric from Fabric City; stoep lights from Builders; white scatter cushions from Mr Price Home; lantern and white planter on table from Checkers

THE HOMEOWNERS Jeani and Jean Johnson with their daughter, Milan WHERE Beaufort West SIZE 8 x 7m + stoep of 3 x 7m

Paint colour

Duram Wall & Ceiling Spring Rain

KITCHEN

Here, the Johnsons borrowed ideas from their builder Louis Botha, who had constructed similar kitchens for a self-catering lodge.

“We loved the durability, as well as the clean, fresh look. We aren’t experts in cement and concrete, so we left the project to him, as well as the screeding of the cement floor,” says Jeani. The kitchen tabletop is made of planks that were salvaged from the old storeroom. Jean sanded and varnished them, while a friend helped with the welding of the hairpin legs. >> Chairs from Decofurn; blue-and-white coffee mugs from Woolworths; fruit bowl from Wonki Ware; tea towels from Barrydale Weavers

ADVICE

W

Paint colour

hen Jeani Johnson followed her husband to his heartland, the Karoo, at the end of 2017, it was literally with all her belongings and figuratively with her city-inspired décor ideas.

“After his studies in the Boland, Jean had to return to Beaufort West to help run his family’s butchery and meat-processing plant,” says Jeani. “We always knew we were going to live there, so we bought a house in town. We refurbished it together, but my contribution was made over the phone from Green Point.”

Two years ago in 2019, the couple got stuck into another collaborative project. Their sights were set on the small run-down storeroom in their back garden. Plan A was to turn it into a home office but they soon realised it had greater potential as a guest cottage. Plan B prevailed, not only to serve as a stopover for family and friends, but also as a rental on Airbnb.

And thus the idea for Karoo Blue was born: a comfortable open-plan cottage with a kitchen, dining room, lounge and bedroom en suite.

Duram Roofkote Anthracite

Teamwork

“It was a small, elongated storeroom with an outside loo and a sloping roof,” says Jeani. “That’s where the bedroom and bathroom are today. We broke out a few small windows, closed up the loo door and broke through walls to create the main door and a large window. After that, we built on a rectangular area of the same size in the front to house a kitchen and lounge.”

The structure, now double its original size, then received a pitched roof.

While Jean managed the renovation and construction, Jeani was in charge of the design and interior. “I created moodboards for each space, then went on the hunt for everything from the taps to the lights, from the bedding to tea towels – anything that would make the picture in my head a reality. Jean helped with the demolishing and breaking out of walls and oversaw the construction.

“He’s always on the lookout for something we can repurpose,” says Jeani. “Neither of us is shy to pick up a paintbrush or a drill – he usually does the drilling and I do the painting.”

The renovation of the main house taught the pair plenty of useful lessons, says Jeani. “Fortunately, we work well together.

Our style and tastes are also pretty similar, which helps a lot.

We can trust each other’s choices.”

Jeani reckons her creative ideas come from her mother, Joy Louw. “She’s very artistic and exposed me and my sisters to different art forms from an early age. Ever since, I’ve loved decorating spaces.” >> Jeani bought the wall tiles (right) long before this renovation project simply because she loved them. She knew she would be able to use them somewhere one day!

Wall tiles from CTM; melamine cupboard doors in the colour Storm Grey and shelf from Timbercity; basin and taps from Builders and Bathroom Bizarre; salt and pepper mills and navyblue cutlery container from Le Creuset; blue-and-white coffee mugs from Woolworths; blue pot with arum lily from Poetry; round rug from Mr Price Home; small book holder from The Crazy Store

82 home July 2022

LOUNGE

The cool blue-grey wallpaper in the living area (above) is a nod to the name of the couple’s Airbnb accommodation, Karoo Blue.

Jeani has had the cane chair since she was a teenager and the sofa was part of a set in a local dentist’s waiting room; Jean’s mom, Benita, snapped it up when the dentist moved.

GLASS PANEL

The Johnsons realised that a wall between the living area and bedroom would make the latter very dark. Jean designed and had this partition made locally. Now the glass allows light to stream in and also creates a focal point. Different floor coverings help to distinguish the spaces from each other.

The cement floor in the living area is earthy, durable and ideal for this part of the cottage which withstands the most foot traffic.

Floor lamp, cream and grey scatter cushions from Mr Price Home; wire side table from Stilbaai Verspreiders; floral cushion from Coricraft; throw on couch from Sheet Street; blue-andwhite wall plates are heirlooms, homemade and from Checkers

Blinds by Arno Lotz; wooden bench from Baie Bargains Antiques; wood-look floor tiles were left over from a previous project, purchased long ago from Malls Tiles; blanket from The Cotton Company

BEDROOM

Jeani came across the mustard-yellow headboard (above left) in a second-hand shop in town at the bargain price of R250 and decided it would become the accent colour in the garden cottage. Since the rooms enjoy a continuous flow with each other, the Johnsons decided on a uniform colour scheme. “Guests are usually tired when they arrive here, so we didn’t want to create a cluttered space but rather one that feels serene.” Jeani bought the white wardrobe from a guesthouse in town that was closing its doors.

Headboard from Iets vir Iets; yellow scatters, plant and plant basket from Mr Price Home; white bedding from Woolworths; cream-coloured wool blanket from Hinterveld; grey pendant lights and wooden shelves on either side of the bed from Builders BATHROOM

The bathroom (above and left) creates a fresh contrast to the darker bedroom and living area. White was a practical choice as it made the small bathroom feel light and spacious; the tiles repeat the blue-and-grey palette.

Jean rescued a door from the old storeroom and converted it into a sliding door for the new bathroom. The simple frameless mirror blends in well with the wall. >> Glossy White Subway ceramic wall tiles, Satinato Cloud Blend Mosaic shower floor tiles and Mediterraneo Blue Ceramic bathroom floor tiles from Tile Africa; mirror from CTM; basket from Checkers; battery-powered lamp from OK Grocer; basin and taps from Builders and Bathroom Bizarre; shower door and glass panels from PG Glass; towel from The Cotton Company

PROMOTION

Luxury for less

Anyone can get that hotel feel at home with Room Service. Their quality bedding is affordable; plus, it’s locally made. They also offer a décor range that will add a touch of simple sophistication to your look.

GET THE LOOK

Items such as this super-soft diamond throw (R325) and silver leaf reed diffuser (R185) add interest to your space.

White and neutral shades create a sophisticated and tranquil space – ideal for a bedroom. The different textures of the white microfibre embossed quilt (R399) and super-soft acrylic throw in stone (R325) add a touch of warmth.

Quilted mattress protectors (single to super king; from R189.75 to R287.50); pillow protectors are available in standard (R58.65) and king (R74.75)

100% cotton 200 thread count duvet cover set (single to super king; from R397 to R750); fitted sheets (single to super king; from R206 to R293)

Microfibre duvet (8 tog) inners (single to super king; from R500 to R920); pillow inners are available in standard (R139) and king (R192)

All seasons 5- and 8-tog microfibre duvet inner (double to super king; from R995 to R1 550)

Visit www.roomservicehomeware.co.za or call us on 021 933 9824 for more information.

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PROMOTION

KAROO ADVENTURE!

Strydenburg, Britstown... For Home’s Karoo edition our creative team covered 1 800 km from Cape Town in a Ford Ranger Raptor SE. Here’s Marian van Wyk’s peek behind the scenes.

‘P

lease, just don’t cry,” says Greg Cox at the fork in the double-track farm road where neither of us can quite remember which way to turn...

I bristle. “You know I only cry over animals that suffer,” I growl at the photographer with whom I’ve shared several pecks of salt over the past 12 years. The sun has long gone, cellphone reception too, and the full-bodied moon hangs over the Therons’ farm outside Strydenburg.

I pull myself together and examine the veld behind us on the screen of the navigation system before I return for a third time to the double-track road – but not before engaging low range with a turn of the dial next to the gear shifter. The ingenious terrain-management system is much easier to work with than the scratchy gearbox of the vintage 4x4 I grew up with.

It’s day two on the road, and three days since the big rains coloured the entire landscape green. The fork in the double-track farm road definitely wasn’t here yesterday – and on the far side of Britstown, Jan Sauer Lambrechts and his braai fire await our arrival in vain.

Half an hour later, we’re back on track and I can let Jan Sauer know we’re hopelessly late. The puddles we navigated yesterday are still deep – just like the tracks of our Ranger. But tonight the pools

are gleaming dark and ominously in the moonlight.

The days on the road are long, and the workdays even longer, which is why I have rules for road trips such as these. Number one: no long faces (I nearly broke that one with my slump at the fork in the road!). Two: work hard, play harder (this we manage well).

Three: travel comfortably and stress-free with the right tyres and ground clearance (here’s where the Ranger comes into the picture).

That’s why I happily dropped Greg off with his camera at the largest mud pool we could find so he could shoot some fun pictures of our swanky ride.

“Faster! More mud! Now through the middle of the pool!” Greg would direct. And we’d shriek with delight.

Back to the present and the dark N12 to Britstown. Thanks to a automatic 10-speed gearbox, the tension of the double-track road is soon forgotten. The 157 kW 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine is powerful and I’m grateful for the light of the full moon and the reliable all-terrain tyres.

It’s 21:30 when we pull in at Jan Sauer’s guest farm, where we’re spending the night. The Ranger was a dream on the muddy roads.

As I lift my tired body out of the leather seats, I spot a bakkie in the parking space next to ours. It also looks like a mud monster, but there is a difference. Our Ranger doesn’t have a flat tyre.

The Ford Ranger Raptor SE is built for high-speed off-road driving and in its wide ‘takkies’ stands 51mm taller than the standard model. General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres keep us on track on loose surfaces. The world is wet but our equipment and luggage remain bone dry, thanks to the sturdy lockable roller shutter on the back.

The interior is just as sporty as the bodywork. The clouds on the far side of the Huguenot tunnel make us wonder whether we’ll be able to take pictures.

I don’t leave home without my ‘MacGyver bag’, which has everything from a multi-tool to cut-resistant gloves.

We always hit the brakes for a prickly pear bush.

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Photograph Life is a Garden

CROSSWORD #160

of four NB Publishers books worth R208 could be yours.

WIN! One Real estate entrepreneur Zamantungwa Khumalo bought two properties for her 27 birthday: one near th

a university where her mother wanted to study a BSc, the other in a town in which her grandmother was a domestic worker. These were a reminder that Zama was living her mother’s and grandmother’s wildest dreams. However, she was surprised when she realised she had to pay four different lawyers. Drawing from her experience, she offers advice on what to look out for when viewing property, questions to ask, and much more. Zama takes the reader on her journey as a young, black female property investor in South Africa. Hers is a book you can turn to as you begin your own investigation into the property world. The first four readers whose correctly completed crosswords are drawn will each win a copy of Buy Your First Home, Build Your Wealth: A Practical Guide worth R208.

Send the completed crossword, and your details, to Home Crossword #160, PO Box 1802, Cape Town or scan in your completed crossword and email it to competition@homemag.co.za to reach us by 14 July 2022. See our competition rules on page 136.

Name ............................................................................. Address ..........................................................................................................................

Postal code .................. Cell .............................................. Tel. (w) ............................................. Email .........................................................

98 home July 2022

Note The solution to Crossword #158 is online at news24.com/home.

WHO LIVES HERE? Johan Lubbe and his two Italian Greyhounds, Thomas and Lilly WHERE Prince Albert in the Great Karoo SIZE OF GARDEN 2 600m2

A surprise in the Karoo

Two years after the first sod was turned, guests find solace in this lush, colourful oasis – despite the obstacles presented by an arid environment.

By Marlene Malan Photographs Amora Erasmus

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READER GARDEN A sea of colour, brimming beds and carefully planned ‘order’ are the hallmarks of the back garden. Johan kept the hardy thorn trees for the shelter they provide; a myriad shade-loving plants thrive beneath them. Salvia, edible artichokes, hollyhocks and ‘Iceberg’ roses attest to a garden designer who knows how to colour-in the Karoo soil. On the street side (inset) a greater sense of formality is evident as you enter the garden gate.

I

f you’ve lived and worked for 40 years in Cape Town’s Kloof Street, snug against Table Mountain, it takes courage to transplant yourself – and to the Great Karoo no less, where ‘drought’ and ‘water shortage’ have been the watchwords for years.

That’s exactly what Johan Lubbe did five years ago. But it’s only now that his garden at ‘81 on Church’ in Prince Albert is starting to reach its full potential. “And some of the plants are not even fully grown yet… We’ll talk again in a year’s time,” he says proudly.

We’re taking a stroll with Johan through his rather expansive slice of heaven that stretches from the main road, Church Street, to Market Street, parallel to it. We stop often because he firmly believes that “a garden is there to be enjoyed; it’s the reason why we have one”.

Your first impression of the front garden from the street is of a neat space with more formal lines. But at the back of the house, which forms both Johan’s residence and a guesthouse, the garden appears to your untrained eye to be a real English cottage garden. However, it soon becomes clear that it was planned to ingeniously blend with its Karoo surroundings, and that each bed and every corner has been carefully curated – whether it be utilising shaded areas, concealing a boundary fence, softening sunny spots or creating veggie patches in hidden nooks – often simply in-between the flowers.

Bougainvilleas, a distinctive feature in Prince Albert, add colour to the front stoep at 81 on Church.

A grapevine-covered pergola provides dappled shade for a row of colourful lobelias.

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A new chapter

You’ll be forgiven for thinking that Johan acquired this established garden with the house, but that was not the case. With the exception of a few trees, he planned and replanted virtually everything from scratch. “That was in October 2020 when the renovations to the house were completed. While there were still builders on the property, it was impossible to create a garden.”

Johan fell in love with Prince Albert many years ago. “I first came here in 2000 on my way to the Eastern Cape where my parents and other family farm. I stopped over here about four times a year and always stayed at 81 on Church.”

When the guesthouse came onto the market in 2017, he called the owner. “I have a buyer for you,” he said. “It’s me.”

His time as a hairdresser with his own business in Cape Town was drawing to a close, he says. “I was ready for something new.

After 40 years in the profession, it was time to move on.”

He didn’t have much of a clue about gardening or running a guesthouse. “My house and garden in Cape Town together covered about 400 square metres, so there was no garden to speak of. But I was also old enough to know that there are few things I cannot learn or research. This place now has – in addition to my own living unit – six bedrooms, all en suite, and two units outside with their own kitchenettes. Each one looks out onto its own garden nook.”

Tasteful accommodation and a stylish garden are his way of making guests feel at home, says Johan. “Guesthouse owners don’t have to entertain their guests. No one’s here to visit me. I’m just the innkeeper... But this innkeeper must also make the accommodation as pleasant as possible. Three elements are vital: good bedding, hot water and a beautiful environment.”

The garden plays a huge role in the latter. “It’s a haven of peace and quiet, where people linger a little longer because there is something gorgeous to look at outside, or they can sit and read, or relax by the pool. And I know that my friends who come here are quality friends who want to spend quality time here.” >>

The first structure Johan created in his back garden was two intersecting garden paths.

Sunflowers thrive in the Great Karoo, but you’ll also find veggies such as red cabbage, green cabbage, beans and pumpkin in among the flowering plants.

Plants from Karoo Tuin Kwekery, Swan’s Hardware and friends

Penstemon

Karoo gardeners are fond of using stones for footpaths, but I want to be able to walk barefoot. I’ve dubbed my garden with its paved pathways ‘foot-friendly’. – Johan

A few of the 45 rose bushes that Johan was gifted by a fellow gardener flank the pathway leading from the main house to the guest suites at the back of the property. Cape honeysuckle adorns the pergola.

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READER GARDEN

The only patch of lawn in the spacious garden is next to the pool. In the background is the pool house that Johan built for guests who seek out its coolness on hot Karoo days. He is particularly proud of his masses of white roses, all ‘orphans’ from another Prince Albert garden. >>

READER GARDEN

Every drop counts

Like the many nooks and squared-off areas in this expansive garden, this arch helps to create the sense of garden ‘rooms’.

After the house renovations and additions were completed, it was time to tackle the huge garden. “It was lovely, but a bit chaotic as it was so overgrown. I first visualised what I wanted – my idea was that your eye should perceive a tranquil environment that wasn’t disconcerting.

“I demolished the stone walls all along the pathways and immediately created two intersecting walkway axes. It was my first piece of structure, my own stamp on the place,” says Johan.

A major benefit of the property was its access to leiwater, but this luxury would not have meant much if the water was not wisely and judiciously used. “Water management in the Karoo is of the utmost importance. The town has been through seven years of drought so water will always be an issue.”

Johan had a computerised irrigation system installed, with nozzles imported from Israel that ensure optimal irrigation. “It doesn’t help if you water your garden and a large percentage is lost due to evaporation. Efficient watering is everything. I also replaced the old leidam with a corrugated iron dam that I had brought in from Schweizer-Reneke. It has a roof over it so not a drop goes to waste.”

Other than the irrigation system, soil preparation was key. “You can forget about having a decent garden if your soil gets no attention.

I had 3 500 bags of compost worked into the soil.” Johan does most of the work himself but is ably assisted by John Moffat, who comes in twice a week to ensure everything is kept neat and tidy.

Cheerful order

A few established trees in the garden were a huge plus: olive, guava and thorn trees create focal points and provide shelter from the sun for the shade-loving plants beneath.

“For me, a garden is a success when kids feel as if they can get a little lost there – but in a safe way. And then afterwards they come and tell you stories about what they’ve encountered. You’ll be amazed at how a garden can inspire a kid’s imagination. Now I know – when guests arrive here with kids and they immediately ask for the WiFi password, I tell them to take a walk outside first.”

In addition to the path axes, Johan’s ‘order in the cheerfulness’ has been created by means of substantial plantings along these pathways – Cape honeysuckle as a climber, rose bushes and Australian brush cherries. A collection of pots filled with colourful flowering plants strategically placed throughout the garden enhances this sense of order. “The pots provide height and contribute to the neat look.”

Johan removed the succulents in front of the house and planted water lilies in two newly built troughs. A grapevine by the sliding door at the back of the main house will soon provide shade over a new pergola – the perfect spot for Johan to serve delicious meals for guests at a long table.

Pops of colour were added in the form of purple and white wisterias, as well as 45 rose bushes gifted by one of the locals.

“I’d searched for a white wisteria for a long time, and the roses are very happy in their new home! For the rest, I simply followed my gut, begging cuttings wherever I went. I also bought seeds and sprinkled handfuls of them on well-prepared beds – these include salvias, cosmos and poppies. Once you have those flowers in your garden, they’re there to stay.”

Just as he is. “I knew I had to settle down in a place where I could grow old.”

106 home July 2022

Potted plants soften the harsh lines of the house.

Thomas, one of Johan’s two Italian Greyhounds, is equally at home in his owner’s spacious garden.

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SUCCULENT EXPERT

Anton’s to plant family

By Marié Brody • Photographs Greg Cox Production Marian van Zyl

Although there are thousands of cactus and succulent species in his collection, this grower knows each one by name.

WHO Anton Bouwer WHERE Graaff-Reinet

Lobivia sp.

July 2022

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Notocactus uebelmannianus

Cephalocereus senilis

Cotyledon sp.

Agave titanota

F

Echeveria derenbergii

rom an early age, cactus and succulent grower Anton Bouwer of the Karoo has had an affinity for these plants.

“I grew up in my dad Johan’s nursery in Graaff-Reinet. I was exposed to many cactus and succulent species and I loved helping him in the nursery. From a young age, I was fascinated by the shapes and architecture of certain plants. My very first favourite plant was Pelecyphora aselliformis, and it’s still at the top of my list today,” says Anton.

In 1999, Anton set up Obesa Wholesale Nursery. What started as a hobby and passion grew by thousands of different species and a few million plants into one of the world’s largest privately owned cactus and succulent nurseries.

“I have since closed the nursery but enthusiasts can still order plants online and visit the cactus and succulent garden and greenhouses, which contain about 7 000 species. There’s a labyrinth in the garden with a variety of plants that visitors can meander through. We also have rare and protected species on display but they’re not for sale. About 80% of the stock is available for visitors to buy; the rest is kept for conservation and propagation purposes,” he explains.

Anton is passionate about his huge collection of plants. “In a way, they’re like my kids.

And even though I have hundreds of the same species, they are still all individuals to me and I can tell them apart. Each and every one of them is beautiful and interesting.”

Cactuses and succulents are easy to grow in your own garden, provided they get enough sun, the soil drains well and the climate is right for the species you have selected. Although these plants require little water, some will also thrive in higher rainfall areas. >>

Mammillaria bocasana

Echinocereus knippelianus

SUCCULENT EXPERT

Ferocactus stainesii var. pilosus

Anton’s favourite

Pelecyphora aselliformis July 2022

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Mammillaria sp.

Ferocactus nobilis

Mammillaria hahniana

Notocactus mammulosus

Espostoa lanata

Mammillaria sp.

Trichocereus terscheckii

Echinopsis sp.

Lophophora williamsii

SUCCULENT EXPERT Visitors strolling through this labyrinth can admire the interesting architecture of the plants. Some of the cactuses and succulents also produce gorgeous blooms in different colours and shapes, while others have medicinal benefits.

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Mammillaria elongata ‘Cristata’

Quiver tree (Aloe dichotomum)

Growing tips

With climate change and water a scarce resource, xerophytes such as succulents and cactuses, that can survive on very little water, are a popular choice. Most species are low-maintenance and grow easily, especially if the rainfall is sufficient. Many are also frost-hardy. Follow Anton’s advice…

1

GROWTH MEDIUM In order to grow these waterwise plants successfully, you must use the right growth medium and ensure it has good drainage.

Although each species requires a specific growth medium, gardeners can create their own, and most succulents and cactuses will grow in it with great success.

I use a mixture of four equal parts compost, coarse sand, fine sand and ordinary garden soil and mix them together well. Plaster sand can be used as fine sand and river sand as coarse sand.

SUNLIGHT The right amount of sunlight is vital: some plants require more and others less. In a less hardy climate, 95% of the plants can handle full

2

sun; however, you’d be surprised how many plants also grow well in semi-shade or filtered sunlight. Since it is important that a plant is grown in the right spot from the get-go, you must check your new plant’s preference when you buy it.

The plant will soon show if it is not happy by means of discolouration. If it turns yellow, something is wrong – it is either getting too much sun and is getting scorched, or it needs more sunlight.

Move it to a more suitable spot.

WATER Although these plants require little water and the amount they need varies from species to species, most are highly adaptable; some even do well in areas with higher rainfall. I let the plant

3

guide me and only water when it is evident that it is thirsty. The soil should be dry before watering again; drier periods give the roots a chance to ‘breathe’. If the soil stays too wet, the plant may perish.

Most species only need water during the growing season – mainly spring and summer. It is not necessary to water at all during their dormant phase. Before you buy a species, make sure you know its water requirements. A species that grows naturally in arid regions will definitely not thrive in a high rainfall area. Opt for plants that can adapt to the amount of rainfall that occurs naturally in your region, or plant them in pots and move them to a drier spot during the rainy season.

SUCCULENT EXPERT

Lophocereus schottii var. monstrosus

Euphorbia sp.

If you don’t want to get thorns in your fingers, use two pieces of polystyrene when handling cactuses! – Anton

4

NUTRITION Cactuses and succulents don’t really need to be fertilised but respond well when they are given plant food. The best option is Nitrosol – apply it about every three weeks during the growing season according to the instructions on the container.

IN A POT These plants do well in pots. Since pots dry out quicker, they are ideal for water-sensitive species.

Make sure the pot drains well by adding a layer of stones at the bottom; then fill two-thirds of the pot with your growth medium. Unglazed terracotta pots work best because the soil dries out quicker than in glazed pots.

5

6

PLANT CHOICE Choose species that suit the climate and look of your garden. Consider water needs and group together those that need less water and those that require more water. I plant cactuses, succulents and softer plants such as Clivia, agapanthus or other common garden plants together. With a little imagination and planning, you can combine almost any plants and they’ll look great. Echeverias and Crassulas are popular plants that are easy to start with.

The will make a lovely display in filtered sunlight. Most aloes and cactuses are extremely hardy and prefer full sun, so they are a good choice for a hot garden.

7

MULTIPLY YOUR PLANTS Succulents and cactuses can be propagated from seeds, stem or root cuttings, and offsets that form on the mother plant. I prefer seeds; all plants produce seeds at one time or another. Planting time depends on the species’ growing season. Most are summergrowing, with October to March the optimal planting and sowing period. Winter-growing species should be sown in the colder months. Dip new cuttings in a hormone rooting powder such as Dynaroot and wait 2–3 three days for them to dry out before putting in soil. Once the cutting has formed sufficient roots and is strong enough, plant it in a larger pot or in the garden.

CONTACT 079 496 8067, anton@obesanursery.com July 2022

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There’s nothing like a hearty stew to ward off the winter chills.

At a

SLOW

SIMMER

By Johané Neilson Photographs Greg Cox

LEMON AND TURMERIC CHICKEN WITH SPINACH Recipe on page 119

FOOD

Kitchen linen from Mungo (mungo.co.za)

STEWS

RED LENTIL DHAL WITH COCONUT MILK Recipe on page 119

July 2022

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FOOD

STEWS

AROMATIC BEEF STEW WITH CORIANDER DUMPLINGS Recipe on page 125

118 home July 2022

Lemon and turmeric chicken with spinach

This colourful stew doesn’t need an additional starch but the sauce goes really well with steamed rice.

Makes 4 generous servings Preparation: 25 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour • 30ml olive oil • 60ml butter • 4 chicken drumsticks and 4 thighs, skin removed • 1 bunch spinach, veins and leaves separate • 1 red onion, chopped • 2cm fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 5ml each ground cumin and coriander • 10ml turmeric • 3ml ground cinnamon • 12 baby potatoes, halved • 1 tin (400g) chickpeas, drained • about 500ml chicken stock • 1 lemon • Greek yoghurt, to serve (optional)

1 Heat the oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pot and fry the chicken until golden-brown all over. Season generously with salt and black pepper and set aside.

2 Finely chop the veins of the spinach (they have the same texture as celery and add wonderful body to the dish) and fry with the onion in the same pan until glossy. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for a few more minutes until the vegetables start to brown.

3 Stir in the spices and potatoes and stir-fry until well mixed.

Spoon the chicken back into the pot and add the chickpeas and stock. Simmer gently for about 45 minutes or until the chicken and potatoes are tender.

4 Chop the spinach leaves and stir in. Grate the lemon zest over and simmer for another 5 minutes or until the spinach has wilted. Season to taste with the juice of the lemon. Serve with steamed rice and, if you like, a dollop of Greek yoghurt.

Flavoursome, aromatic comfort food in a bowl!

Red lentil dhal with coconut milk

This recipe was adapted from Lucy Tweed’s new cookbook, Every Night of the Week. Served with pumpkin, sambals and parathas, dhal is the perfect stew, but without them and diluted with a little extra stock, it can be eaten like a soup.

Serves 4–6, depending on the number of side dishes Preparation: 30 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

30ml olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2cm fresh ginger, peeled and grated 5ml mustard seeds 1 red chilli, chopped 10ml mild curry powder 10ml turmeric 15ml garam masala a sprig of curry leaves 375ml red lentils, soaked in cold water for 3 hours 500ml boiling water 500g pumpkin slices, peeled and seeded 15ml olive oil 1 tin (400g) cherry tomatoes 1 tin (400ml) coconut milk 30ml butter 12 curry leaves coconut, green chilli, onion flakes and plain yoghurt, to serve

1 Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté the onions, garlic, ginger, mustard seeds and red chilli together for about 5 minutes until the onions start to turn brown. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, masala and curry leaves and stir-fry until everything is mixed. Add the drained lentils and boiling water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer with the lid on for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are cooked and tender.

2 Preheat the oven. Mix the pumpkin slices with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and spread in a single layer on a baking tray.

Bake for about 30 minutes. Turn the slices over and roast for another 5–10 minutes until golden-brown and cooked through.

This step is optional, but adds to the flavour of the meal.

3 Stir the tomatoes and coconut milk into the dhal and simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes. Melt the butter in a pan and fry the curry leaves for a minute or two. The leaves become crispy and flavour the butter (keep the heat low so that the leaves don’t scorch). Check the seasoning of the dhal, then drizzle the curry leaf butter on top. Serve with the sliced pumpkin. Optional extras include coconut shavings, crispy fried onion flakes, chopped green chillies, plain yoghurt and, of course, rotis or parathas for dipping in the curry! >>

FOOD

STEWS

Osso buco is traditionally made with veal; this version with beef has more body and flavour and it goes perfectly with polenta, samp or saffron risotto. – Johané

OSSO BUCO-INSPIRED BEEF SHIN

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Osso buco-inspired beef shin Serves 8 • Preparation: 35 minutes Cooking time: 3½ hours • Oven temperature: 160°C • 8 pieces beef shin (about 1.8kg; ask your butcher for smaller pieces) • about 80ml cake flour • 80ml olive oil • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and finely chopped • 2 long celery stalks, finely chopped • 30ml tomato paste • 4 garlic cloves, chopped • 250ml dry white wine • 1 tin (400g) plum tomatoes, mashed • 3 bay leaves • about 750ml beef stock • Parmesan shavings, to serve GREMOLATA • 30ml freshly grated lemon zest • 125ml chopped flat-leaf parsley • small bunch basil (optional) • sprig of rosemary, leaves stripped • 3 plump garlic cloves, very finely chopped

1 Roll the meat in the flour, shake off any excess flour and season well with salt and black pepper. Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot and fry the meat in batches until golden-brown all over; top up the oil as needed.

2 Preheat the oven. Sauté the onion, carrots and celery until fragrant.

Stir in the tomato paste and garlic and fry for a few more minutes. Stir in the wine and scrape off any brown bits on the bottom of the pot. Now arrange the meat on top of the vegetable mixture in the pot, add the tomatoes and bay leaves and finally the stock. Make sure the meat is covered, put the lid on and bake for 3 hours.

3 Mix all the gremolata ingredients. Remove the pot with the cooked stew from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the gremolata on top and serve with the Parmesan and a starch of your choice.

Tips • If the stew sauce looks a little thin to you, carefully scoop out the meat with a slotted spoon and reduce the sauce (with the gremolata in it) to a thicker consistency before spooning the meat back into it.

• The marrow bones form a rich layer of fat on top of the stew.

If it’s too rich for you, precook the stew and refrigerate it overnight so that it’s easy to skim off the fat.

Saffron risotto

Serves 6 as a side dish • Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes • • • • • •

15ml each butter and olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and diced 1 celery stalk, diced 325ml arborio rice 125ml dry white wine

• about 1L hot chicken stock • 3ml saffron threads, soaked in a little stock • an extra knob of butter • 125ml grated Parmesan (optional, see step 4)

1 Heat the butter and olive oil together in a medium-sized pot and sauté the onion, carrot and celery until soft and glossy – the carrot must be cooked through, so no less than 10 minutes.

2 Add the rice and stir until coated with oil. Add the white wine to the rice and cook until almost all the wine has reduced.

3 Stir the stock into the rice, a spoonful at a time, stirring occasionally until the rice has absorbed all the liquid (about 25 minutes). When the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the soaked saffron with the last spoonful of stock.

Check the cooking instructions on your risotto rice packet and adjust the time accordingly (and to your taste).

4 Stir the extra knob of butter into the cooked rice and check if it’s salty enough (stock differs). If the risotto is a main course, stir in the cheese. If you’re serving it with the osso buco, which already has cheese in the recipe, rather don’t add any.

Serve the risotto immediately. >>

Arborio rice flavoured with white wine, saffron, butter and Parmesan makes for a rich, creamy side dish with a stew or a delicious vegetarian main course; simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock.

FOOD

STEWS

Pork stew with Thai 7 spice

This spice mixture with flavours of coriander, turmeric, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, fennel, bay, pepper and/or cardamom is a convenient shortcut ingredient if you don’t want to mix spices yourself.

Makes 4 generous servings • Preparation: 20 minutes • Cooking time: 2 hours • 30ml each butter and olive oil • 800g pork neck, cut into 2cm cubes • about 15ml cornflour • 2 red onions, halved and thinly sliced • 3 garlic cloves, chopped • 2cm fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 10ml Thai 7 spice • 60ml sherry • 60ml light soy sauce • chopped fresh red chilli, to taste • egg fried rice, peas and bean sprouts, to serve

1 Heat the butter and oil together. Roll the meat in the cornflour, season with salt and fry until golden-brown. Remove from the pan, add another dash of oil if necessary and sauté the onion until translucent. Stir in the garlic, ginger and spices and fry for another minute or two.

2 Add the sherry to the pan and simmer until almost reduced. Scrape off the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Spoon the meat back, add about 250ml lukewarm water and simmer over low heat for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the meat is tender and the sauce is lush in texture.

Stir occasionally. Season the sauce with the soy, making sure the sauce is thick enough (you can scoop out the meat and reduce the sauce slightly if preferred). Sprinkle the chilli over and serve with the rice and vegetables.

Samp, beans and lamb bredie The tomato bredie and samp can be served separately but cooked together like this, they are oh so delicious!

Serves 4–6 Preparation: 30 minutes, plus soaking time overnight Cooking time: 3 hours • 250ml samp, soaked in cold water overnight • 250ml speckled beans, soaked in cold water overnight • 30ml olive oil • 1.2kg stewing lamb (we used ribs and shank) • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 1 green pepper, chopped • 1 bay leaf

• 6 baby onions, peeled and halved • 240g tomato purée • 1 green chilli, chopped • 5ml mild curry powder • pinch of sugar • 1 star anise • 15ml garam masala • about 250ml meat stock

1 Heat the oil in a pot and fry the lamb in batches until goldenbrown. Season generously with salt and white pepper to taste.

Add the garlic, green pepper, bay leaf and onions and continue to fry until the onions are fragrant. Stir in the tomato purée, chilli, curry powder, sugar, star anise and garam masala and mix through. Finally, add the stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat; simmer with the lid on for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Tip Keep an eye on the meat to make sure it stays covered with sauce; add a little boiling water if necessary. Larger pieces of lamb may take longer to become tender – use your judgment and adjust the cooking time.

2 Drain the samp and beans. Place in a large pot, cover with water and boil for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until almost soft (about as long as it takes the meat to cook).

3 Drain the samp and beans and stir them into the meat pot.

Cook together for another 30 minutes, uncovered, until all the flavours have infused and the meat is tender. >>

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PORK STEW WITH THAI 7 SPICE

SAMP, BEANS AND LAMB BREDIE

CREAMY CHICKEN AND MUSHROOM STEW

STEWS

Creamy chicken and mushroom stew

Chicken fricassee is a traditional French stew made with butter-fried chicken in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce. The fried brown mushrooms are optional; if you don’t add them, stir the parsley into the cream sauce before serving.

Makes 4 decadent servings • Preparation: 40 minutes Cooking time: 50 minutes • 4 chicken drumsticks • 4 chicken thighs • 30ml butter • 15ml olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 300g mixed mushrooms, chopped • 30ml flour • 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• 3 sprigs thyme • 2 bay leaves • 125ml dry white wine • about 350ml chicken stock • 250ml cream • another 30ml butter • 8 big brown mushrooms • 30ml chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 Pat the chicken pieces dry. Using a knife, make two or three deep incisions through the skin and flesh to the bone of each piece. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.

Melt the butter and oil in a heavy-bottomed pan with a tightfitting lid and fry the chicken pieces until well browned all over (about 10 minutes). Remove from the pan.

2 Using the same pan, sauté the onions for a few minutes; add a splash of water to the pan, then cook a little longer until the liquid has cooked off – this will allow the onions to soften before they start to brown. Remove the onions; set aside with the chicken, then fry the chopped mushrooms. Add an extra dash of oil to brown the mushrooms, if necessary.

Tip You can fry the onion and mushrooms together, but then it’s difficult to fry the mushrooms without the onions burning.

3 Return the chicken and onion to the pan; add the flour, garlic, thyme and bay leaves and stir through. Add the wine and cook rapidly until the liquid has reduced by half. If there are any brown bits on the bottom of the pan, scrape them loose now.

Add the stock to the pan and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover with a lid and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Remove the lid and simmer for another 10 minutes.

4 Using a slotted spoon, dish the chicken pieces onto a hot plate. Stir the cream into the sauce and simmer until it thickens.

(You can thicken the sauce more quickly by making a paste consisting of another tablespoon of flour mixed with a little cream and stirring it into the sauce, then cooking it for a few minutes.)

5 Remove the sprigs of herbs from the sauce and return the chicken to the pan. Melt the extra butter in another pan and fry the big brown mushrooms until tender and golden-brown.

Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the parsley.

Spoon on top of the chicken stew and serve.

FOOD

Aromatic beef stew with coriander dumplings

Feel free to substitute the short rib with cubes of chuck or even oxtail; make sure you have a good ratio of meat, bones and fat.

The slightly tart chilli sauce works well with any stewing beef.

Serves 6 • Preparation: 30 minutes • Cooking time: 4 hours, 25 minutes • Oven temperature: 160°C • 30ml olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped • 1 long celery stalk, finely chopped • 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 red chillies • 5ml chilli flakes • 3 plum tomatoes, chopped • 5ml ground cumin • 3ml ground ginger • 3ml ground cinnamon • 3 cloves • 3 sprigs fresh origanum

• 5ml dried mixed herbs • 350ml beef stock • 60ml apple cider vinegar • 1.5kg beef short rib, cut into 5cm cubes • 2 bay leaves DUMPLINGS • 500ml flour • 15ml baking powder • 60ml chopped fresh coriander • 3ml salt • 60ml butter, at room temperature • 250ml buttermilk

1 Sauté the onion, carrot and celery in a pan in half the oil until the vegetables are cooked and tender. Add the garlic, chilli, tomatoes, spices and herbs and stir-fry for a few more minutes. Mix in the stock and vinegar and use a stick blender to process into a sauce.

2 Preheat the oven. Heat the remaining oil in an ovenproof pot that has a lid and fry the meat in batches until golden-brown. Return all the meat, together with the bay leaves, to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and pour the sauce over. Cover and bake until the meat is melt-in-the-mouth tender and can be easily pulled apart with two forks. After 3 hours, the short rib will be lovely and fragrant and can be served with your favourite starch; however, if you want to go the pulled-meat-with-dumplings route, 4 hours will ensure the right texture.

3 Scoop the meat out of the sauce, remove all the bones and flake the meat. Spoon it back into the sauce and increase the oven temperature to 180°C. 4 Mix the flour, baking powder, herbs and salt in a mixing bowl and rub the butter in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the buttermilk and cut it into the mixture with a butter knife until it starts to come together, as you do when making scones. Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead lightly until just smooth. Use extra flour as needed to prevent it from sticking to the surface. Press the dough into a flat disc, about 3cm thick, and cut it into 12–15 squares. Roll each dough square into a dumpling and arrange them on top of the stew, with enough space in-between for the dumplings to rise.

Put the lid on and place back in the oven to bake for 25 minutes until the dumplings have risen and are cooked. Test one with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, they are ready.

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TASTY MEALS

IN YOUR AIR FRYER

Make sure these delicious pork dinners are on your menu this week!

Watch t s eo and more online at sapork.co.za.

PORK STRIP TORTILLA PARCELS

Recipes by Johané Neilson • Photographs Ed O’Riley • Sketch imaginationlol

Makes 4 parcels • Preparation: 25 minutes Cooking time: about 20 minutes • 600g pork stir-fry strips • 1 each yellow, red and green peppers, cut into strips • 1 red onion, thinly sliced • 15–30ml olive oil • 4 large wholegrain tortillas • 4 tablespoons sour cream or cream cheese • 500ml grated mozzarella • tomato salsa and guacamole, to serve

SPICE MIX • 5ml paprika (smoked or plain) • 3ml chilli powder • 5ml each ground cumin and coriander • 5ml garlic powder • 5ml sea salt • a large pinch of brown sugar and dried origanum • 3ml crushed black pepper

1 Mix the pork stir-fry strips, pepper strips and onion in a large bowl with half the olive oil; add all of the spices and mix.

2 Put the mixture in the basket of your air fryer and cook for 10–15 minutes at 195°C. Stir after 8 minutes and adjust the cooking time if needed. Remember, the pork is cooked twice, so check and taste!

3 Spread a heaped tablespoon of sour cream around the edges of each tortilla; top with a portion of air-fried pork and cheese. Fold into a neat parcel – tight enough so there are no air pockets in the filling.

4 Lightly oil the parcels, place in the basket of your air fryer (seam side down) and fry until heated through and lightly crisp, no longer than 5–7 minutes. Serve with tomato salsa and creamy guacamole.

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PORK FILLET STUFFED WITH CHEESE GRILLERS Serves 6–8 as part of a charcuterie platter Preparation: 20 minutes • Cooking time: 25–30 minutes • 2 pork fillets (350g each), trimmed • 200g Parma ham or prosciutto • 15ml olive oil (optional)

FILLING • wholegrain mustard • 2 cheese griller sausages about the same length as the pork fillets

1 Cut a slit in the fillets lengthways, about three-quarters of the way through and open them up. It’s important not to cut through the meat completely. Press gently on the meat to flatten it.

Season with a little salt and pepper.

2 Smear the inside of the pork fillets with mustard and insert a cheese griller (the same length as the cavity in each of the fillets). Fold the meat around the filling and wrap each fillet in the slices of Parma ham to form a neat roll.

3 Lightly oil the outside of the rolls, arrange in the basket of your air fryer, and cook for 20 minutes at 200°C. Open the basket, carefully turn over the pork rolls and cook for another 5–10 minutes. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

4 To serve Slice the pork into 1cm wheels and arrange on a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature with your choice of cold meats, cheese and preserves.

PROMOTION

LIGHTLY SPICED PORK CHOPS WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA Serves 4 • Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking time: 8–10 minutes per batch of chops

COOK’S NOTE (OPPOSITE) Cooking times might vary, depending on your air fryer and the size of your pork fillet roll. Be sure to check your pork early if in doubt. An air fryer cooks food faster because of its compact internal size, which lets heat reach the food quicker. If you don’t have an air fryer and want to bake the stuffed pork fillets in your oven, preheat it to 180°C and roast for about 35 minutes, turning the meat over once.

• 4 thick-cut pork loin chops, rind removed, fat trimmed • 5ml olive oil • steamed brown rice, fresh avo and mixed salad leaves, to serve SPICE RUB • 10ml mustard powder • 15ml light brown sugar • 10ml paprika • 10ml garlic powder • 10ml onion powder • a large pinch each salt and black pepper (see tip) SALSA • 1 small pineapple, peeled • ½ cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced • 2 large red chillies, chopped • 1 small bunch fresh coriander, chopped • juice of 1 lime 1 Mix all the ingredients for the spice rub together. Tip I only mix a large pinch of salt and pepper into the rub so that diners can add salt at the table if they wish. This makes the rub family-friendly, but feel free to add more at the start along with crushed chilli flakes, if you like a bit of a bite, dried herbs and even lemon zest.

Experiment!

2 Rub the chops with the oil and then spice generously with the rub. Allow to marinate while you make the salsa. This brings the meat back to room temperature and gives the spices time to flavour the meat.

3 Cut the peeled pineapple into wedges and remove the hard core from each piece.

Chop the remaining pineapple into small pieces and mix with the cucumber, chilli and coriander. Sprinkle with the lime juice.

4 Place the chops in the air fryer basket, two at a time (don’t overlap), and cook for 5 minutes at 195°C. Turn the chops over and, depending on the size, cook for another 3–5 minutes.

Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before serving on a bed of steamed rice with the sweet pineapple salsa, creamy avo and crunchy salad leaves. If you want to add a sauce, feel free to serve the dish with your favourite.

Tip The rub is enough for 6–8 chops. If you have any left over, store it in an airtight container for next time.

July 2022

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food & drinks

Beat the winter blues with these tasty temptations.

By Johané Neilson • Photographs supplied

Haden Dorset Ket tle in Red R1 299, @hom e

EIGHT DAYS A WEEK Every Night of the Week (R340, Penguin Random House) by the hugely entertaining Sydney-based recipe writer, stylist and Instagram genie Lucy Tweed is a cookbook for people who don’t like hard-and-fast rules. It’s super practical and filled with shortcuts and permission to do it your own way!

Apart from the chapters with meals for every day of the week (think Sticky Ribs and Spuds, Dan Dan Pan Noodles and Red Curry Chicken with Chewy Rice), I particularly enjoyed the section reserved for “that extra day you wished for” with recipes for sauces and sprinkles to ‘save your bacon’.

The Boston Stoneware range from Mr Price Home includes dinner plates (R35.99 each), side plates (R29.99 each) and bowls (R29.99 each); check out mrphome.com.

RAISE THE BAR Goodleaf CBD Snack Bars contain plant-based ingredients combined with 10mg CBD per bar. They’re 100% legal, non-intoxicating and contain 0% THC, and they come in two delicious flavours: Cocoa, Almond & Multi Seed and Vanilla, Macadamia & Multi Seed.

Go to goodleaf.co.za.

Celebrating togetherness

Perdeberg Wines has launched SAAM, a Fairtrade-certified range of ethical wines.

The SAAM Pinotage 2020 and SAAM Cabernet 2020 cost R75 each at Pick n Pay Liquor.

Visit perdeberg.co.za for more.

A SEAFOOD FIESTA! New Pescanova Easy to Cook Cut & Deveined Prawns can be braaied, grilled, pan-fried or microwaved. Find all four flavours – Chipotle Sea Salt, Salted Butter & Garlic, Citrus & Herbs, and Chimichurri – in the frozen food section of your local Spar and Food Lover’s Market. Go to pescanovaweb.co.za.

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Pictured: Sage

Meat-free, not flavour-free

Tapping into the global trend for sustainable meat-free options, Meatless Farm products are made from pea protein and are largely gluten-free. The internationally acclaimed range offers shoppers greater options when it comes to tasty plant-based food. Look out for their plant-based chicken burgers and nuggets, ground mince and sausages at selected Spar and Pick n Pay supermarkets in Jo’burg and Durban, with more distribution areas underway. For details, visit meatlessfarm.com/za/.

PROMOTION

Shopping guide

There’s something for everyone in the family in this basket of goodies!

THE ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE Get the best of both worlds with an Instant Pot Duo Crisp™ and go from pressure-cooking to air-frying. The new 6L model is available now from @home stores. With 11-in-1 functionality, it does everything a regular Instant Pot does, but swap out the pressure cooker lid for the innovative air fryer lid, and you’ve got a whole new set of cooking techniques available — all fast, easy and at the touch of a button.

DÉCOR MADE EASY Now you can create a home that truly expresses your style.

Coricraft is passionate about selling high-quality furniture that is comfortable, well-priced and timeless. Known for locally made, handcrafted couches, your Coricraft couch can be customised in a carefully curated array of fabrics and genuine leathers.

Visit coricraft.co.za for more – and start planning your dream home, today!

LUXE LIVING Jeeves heated towel rails were once considered a luxury but they have come to be viewed as a bathroom essential, while bringing a decidedly luxe edge. Apart from ensuring a supply of warm, hygienically dry towels, heated towel rails help save water and electricity because towels need to be washed less frequently. Call 0861 533 837, email info@jeeves.co.za and visit jeeves.co.za for more information.

COOKING WITH EASE Whirlpool’s W Collection will make you fall in love with your kitchen all over again. The W7 OM 44 BS1H oven’s Cook4 technology enables you to cook four dishes at the same time without mixing flavours or aromas.

With Whirlpool’s exclusive 6th SENSE technology, simply select your food category and the oven chooses the ideal program and cooking time.

With its BakeSense function, bake bread, muffins, cookies and quiches perfectly. Visit whirlpool.co.za.

TANGY, TANGIER, TANGIEST Smooth and delicious Classic Tangy Mayonnaise from Clover offers three levels of tanginess: mild, medium and strong. So there’s one to suit every family member’s personal preference.

Besides the creamy deliciousness, you also get the health benefit of 10 vitamins. Classic Tangy Mayonnaise is available in a 750ml bottle at leading retailers and convenience stores countrywide.

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SPREAD IT ON THICK Classic Fat Spread from Clover is a versatile everyday spread with a touch of Clover Cream.

Spread it on bread and use it in all your cooking and baking – you and your family will love the fluffy texture and indulgent creamy taste, and you’ll all enjoy the health benefit of 10 vitamins. Classic Fat Spread is available in a 500g brick, a 500g tub and a 1kg tub at leading retailers and convenience stores countrywide.

PROMOTION

Creamy goodness you’ll love

Choose from an assortment of Classic family favourites like the trusted Dairy Snack, Mayonnaise, Fat Spread and Custard.

A

dd the timeless taste of Classic from Clover’s quality ingredients and that something extra special when creating meals for your family, including mouthwatering bakes, desserts, quick snacks, salads and other well-loved recipes. Clover’s trusted heritage boasts an assortment of products made using the best quality ingredients.

CLASSIC DAIRY SNACK Made with a unique and delicious recipe. Try it in a variety of flavours such as Strawberry, Mixed Fruit, Apricot, Berries, Vanilla or Plain.

CLASSIC FAT SPREAD An ideal everyday spread with a touch of trusted Clover Cream, making it perfect for spreading, baking or cooking – use it your way!

CLASSIC MAYONNAISE A tangy mayonnaise that comes in three different levels of tanginess: mild, medium and strong. With Classic, there’s a mayonnaise for everyone – choose your preferred tang!

Photographs supplied

CLASSIC CUSTARD A deliciously creamy, thick and smooth, ready-toeat custard. It’s an ideal lunchbox treat that’s packed with goodness.

Try this tasty take on an old favourite!

Classic Custard French Toast Waffle Sandwiches Serves 4 • Baking time: 20 minutes • 2 eggs • 10ml Classic Custard • 250ml Clover Fresh Milk • 5ml vanilla • 2.5ml orange zest • pinch of salt • 4 thick slices of bread TO SERVE • 250ml cream cheese mixed with chopped berries • icing sugar • 200ml Classic Custard Preheat a waffle iron and spray with cooking spray. Whisk the eggs, Classic Custard, milk, vanilla essence, orange zest

and salt in a bowl until mixed.

Dip the bread slices in the egg mixture, one at a time, coating both sides completely. Lift the bread with a slotted spatula to allow excess to drain back into the bowl. Place the dipped bread in the preheated waffle iron; gently close the lid without forcing it down. Cook until golden-brown (about 3–5 minutes). Repeat with the remaining slices. Make sandwiches with the cream cheese and berry filling, a dusting of icing sugar and a dollop of Classic Custard. Enjoy!

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BACK PAGE

Second chances

“I

n my next life,” I hear a young boy declaring, “I’ll be a Spitfire.”

“Say what?”

It’s his oupa asking. The two of them are sitting at a small table in a coffee shop in town. Oupa is nursing a cappuccino, which sticks to his moustache, and the youngster a pannekoek and milkshake.

“A Spitfire, Oupa,” he repeats, “a fighter plane.”

“It’s a machine, jong. You must be a living thing.”

“But Oupa, you said you’ll be a bull... um... dozer?”

Oupa laughs. “No, man, a bull. But you could be a dragon, you know, one spitting fire.”

“Yessss!” They toast each other like conquerors.

I’m at a table close by, wondering about their unlikely topic of conversation, until I notice the bevy of beauties at another table.

There’s life in the oupa yet, I decide.

Nursing my own cuppa, I think to myself: it’s such an intriguing thought, though, a second life. Outside, there’s a cold rain sifting down onto white gables and naked oaks – winter in Stellenbosch.

A forlorn-looking pigeon is trying to find shelter in the bare, rain-blackened branches of an oak.

What if there were something like a second life? Could that poor, freezing bird have been a person in a previous life? A heartless judge, perhaps, a loveless priest?

Someone like Putin, even? Hell no, he’d be a squirming worm.

Better still, an earthworm, living a life in the dark, chewing dirt.

In the East they believe you return, time and again, until you’ve learnt to behave. It’s a concept that’s steadily gained traction in the West, mostly in a joking sense. Yet two-thirds of Americans these

138 home July 2022

days consider themselves true believers. The late Henry Ford, founder of the iconic motor company, is one of the famous names often mentioned.

But what is the allure, I wonder. A merciful second chance before entering the Great Unknown? Comfort for the bereft left behind?

When my husband died, my life suddenly seemed pointless and void. “He isn’t gone,” a well-meaning friend suggested, “try to find him in the life around you. In signs, like the butterflies in your beautiful garden.” I balked. Our garden was our Eden, a reminder of an era before my world broke. But apart from that, the idea of my smart, fiercely singular husband, my rock, returning in the shape of a butterfly? Such a Barbie doll flower flopper? No. But we don’t necessarily return as animals, the Buddhists would have it. You might also return as a ghost. I’ve never seen one.

But, more often than not, I seem to want to. Some days, at dusk, I find myself watching the murky corners in the house, hoping against hope for the slightest movement there.

And I know it’s foolish, I do. And yet...

I don’t like to admit it, but I’ll frequently think twice before swatting a wasp in the kitchen. Or instinctively reach for my slipper when there’s a spider.

It’s absurd, I know. And yet I hesitate. And I talk to the praying mantis that sometimes flits into my bedroom. I am less annoyed at the little Cape batis that keeps tapping at the windows, for hours on end, pecking at its mirror image and messing on the windowsills. People used to believe that these multicoloured little birds mated for life and that when one died, the other one kept searching for it.

All nonsense, I know. But I don’t shoo him away anymore.

“Oupa,” the little boy says and licks the last crumbs of the cinnamon sugar from his plate, “I don’t think I want to be a dragon anymore.”

“Oh? ” “A dragon would want to eat you, see? So I think I’ll just be a boy again.”

Smart kid, I decide, your life has hardly begun.

And me, then? No way am I facing another round. But if push comes to shove, let me be a tree, please? I would be good, like trees always are. Welcoming all, serving all life – from grieving little birds to families making a picnic in my shade.

Come Christmas, chop me down for a Christmas tree and make the children happy. Or build a fire to keep warm, have a braai.

My smoke would curl upwards and heavenwards. And I would linger in the clouds, returning in the rain to bless the earth.

Old Putin too, there in his wormy world under the ground.

My final good deed, of healing and grace.

Illustrations Derika Volpi and Paula Dubois • Translation Hettie Scholtz

If reincarnation was real, Karin Brynard muses, how would we use it?

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