Private Edition Issue 54 Sothebys Realty

ISSUE 54

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FROM THE EDITOR IS S UE

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N A RECENT BUSINESS TRIP it was interesting to note how many people are still working remotely or who’ve adopted the hybrid model of going into an office space only two or three times a week. One wonders how long the effects of the pandemic will continue, and how many of them will become permanent ways of being.

Of course there are signs, two years down the line, that the world has had enough and that the appetite for getting back to normal is vast.

Watches and Wonders 2022 – the largest watchmaking summit on the planet – was hosted in Geneva earlier this year for the first time since 2019, and those unable to attend could access the event remotely.

‘The Wonder of Watches’ (page 24) goes behind the scenes to see what the biggest and most exclusive watch brands have in store for us this year. Think jewellery watches amongst other surprises.

This summer, Europe and the UK have seen an inordinate number of flights being cancelled as the industry struggles to keep up with the explosion in demand for travel. ‘Revenge travel’ is the latest buzzword.

And this despite a massive increase in the prices of fuel and flights, with data showing a 35% increase in tickets sold this month compared with July 2019.

If you’re looking for inspiration to beat the winter blues and head out into the sunshine like the rest of the world, La Residencia, a Belmond hotel in Mallorca (page 16) might just do the trick. Or for the more adventurous, ‘The Island of Turtles’ (page 64) takes you to Colombia where Janie van der Spuy shares the story of an inspiring turtle sanctuary on a breathtakingly beautiful island. And if, unlike everyone else, you’re staying put this winter, you can find solace in ‘Places of Peace’ where we explore new wellness sanctuaries in the Western Cape that promise to restore the weary.

Either way the world is the same but different. And all there is are these moments of delight we’ve hopefully captured in the pages of this issue.

EDITOR SUSAN NEWHAM-BLAKE snewham@tppsa.co.za ART DIRECTOR SUE-MAÉ EASTON COPY EDITOR WENDY MARITZ ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE BERNICE BLUNDELL bernice@adplacements.co.za 073 618 1882 ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR SHANTEL PESKIN speskin@tppsa.co.za 082 385 6534 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARK BEARE MANAGING DIRECTOR SUSAN NEWHAM-BLAKE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR JOHN MORKEL HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER LIZ WOLFE FINANCIAL MANAGER NAEEMA ABRAHAMS

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Editorial and advertising enquiries: PO Box 15054, Vlaeberg 8018 Tel: 021 424 3517 Email: privateedition@tppsa.co.za Visit: privateedition.co.za Printing: Novus Print ISSN: 2218-063X

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Private Edition is published by The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd, 9th Floor, Tarquin House, 81 Loop Street, Cape Town 8001. Copyright: The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd 2022. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from The Publishing Partnership or the authors. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of The Publishing Partnership or the editor.

CONTENTS ISSUE

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21 COVE R

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EDITOR’ S

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Thoughts from the editor PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY STOCK

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The latest news from the world of luxury and investment

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The world’s top watchmakers and jewellery artisans astound admirers with their artistic skills and savoir-faire

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The hallowed halls of the Palexpo in Geneva was home to this year’s Watches and Wonders

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Cartier’s launches at this year’s Watches and Wonders demonstrate timepieces of innovation and play

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AFRICA’ S

BL AC K

GOLD

In the world of fine dining, there are perhaps only a handful of ingredients that speak, without explanation, of pure indulgence. Truffles are among them

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BA R NS

A ND

NOBL E

A contemporary Cape Town home offers a sacred space for a creative and his local art and furniture collections

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CULTUR E

CLUB

Six up-and-coming designers focus on furniture and homeware that explore their cultural histories through a personal lens

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H AI L

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GE NT L E M A N

DRIVERS

Motorsport has always attracted the blue-blooded, driven by the thrill of danger, the zest for life, and the glory of victory

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PE ACE

Three memorable Cape escapes, which place wellness at the heart of the guest experience, offer luxury and indulgence, and the opportunity to give your body and soul the nourishment they deserve

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I SL A N D

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TURTLES

It’s a race for survival as rescued sea turtles are released into the Caribbean Sea. Surprisingly, it’s the littlest one that wins the day

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LEW GEFFEN CHAIRMAN

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YAEL GEFFEN CEO

AFTER THE FACT WHAT IS ‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’ AS COVID-19 HOVERS ON THE BRINK OF BECOMING ENDEMIC?

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HEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC was first announced, many of us assumed it would be shortlived but, more than two years later, most scientists now agree that Covid-19 is probably here to stay and, after a fifth wave, the phrase ‘back to normal’ will have to be revised yet again.

The real estate industry was especially hard hit initially as it wasn’t considered an essential service. It was further hampered by the fact that many steps in the buying/selling transaction required face-to-face contact, so we had to scramble to adapt, which we did admirably well.

So, we’ve understandably all been looking forward to a time when we could get back to business as usual but, even with the worst now behind us, we have to accept that eventual endemicity is certainly not a promise that life will return to how it was before March 2020.

So how do we move forward when it’s become clear that the very concept of ‘post-pandemic’ requires re-examining?

The best place to begin is to examine and assess the most significant changes precipitated by the pandemic and determine what aspects should be retained, newly adapted or discarded: 1. PERMANENT CHANGES IN CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR In nine of 13 major countries surveyed by the McKinsey Institute, at least two-thirds of consumers say they tried new kinds of shopping for most products and, with new habits formed and well-ingrained, will probably continue to do so.

2. THE FUTURE WORKPLACE HAS ALREADY ARRIVED Before the pandemic, remote working was still an emergent trend but this has changed. McKinsey estimates that more than 20% of the global workforce (in mostly high-skilled jobs) could continue to work mainly away from the office.

3. HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE The past two years was about companies allowing people to choose where to work, but going forward it will be more about

when and how we work and many companies are considering a hybrid schedule where employees go to the office for a certain number of days and work from home for the rest of the week.

4. VIRTUAL COMMUNICATION Virtual meetings became the bane of our existence during lockdown but we also learnt to appreciate the convenience of not wasting time – or money – on travel as well as the extended reach allowing people who wouldn’t have been able to attend in person, to now easily attend any event or meeting.

Business owners and managers will also have to devise a strategy for the new workplace that not only suits everyone but also keeps them safe and healthy: 1. IDENTIFY VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS These will include older workers, those with underlying comorbidities, people suffering from long Covid-19 or someone who was emotionally traumatised during the pandemic.

2. COMMUNICATE YOUR APPROACH Explain what you hope to achieve by bringing your team back to the workplace and how you think it will benefit everyone. Share your strategies and the measures you’ve put in place to keep them safe and support their physical and mental wellbeing.

3. CREATE A CULTURE OF HEALTH AND WELLBEING At the end of the day, a healthy and supportive workplace culture where a sound wellness strategy is reinforced and encouraged will not only benefit the employees but also the company.

YAEL GEFFEN CEO

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THE BRIEFING COLLECTABLES | OBJETS D’ART | DESIGN | DEPARTURES | TASTINGS

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A haven for artists and writers HIGH ABOVE THE SEA IN THE VILLAGE OF DEIÁ ON THE SPANISH ISLAND OF MALLORCA, YOU’LL FIND LA RESIDENCIA, A WELL-KNOWN RETREAT FOR CREATIVES. BY VICTORIA CAMPBELL-GILLES AND KAROLINA BARTOS La Residencia, situated in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, has long been an inspiring retreat for artists and nature lovers.

Rated the third-best hotel in Spain in 2021 by Travel + Leisure magazine, the hotel is a place of charm and character that supports the artists of Deiá and contributes to the history of Mallorca.

Whether you’re a head of state or a family of four, the unique five-star hotel welcomes you with genuine warmth and superb service. From the linen to the cutlery, each detail is a holistic and refreshing mix of art, luxury and homeliness.

The history of the hotel goes back to the 16th and 17th centuries when the two core houses of the property were built. During the 18th century, Deiá was owned by an order of Cistercian monks and part of their property was one of the manor houses that originally formed the hotel.

In 1984 it was transformed into a hotel by Axel Ball, in a way that was uniquely different from anything else Mallorca offered at that time.

It became a forge of artistic talents, an oasis for painters and sculptors from all over the world, and it still is. Exceptional attention to every detail and architectural coherence with the village makes the whole property a work of art. In 1987 Richard Branson with Virgin took on the hotel, and it was later sold to Orient-Express Hotels (Belmond since 2001) and significantly expanded.

The property covers two hectares of residential development and 14 hectares of olive groves. Within their 800-painting collection (owned by Cecilie Sheridan), you’ll find 33 works by Joan Miró that hang in La Residencia’s Mediterranean Café Miró.

With its mountain perch location and stunning views of the island, there’s a delightful play of sunlight throughout the day. The sunset from El Olivo Restaurant’s terrace is further enhanced by the culinary skills of chef Guillermo who offers guests a real fine-dining experience For those who value relaxation, the hotel’s award-winning spa offers a signature massage with olive oil produced by La Residencia. If you prefer, the massage can also take place on one of the three terraces allowing you to soak up the Mallorcan scenery, leaving you with a sense of history and awe at this breathtaking place. belmond.com ISSUE 54

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Ice-cool SA cars AS MUCH AS MUSIC AND DANCE ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF OUR CULTURAL IDENTITY, SO ARE QUIRKY CARS. RICHARD WEBB DELVES INTO SOME OF HIS FAVOURITES. South Africa’s almost fervent need for self-expression has, over the decades, forged a slew of locally produced cars just for our market. Some are gloriously excessive – and all the better for it. What’s more, their values have multiplied over the years, achieving spectacular returns for savvy collectors and enthusiasts. But just try to find one!

BMW 745i E23 The naturally aspirated M88 engine from the famous BMW M1 supercar was wrestled into BMW’s flagship road car, the 745i.

Far from being unwieldy, it was agile enough to win the South African touring car championship. With only 209 of these made – most of them with automatic transmission – they’re now as rare as Bismuth crystals.

Ford Capri Perana V8 ‘A new deal for people bored by ordinary cars’ shrilled the early 1970’s adverts. They were right, because this Capri had the 5-Litre ‘Windsor’ engine from the Mustang wedged into its handsome shell. Ford sent bodyshells from their Port Elizabeth plant to be modified to handle the extra power by Basil Green Motors in Edenvale. Around 550 were sold. Find one in peri-peri red or bright yellow and you’ll have scored one of the world’s most desirable Q-cars.

Alfa Romeo GTV6 The GTV is one of the finest and most enjoyable Alfa Romeo models of the modern era. The GTV6 3.0 version was an inspired South Africa-only model, homologated for FIA Group 1 racing. Capable of 225 km/h, the GTV6 3.0 was a fabulous competition-derived road car and considered modern automotive royalty due to the epic sound of the tweaked 3.0-litre straight-six.

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Chevrolet ‘Chev’ Firenza CanAm The CanAm is right up there on the ‘completely bonkers’ list of cars. Chevrolet introduced it locally in 1973, basing it on the pedestrian two-door British Vauxhall version. South African engineers shoehorned a 5.0-litre Chevrolet V8 straight from the Z28 Camaro to displace the weedy 1 159cc original – 0-100km/h tapered from a glacial 22 seconds to a very terrifying 5.4 seconds. Just 100 Firenza CanAms were largely hand-assembled for racing.

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Ford Fairmont GT Ford introduced the Australian designed Fairmont in 1970, building it locally. What started out as the ordinary Australian Falcon XY morphed into the Falcon GT – becoming a powerhouse of a car. Propelled by a Ford V8 engine pushing out 223kW, it was among the fastest, most powerful cars in South Africa at the time. Ford only built 1 824 of them and they are highly sought-after by enthusiasts.

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Delectable indulgence A NEW PÂTISSERIE PROMISING AN ARRAY OF NEW-YORK INSPIRED TREATS HAS MOVED INTO TOWN. BY MICHELLE LOEWENSTEIN Rich cups of the finest coffee from around the world, flaky butter croissants and spiced choux pastry with cinnamon and star anise crème... Capetonians know that Coco Safar is the luxurious all-day café experience designed to take you on a culinary journey in a retro-chic French-style café setting.

The brand will be opening a new café at The Zone in Rosebank this month.

Here visitors can enjoy a gastronomical trip to the Big Apple with Coco Safar’s New York Pâtisserie Collection. The collection is the brainchild of renowned chef Rory MacDonald, who has worked at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants around the globe and is the owner of Pâtisserie Chanson in New York. He recently visited South Africa to work on the range with Coco Safar’s chefs, sourcing local produce and international ingredients to create unusual flavour combinations. Think pink guava and Valrhona chocolate. Delicious! cocosafar.com

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Up at the sharp end DUSTING OFF THE PASSPORT AND HEADING FOR FOREIGN CLIMES? INTERNATIONAL CARRIERS FLYING INTO SOUTH AFRICA HAVE UPPED THEIR GAME WHEN IT COMES TO IN-FLIGHT LUXURY. BY RICHARD HOLMES Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines has expanded its reach into Africa, with the April launch of direct flights between Istanbul and Cape Town. Four weekly services now connect the Mother City with the Turkish capital, offering seamless access to the 334 destinations in the extensive Turkish Airlines network across five continents.

The premium offering on board the next-gen Boeing 787-9 ‘Dreamliner’ includes 30 Business Class seats, each allowing 44-inches of legroom and a spacious seat that folds out into a fully flat 76-inch bed. And the 1-2-1 layout guarantees aisle access.

Qatar Airways Qatar Airways set the bar for Business Class when it revealed QSuite in 2017. Here there’s a premium on personal space, whether you’re flying solo, as a family, or with colleagues. The unique seating allows for couples to cocoon in shared central seats, or for four travellers to travel together in the unique four-seater joint suite.

‘Passengers who travel with Qatar appreciate the finer things in life; they care about the small attention to detail that the airline upholds when designing its cabins and providing its services,’ explains Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Officer Customer Experience.

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Etihad Airways Etihad Airways now links Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi six times per week, using a 787-9 Dreamliner on the route. And while the Business Suite is certainly no slouch when it comes to in-flight comforts, it’s on your connecting flights to New York and Chicago that things start to get interesting. From July 2022, Etihad will deploy its Airbus A350-1000, aimed at ultra-long-haul routes.

The A350-1000 burns 25 percent less fuel and is 50 percent quieter than earlier generations of aircraft. The airline has also opted for the superb Super Diamond seats from Collins Aerospace for its Business Class cabin, which is laid out in a customer-friendly herringbone format to ensure space, privacy and easy aisle access.

United United recently expanded its reach into southern Africa and offers year-round direct flights between Cape Town and Newark.

‘We’re making it even easier for our customers to visit one of the world’s best destinations,’ said Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of International Network Planning and Alliances.

‘United’s direct flights from New York/Newark cut the usual travel time to Cape Town by more than five hours.’

The Cape Town service sees (another) 787-9 touching down on local soil, with the United Dreamliner offering 48 Business Class seats in its superb Polaris® class.

Aside from the spacious seats offering all the usual lie-flat perks and tech innovations, you can look forward to impressive levels of comfort thanks to hotel-quality on-board bedding by Saks Fifth Avenue. An enormous perk on the return leg is access to the excellent Polaris lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport.

It’s a spacious haven where you can freshen up and relax.

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Chef of the house

PHOTOGRAPHY ANDY LUND

RYAN COLE, CHEF AND CO-OWNER OF THE AWARD-WINNING SALSIFY AT THE ROUNDHOUSE, TAKES A SEAT WITH A GLASS OF BUBBLY TO CHAT.

BY BIANCA COLEMAN The restaurant in The Glen, Camps Bay, has sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Lion’s Head as a backdrop. The building dates back to 1786 and was built as a guardhouse for the Dutch East India Company, ideally situated to keep watch for enemy ships.

‘The cool thing about Salsify is that it’s the ultimate South African story,’ says Ryan Cole who, with partners, took over the restaurant from Luke Dale Roberts at the end of 2020 during lockdown. ‘You come, you sit here in Camps Bay, you have this beautiful meal, these beautiful wine glasses, this beautiful experience. But if you peel it back a layer, we’re catching the fish that we’re serving at Cape Point. It’s the full circle and we’re not trying to sell it. It’s not an angle; it’s the truth, the way it is, and who we are. We’re creating this beautiful experience because our guests come first but there’s also a little bit of us in it. That’s why it’s so special.’

Ryan recalls going to London when he was 20, following his apprenticeship at The Vineyard Hotel in Newlands. ‘I was green, I’d never been on an aeroplane before.’ There he worked at Launceston Place in Kensington, then a 2-Michelin star restaurant in Mayfair, The Square.

‘There were all these fresh beautiful crazy things I’d never seen before, like langoustines and scallops. Back then in SA there were only carrots, celery, onions – those were your vegetables – and tomatoes in a tin.’

Fast forward 10 years and Ryan is getting langoustines from South Africa, truffles from Mpumalanga, Wagyu from the Karoo, chestnuts foraged from Newlands forest, and the fish on your plate is caught by Ryan’s brother from his commercial fishing boat.

These go into dishes of utter opulence and it’s all local.

‘I am South African and so is my team. So my drive is hyper local and hyper sustainability. It’s part of my story.’

The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 021 010 6444, reservations@salsify.co.za

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ASSETS From radiance and playfulness to architecture and complications, the world’s top watchmakers and jewellery artisans astound admirers with their artistic skills and savoir-faire.

LEFT Blancpain’s Air Command collection now features a sporty, adventurous 36.2mmdiameter model with flyback chronograph and a countdown bezel.

Blancpain was the first to introduce a flyback chronograph for women in 1998.

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ABOVE This yellow-gold necklace and all-diamond bracelet from the Indomptables De Cartier Collection plays with features characteristic of Cartier’s menagerie.

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ABOVE Patek Philippe’s Ladies’ World Time model is available in rose gold with an olive-green dial and calfskin strap. The ultra-thin self-winding 240 HU calibre simultaneously displays the time in all 24 time zones.

ABOVE RIGHT The colourful, sparkling version of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40 is cast from 18ct white gold – a first for the model. The bezel is inspired by the aurora borealis and the glow of dawn.

LEFT Breguet’s new interpretation of the Marine Hora Mundi offers a fascinating interpretation of the world on the wrist with a play on materials and superimposed plates.

ABOVE OMEGA’s striking new De Ville Trésor timepiece is sized at just 26mm, and includes this edition with a silk-like dial in 18K Moonshine™ Gold.

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WATCHES The hallowed halls of the Palexpo in Geneva was home to this year’s Watches and Wonders 2022.

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I THIS PAGE IWC Schaffhausen CEO Chris Grainger-Herr joins composer Hans Zimmer on stage during ‘The Sound of Color’ in Geneva.

OPPOSITE PAGE The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver is a luxury tool watch that inspires adventure in the wearer.

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IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE that the largest watchmaking summit ever held in Geneva (from 30 March to 5 April 2022) has come and gone, after years of waiting out pandemic restrictions around travel and large gatherings.

The wait was worth it. The promised ‘salon of many wonders’ delivered on all levels as journalists, collectors, retailers and clients flew in from around the world to marvel at the latest watchmaking creations from 38 exhibiting Maisons. Even more exciting was the first-time presence of major brands Chanel, Chopard, Grand Seiko, Hublot, Oris, Patek Philippe, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Tudor and Zenith.

This was the first physical event for Watches and Wonders Geneva since its transformation from the final Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in 2019. The exhibition exists to showcase the creativity, innovation and sustainable practices of esteemed watchmaking brands, news of which is broadcast across all media platforms worldwide.

Longstanding exhibitors A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger LeCoultre, Montblanc, Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Ulysse Nardin and Vacheron Constantin were there, and Van Cleef & Arpels made a welcome return.

The Carré des Horlogers, reserved for independent watchmakers, was a hive of activity, especially after a year that saw many of their pieces increasing in demand, and commensurate value. Angelus, Armin Strom, Arnold & Son, Cyrus Genève, Czapek & Cie, Ferdinand Berthoud, H. Moser & Cie., Laurent Ferrier, Louis Moinet, Rebellion Timepieces, Ressence, Rudis Sylva, Speake-Marin and Trilobe all had their moment.

The war in the Ukraine and China’s Covid-19 restrictions at the time meant that representation from Asia and Russia was noticeably reduced, particularly at the start of the fair. But those who could not attend in person tuned in remotely to keynote addresses, digital presentations and panel discussions, while attendees enjoyed the longed-for privilege of intimate touch-and-feel sessions to inspect the timepieces at close range.

Apart from cocktail events and exclusive dinners, the highlight of the entertainment on offer was the world premiere of ‘The Sound of Color’ hosted by IWC at the Theatre du Leman opposite Lake Geneva.

The musical featured Hans Zimmer and his band performing a number of hits including the soundtracks of Dune and The Lion King, both of

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FROM LEFT The white ceramic case of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition Lake Tahoe is inspired by white US Navy uniforms and the winter landscape around Lake Tahoe; Zenith’s 2022 version of the Chronomaster Open in rose gold has an all-new case, dial and movement.

The El Primero 3604 has been adapted from the iconic El Primero 3600; Spot the differences on the Rolex GMT Master. The winding crown is now on the left side of the watch case and the date aperture is at 9 o’clock.

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‘THE SOUNDSCAPE WILL BE INSTRUMENTAL IN CREATING A UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH TO SHOWCASE OUR WATCHES TO MAXIMUM EFFECT.’

LEFT Half the weight of the Panerai Submersible Quaranta Quattro ESteel comprises recycled materials.

RIGHT Patek Philippe’s Annual Calendar Travel Time combines all facets of watchmaking artistry with balanced elegance.

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BELOW The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 harks back to the brand’s pilot watches of the early 1900s.

which earned Zimmer Oscars for Best Original Score. The band included 10 musicians from the orchestra of the Odesa Opera House (Ukraine), who had fled Ukraine and joined him for his tour, as well as the multi-talented, multidirectional Venezuelan-born flautist Pedro Eustache.

This was no regular performance, however, as IWC Schaffhausen CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr joined Zimmer on stage to discuss their collaboration on a musical composition to launch additions to the brand’s TOP GUN Pilot’s Watches collection. The timepieces feature five striking new ceramic Pantone colours in stunning, monochromatic designs. And Zimmer created music for each colour: The Sound of Color – IWC Ceratanium®, The Sound of Color – IWC Mojave Desert, The Sound of Color – IWC Woodland, The Sound of Color – IWC Lake Tahoe and The Sound of Color – IWC Jet Black.

‘What I love about music is the playful element and the opportunity to try out things I have not done before,’ explained Zimmer. ‘I enjoyed creating sounds with IWC because it was quite different from my work on films. Writing music is always about telling a story and taking people to new places, whether inspired by a moving picture or a colour, and this was no different.’

Meanwhile, as an architectural designer, Grainger-Herr says he has learned to express his ideas visually. ‘Hans’s powerful soundtracks have continuously inspired me and given me energy during countless hours of drawing and many a late night. Having the opportunity to work with [him] on translating “The Colors of Top Gun” into music is a dream come true. The soundscape will be instrumental in creating a unique atmosphere in which to showcase our watches to maximum effect.’ 

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Cartier’s launches at this year’s Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022 demonstrate timepieces of innovation and play.

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OPPOSITE PAGE The Masse Mystérieuse is the epitome of Cartier creativity and innovation.

RIGHT The Pasha de Cartier defies convention with a grid over the dial.

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CARTIER HAS A WAY of making waves at an event –

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and this year’s Watches and Wonders 2022 in Geneva was no exception. It started with the size of the booth presiding over one of the furthest corners of the Richemont-dominated Palexpo spaces – decorated in cream and Cartier red, with bellboys hovering attentively at the entrance wearing uniforms that were similarly colour coded. The look never gets old.

In fact, the development of the look harks back to Paris in 1899, when Louis Cartier was coming into his own, expressing his personal taste and developing the strength of the Cartier style.

Speaking to Pierre Rainero, director of Image, Style and Heritage at Cartier since 1984, I wondered what really stood out for him among this year’s launches.

‘Well, I think jewellery watches are really something we noticed. The Coussin de Cartier… the flexible one.’

When held and squeezed, the sparkling grid that surrounds the dial compresses, precious stones and all. It’s a jaw-dropping creation, one of two 20-piece limited-editions emanating from Cartier’s research and innovation laboratory. The demonstration piece in white gold was 39.3 x 31.9mm, 13.60mm thick, and the case, dial and buckle are set with 1011 brilliant-cut diamonds (5.45cts). The watch is made up of gold links woven into a grid pattern that allows the case to compress and retract to its original shape. How do they keep the flexibility? The watchmaker seals the watch with resin, after conquering the complex task of setting the wide variety of diameters and shades of stones to exact specifications.

‘Another watch I would mention is the Masse Mystérieuse. For me it’s the epitome of the Cartier philosophy of watchmaking – not just in terms of creativity but also Cartier innovation. Because the idea of playing with transparency is very Cartier. It responds to a sense of purity in a way, like the mystery clocks. And the fact that we have to have a technique to obey the original aesthetic is very Cartier too,’ says Rainero.

‘Of course it took several years [to complete] because there were some constraints we didn’t think of in the beginning like the weight. You know for that kind of movement, the weight is important. The weight must be in proportion to the size of the watch, not only in the design of the movement to fit the half-moon shape but

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THIS YEAR’S LAUNCHES EXPLORE DIFFERENT POSSIBILITIES IN THE CARTIER ARRAY OF WATCHES.

ABOVE Personalise your Pasha de Cartier with these small pendants with a double C, heart or eye motif.

These three bold, desirable symbols are inspired by the Maison’s historic charms, and entirely hand-polished.

RIGHT The Cartier Libre features a new triangular setting developed by the Maison. It allows the diamonds to be directly integrated into the case without using the traditional grain setting, accentuating the stones and making the metal disappear.

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also to make it [heavy enough] for the watch to work. But I love the final result, the playfulness of the watch.’

Aside from these, Rainero also mentions the continued development of watch classics like the Tank, the Santos Dumont, the Pasha, and the Panthère to cover ‘different possibilities in the Cartier array of watches’. This year’s extensions to the Tank Louis Cartier line include watches with monochrome dials in red and anthracite grey, without the familiar rail track and featuring only four hour markers, while the Tank Must now features a striking all-black dial.

And then there’s the Tank Chinoise, the sixth chapter in the Cartier Privé collection... ‘I love it, I have to say. I’m very happy with all the different versions. And I love the skeleton, which gives emphasis to the Chinese symbol in design but also in terms of colour – the red lacquer. I think it is a good move on this watch. It also has new proportions, compared to previous versions of the Tank Chinoise, with the focus on the rectangular shape rather than the square.’

Rainero’s personal Tank, which he wears regularly, is a mechanical watch from the mid-80s – and even smaller

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and thinner than the Tank Chinoise that he wore the day of the interview.

But the piece that prompted the most ‘Aahs’ (at least in my touch-and-feel session) was the jewellery watch from the Cartier Libre collection. It is entirely reversible thanks to a flexible elasticated strap – a watch on one side and a bracelet on the other. ‘It’s one of my favourites for many different reasons. Because, of course, it recalls the Gloria Swanson bracelet system from the 1930s with the articulation etc., but this is totally new with the triangular profile [a series of triangular links with triangular motifs running through it]. Also I love the idea of playing with it and showing different aspects of it. This is an open door to so many different things and so many beautiful combinations of colours that we can play with. So we are very happy with this watch. Definitely.’ 

THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT The Coussin de Cartier watch is above all a padded square hemmed with diamonds set in a spiral. Stones of different diameters accentuate the flow.

The Skeleton Pasha de Cartier showcases the 9524MC calibre and emphasises the diameter and design of the watch with its four oversized numbers and square in the circle on the dial.

The Tank Chinoise incorporates a signature complication of the Maison that watchmakers have adapted to the case of a gold watch. The open-worked dial reveals the workings of the movement, much like traditional Chinese windows.

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ADVERTORIAL

With glorious views of the Bottelary Hills, the werf precinct at Hazendal is the heart of the historic estate.

Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the Cape Winelands.

A CELEBRATION OF WINE, ART & CULTURE From gallery exhibitions to outdoor sculptures, Hazendal offers an unforgettable exploration of culture and heritage.

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ADVERTORIAL

ENJOY AN EVENING OF CONTEMPORARY CUISINE AND THE FINE WINES OF HAZENDAL, ACCOMPANIED

BY SOME OF SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING JAZZ TALENTS. CLASSIC CAR COLLECTION

HAZENDAL JAZZ CLUB

Housed in a striking purpose-built venue, Hazendal’s Classic Car Collection showcases a selection of rare and exceptional vintage automobiles including some of the most sought-after in South Africa. Visitors can view, among others, a 1936 Bentley 4¼ Drophead Coupé, a 1956 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud I, the 1956 Bentley S1 and a 1948 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine.

The Classic Car Pavilion is available for private hire, offering a dramatic backdrop for product launches, corporate gatherings, fashion shoots and bespoke events.

For weddings and photography, selected vehicles are available for charter-hire on the estate. On request, the Pavilion can be dry-hired, with the vehicles removed, allowing the eye-catching steel and glass architecture to create a memorable backdrop for events and functions.

Hosted in the elegant Avant-Garde venue situated next to the estate’s wine cellar, the monthly Hazendal Jazz Club is a unique experience in the Cape Winelands. Enjoy an evening of contemporary cuisine and the fine wines of Hazendal, accompanied by some of South Africa’s leading jazz talents.

Situated in the estate’s original homestead, the Marvol Gallery at Hazendal is a unique exhibition space, offering fascinating insight into local as well as international art, culture and history. Expect to discover private collections, a programme of rotating exhibitions, as well as talks and events. Visitors can arrange a curated wander to explore an enviable collection of public artworks and sculptures that tells the story of Hazendal.

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Discover award-winning wines that pay homage to the history of Hazendal and the unique terroir of the Bottelary Hills.

Hazendal boasts a long tradition of winemaking excellence, crafting wines that truly express the coastal terroir of this unique corner of South Africa’s winelands.

With state-of-the-art cellar equipment and meticulous vineyard attention, Hazendal’s wines continue to shine and rake in awards.

Today Hazendal produces both blended and singlevariety wines across two ranges. The wines of the flagship Hazendal range are renowned for their sophistication and complexity; exceptional wines for connoisseurs and celebrations. For everyday enjoyment, the trio of approachable wines in the Christoffel Hazenwinkel range overdeliver on value and pay tribute to the visionary founder of Hazendal. 

PRIVATE EDITION

PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

MARVOL GALLERY

WINE RANGE

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OPPOSITE PAGE The monthly Hazendal Jazz Club has hosted local and international luminaries in the world of jazz. Tickets sell out fast for these memorable evenings of food, wine and music.

THIS PAGE The Classic Car Collection celebrates the aesthetics and engineering of some of the world’s most famous marques. A few steps away, the Marvol Gallery showcases local and international artists.

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TASTINGS

AFRICA’S

BLACK GOLD In the world of fine dining, there are perhaps only a handful of ingredients that speak, without any explanation, of pure indulgence.

WORDS RICHARD HOLMES

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PRIVATE EDITION

TASTINGS

THIS PAGE Truffles are best enjoyed fresh, ideally within the first few weeks after harvest. Shaved generously onto a bowl of pasta, their heady scent is unmistakeable, and unforgettable.

OPPOSITE PAGE Truffles are graded and priced according to colour, size and shape. These dark and perfectly round truffles will command a premium.

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PHOTOGRAPHY WOODFORD TRUFFLES, GETTY IMAGES

HERE IS ONLY AN ELITE gathering of ingredients that make it onto the luxury food list. Think Siberian sturgeon caviar.

Ethically produced foie gras. Aged jamón Ibérico. Miyazaki Wagyu beef. And, of course, there are truffles. Freshly shaven at the table, they imbue the plate with an indescribable aroma, and the palate with an unforgettable experience.

The heady scent is redolent of the forests from which they have been harvested; a subtle earthiness that transforms every dish on which they land. Perhaps it’s little wonder that the most prized varieties can sell for upwards of R50 000 per kilogram.

That is for the white winter truffles (Tuber magnatum), also known as the Piedmont or Alba truffle, but even the more widely-available black winter truffle or Périgord (Tuber melanosporum) commands more than R12 000 per kilogram.

It’s part of the reason why South African farmers have, over the past decade, begun investing in truffle orchards, tapping into the unique pockets of South African landscape where Périgord truffles might thrive.

‘South Africa has two or three areas that have shown the potential for truffle cultivation,

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including the Cederberg, Outeniqua region and parts of KwaZulu-Natal,’ explains Paul Miros of Woodford Truffles, a leader in the field locally, with more than 100 hectares under cultivation.

Unlike the forests of southern Europe, where truffles grow wild, South Africa’s truffle orchards have been carefully cultivated; a time-consuming undertaking that is the very definition of delayed gratification.

Commercial orchards begin in the nursery, where the roots of oak trees are inoculated with DNA-certified truffle spores, typically imported from Italy. A variety of oak species have been trialled, but the Holm Oak – Quercus ilex – from the Mediterranean is preferred for its disease resistance. The inoculated trees are then tended to in nurseries for up to 18 months, before being planted out into orchards.

What’s key to selecting an orchard site is one simple element: cold.

Without sufficient cold units, the spores won’t develop into the prized truffle. Truffles also demand alkaline soil, meaning farmers often have to apply layers of expensive lime each year. And, even with careful tending and the right conditions, orchards

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TASTINGS

Healthy indulgence

While truffles are most enjoyed for their flavour and aroma, they also come packed with health benefits. Research indicates that truffles are rich in fibre and certain micronutrients, and are valued for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and – last but not least – aphrodisiac properties.

Truffle terroir

While the Tuber melanosporum spores used to inoculate the roots are genetically identical to the Périgord truffles of Europe, there is, perhaps surprisingly, little influence of local terroir on the harvested truffles.

will only start to fruit after a minimum of five years, often longer. Only a decade after the initial investment is an orchard likely to reach full production.

It’s an expensive business with a long timeline, but the potential for profit is there. Each hectare of the mature orchard will produce around 10 kilograms of truffle per season. With each year the truffles become more established, and ‘over the last four years we’ve seen the number of truffles per hectare doubling with each harvest,’ says Miros.

South Africa’s truffle season is short, lasting roughly 10 weeks from the start of July. During this time the truffle hunters – trufelaus – sweep through the orchards with specially trained dogs that can

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smell the truffles from above ground. In Europe, it’s the Lagotto Romagnolo breed that is most often used for truffle hunting, but any disciplined and intelligent breed can be trained to hunt.

It’s a time-consuming process that’s exhausting for both trufelau and dog. ‘The early part of the season is especially frustrating for the truffle dogs, as we’re trying to find ripe truffles,’ says Miros, adding that each orchard – usually around five hectares – is covered twice per day to unearth any truffle coming into ripeness. When a ripe truffle is detected, it is carefully unearthed by the trufelau, and enormous care is taken not to damage the margins of the truffle, which will reduce its selling price.

PRIVATE EDITION

TASTINGS

THE HEADY SCENT IS REDOLENT OF THE FORESTS FROM WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN HARVESTED.

Once the truffle is out of the earth, the clock starts ticking.

‘Nothing beats fresh truffle, but it’s got to be eaten very soon after harvesting,’ says Miros. ‘For the best quality, you have about 21 days from harvest to consumption.’

Miros brings his harvested truffles back to Cape Town, where they are sorted, graded and cleaned, before being shipped to clients. Prices range, but are modelled on the global market and sell for around €750 per kilogram, approximately R12 000.

‘That price can go even higher, depending on where you’re buying them from,’ says Miros. ‘The advantage in buying from us is that we’re a collective, working with and sharing profit with the farmers.’

With South Africa’s truffle season countercyclical to the northern hemisphere, in the future it’s hoped that local farmers can supply European markets when their own orchards are dormant during the summer.

That will require greater volumes though, and for now most of South Africa’s truffles are sold to local chefs, delicatessens and gourmands, with a roll call of the country’s leading chefs eager to tap into

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the black gold that winter brings. The likes of Peter Tempelhoff at FYN, John Norris-Rogers at PIER, and Ken Phuduhudu at Ethos in Johannesburg are all fervent supporters of local truffle growers.

Another key player in the local industry is Anthonij Rupert Wyne. While the cellar is in Franschhoek, it also owns the Altima vineyards in the cool-climate Elandskloof Valley outside Villiersdorp, where high-lying orchards are ideal for truffle cultivation.

During truffle season, visitors can join their trufelau, Hanene van Dyk, on truffle-hunting wanders through the orchards, or simply enjoy the fruits of her labour in truffle-inspired dining experiences in the Terra del Capo Tasting Room & Deli. Here four-course menus showcase the fragrant versatility of fresh truffle, paired with the cellar’s remarkable range of terroir-driven Cape of Good Hope wines. Fresh truffles are also available for purchase, alongside truffle salt, butter, salami, sausages and handmade tagliatelle.

With winter upon us, and the truffles ripening beneath the soil, now is the time to seek out a taste of Africa’s black gold. 

ABOVE Black truffle ravioli.

OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT Fettuccine with asparagus and white truffle; Specially trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are often used for hunting out truffles in the orchard; Italy is the spiritual home of the Périgord truffle – little wonder it’s so enjoyed with fresh pasta.

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BARNS AND NOBLE

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XXX

With sweeping views of Table Mountain, the barn-like structure of this contemporary home is a sacred space for a creative and his local art and furniture collections.

TEXT AND STYLING MARTIN JACOBS

PRIVATE EDITION

ARC HITECTU RE

THIS PAGE The home’s barn-like structures are clad in zinc, a durable material that appealed to both architect and homeowner.

PHOTOGRAPHY GREG COX

OPPOSITE PAGE Entry into the home is from the east barn, a double-volume space whose floor-to-ceiling windows offer views across the City Bowl.

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T

THERE’S NO AVOIDING THE STATEMENT STAIRCASE at the heart of

broadcasting entrepreneur Bradley van den Berg’s Tamboerskloof home.

Immediately visible upon entering the open-plan living space, its graceful form is the yin to the façade’s yang, a serendipitously sensual helix that introduces curvilinear shapes to an otherwise rectilinear space.

Nor would one want to avoid it, for its upward-spiralling form is the figurative DNA of his home, a representation of functionality, practicality and art. ‘Having small dogs, I wanted a staircase they wouldn’t feel intimidated to climb,’ says van den Berg of an entirely practical starting point for its design. Another starting point, explains architect Renato Graca of GSquared Architects, was the maximization of floor space in the living area. ‘Often the most creative solutions are driven by the trickiest challenges. I set out to reduce the amount of space the staircase would occupy, whilst giving it an object-like appearance. The sculptural result fondly reminds me of softserve ice cream,’ he explains.

This considered combination of practicality and high design characterises much of Van den Berg’s home. The seventh that he’s lived in, this home was the first that was custom-designed and built for him. ‘Having previously lived seaside in Camps Bay, what drew me to this site was its views. The dated structure sat opposite a T-junction so had unobstructed views of the city bowl, and – to its right – a sweeping panorama of Table Mountain,’ he explains. Having established with his architectural team that little more than the street-level garages would be retained, Van den Berg’s brief to Renato Graca, founder

of GSquared Architects

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PRIVATE EDITION

ARC HITECTU RE

‘OFTEN THE MOST CREATIVE SOLUTIONS ARE DRIVEN BY THE TRICKIEST CHALLENGES.’ RENATO GRACA, ARCHITECT

THIS PAGE The sectional sofa anchors the openplan living space. ‘As much as I love my statement pieces, I also love my greenery.

Without it, I think a home can be a sterile environment,’ says Van den Berg.

OPPOSITE PAGE Conjuring images of soft-serve ice cream, the striking spiral staircase was constructed offsite.

The homeowner’s brief of immaculate, clean lines is achieved, with two artworks by his uncle and renowned artist Clive van den Berg providing a focal point.

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‘THERE’S NO PIECE IN MY HOUSE FOR WHICH I CAN’T RELAY ITS ORIGIN STORY.’ BRADLEY VAN DEN BERG, HOMEOWNER

lead architects Graca and Francois du Plessis was simple: a home with an intimate feel, and with crisp, clean lines.

The barn-like structure he envisaged suited the architects well, for while it is contemporary, its pitched roofs are in keeping with those of the historical architecture of the neighbourhood. ‘Tamboerskloof is special. It is not quite suburban nor is it inner city – it’s more that one lies on the outskirts of the other,’ elaborates Graca. ‘As children, we tend to draw A-frame structures dictated by symmetry, so the barn shape speaks to all. I wanted to take this idea and urbanise it. So our proposal to Brad was to utilise the suburban form but update it with modern materials and an inner-city layout.’

One such material integral to the structure is zinc. With a career that has Van den Berg frequently travelling abroad, he’s developed a liking of zinc roofing common to many of the European cities he’s visited. The metal’s robust durability appealed to the architects too, as it allowed for patterns to be explored

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in the cladding of the home’s roof and some exterior walls. With the passing of time zinc oxidises, resulting in a matt finish that’s largely maintenance-free.

Low maintenance was important in the interior of the Hshaped structure too. Entry is into the east barn – the dining space and kitchen – the latter seamlessly flowing into a back courtyard.

The west barn houses two en-suite bedrooms, and upstairs a master suite. The H’s crossbar serves as living spaces: downstairs an entertainment area that leads out to a veranda, garden and pool, and upstairs a home office. Off-shutter concrete and timber-clad walls in the interiors require little maintenance. They are paired with oversized tiles and, in the bedrooms, herringbone timber floors. Together, these materials provide a neutral environment into which Van den Berg could install his established collection of international objets and lighting, and local art and furniture.

‘My décor pieces, mostly lighting, come from my travels.

I always try bring home something that reminds me of where

PRIVATE EDITION

TOP LEFT The spiral staircase leads up into a home office, its off-shutter concrete ceiling echoing that of the living space downstairs.

TOP Van den Berg chose acid-washed Volakas marble for this guest bathroom.

LEFT Flooded with morning light, the city-facing guest bedroom leads onto the veranda.

I’ve been,’ says Van den Berg, pointing out a Le Corbusierdesigned Lampe De Marseille for Nemo in the living area and a wall-mounted 265 Lamp for Flos nearby. ‘That said, we have so many great craftspeople in South Africa that I don’t believe one’s home is more enriched by using only international designers.’ His collection of locally sourced furniture by many of the country’s most distinguished names – including Gregor Jenkin, Tonic Design, Thabisa Mjo of Mash.T Design Studio and James Mudge – is testimony to this. Together with a growing collection of South African art (his uncle is renowned artist Clive van den Berg, many of whose works populate the home’s walls), Van den Berg’s self-furnished interiors tell a deeply personal story.

‘I’ve never understood how people can commission a home without bringing into its spaces pieces from their lifetime,’ he says. ‘There’s no piece in my house for which I can’t relay its origin story.’ From collectibles to furniture, artworks to staircase, this is a home rich in stories worth telling.  gsquared.co.za

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DESIGN

THE

CULTURE CLUB Six up-and-coming designers from around the world focus on furniture and homeware that explore their cultural histories through a personal lens.

WORDS MARTIN JACOBS

The Bright Spark ADRIÁN MEXICO

Tallo lamp, one of the simpler forms in Cruz’s Elements collection, pays homage to the designer’s mother, a biologist. ‘Tallo refers to the thallus of a plant. I am fascinated by plants and flowers,’ he says.

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C RU Z

THE DESIGNER ‘Unlike my friends who went to Disneyland, I was taken by my father – a geologist – to explore old gold mines and volcano craters,’ says architect-turned-designer Adrián Cruz. Cruz left Mexico City aged 1 7 to study architecture in Florence, before moving to Belgium, his current home. ‘My adulthood began in Italy. It’s there I learned the differences and similarities between two cultures, my own and European. My inspiration combines European architecture with a twist of pre-Hispanic culture.’

MATERIAL GAINS Elements, a series of four lamps constructed from coloured crystal resin and Mexican green onyx, pays homage to the material joys of Cruz’s childhood. His late grandfather, Chema Chavez, was a pioneer in the use of resins in the 1940s. In addition to the commercial objects he made, he developed a technique to encapsulate flowers and insects in translucent resin. It was in Cruz’s formative years that his fascination with resin began. ‘When I was a child I used to play with my grandfather’s resin objects, fascinated by their translucency,’ explains Cruz. Fabricated in Mexico by his uncles and cousins (who continue the family tradition), his lamps’ bulbs appear weightless atop or between resin plates. The occasional inclusion of onyx references not only his father but also the mineral’s long history of inclusion in pre-Hispanic religious adornment and objects. ‘For me, the juxtaposition of onyx and resin is the contrast between precious nature and modern man.’

ARCHITECTURE ILLUMINATED Buildings from Italy’s Palladian villas to Art Deco and European Rationalist architecture inspire Cruz’s architectonic forms, equally reminiscent of the Memphis Design movement. ‘In Europe, historic and modernist architecture is minimalist in colour, but in Mexico we use folklore colours to bring life to buildings. I want my work to reflect this universe, combining vivid colour with simple volumes.’ adriancruzelements.com

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The Kid in a Candy Store

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ADRIÁN CRUZ, COURTESY HANNA ANONEN, ELINA SIMONEN (PORTRAIT)

H A N N A A NONE N F I N L A N D THE DESIGNER Design Forum Finland’s Young Designer of the Year 2021 Hanna Anonen wants to banish elitism in Finnish design. ‘In Finland, investing in furniture and decorating have long belonged to the elite,’ she says. ‘Today, I think there is no longer that gap. Decorating with anything is everyone’s right.

There is no singular style – you can be personal and free.’ Considering herself a multidisciplinary designer working across product, graphic and spatial disciplines, and with clients including Aalto University and Helsinki Design Week, Anonen regards her work as a breath of fresh Finnish air.

FINNISH LINE ‘Practicality and quality characterise my country’s design history,’ she explains. ‘There’s functionality behind form, so design is minimalist.’

One need think only of Finland’s bestknown design export Artek – founded in 1935 by renowned Alvar Aalto among others, and still manufacturing designs from the 1930s – to understand how design minimalism has dominated Finnish design for close on a century. But it’s another home-grown brand, Marimekko, famed for its bold pattern, colour and overt mood of happiness, that’s perhaps a greater ally to, and influence on, Anonen’s work. ‘I use bold and bright colours in my designs. I am a very hands-on doer, and challenge myself

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Bright colours playfully combined characterise Anonen’s designs. She hopes to inject maximalism into Finnish design with her Cocktail chandelier, inspired by layered liquids in mixologists’ cocktails.

to create amazing-looking, yet practical, products. I build every piece by hand, and like to play around and try new things.’ The playfulness inherent in Anonen’s collections – like her Cocktail chandeliers (inspired by the colour combinations of layered drinks) and Merry-Go-Round stools – stems from a celebration of candy-like

colours and interesting interpretations of form. They’re packaged in simple designs, mostly constructed from wood. ‘I love attaching weight to the quality and durability of materials,’ she says, referencing her chandeliers. ‘To look at them, you’d guess they were made from plastic or glass!’ hannaanonen.com

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DESIGN

THE RICHNESS OF AFRICAN CULTURE IS ENORMOUS; WE ARE JUST BEGINNING TO SCRATCH ITS SURFACE.

Moyo Ogunseinde’s Mmanwu armchair – her interpretation of the traditional wingback whose design directly references the Yoruba celebratory masquerade in honour of harvests and seasons.

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PRIVATE EDITION

‘With bakers in my family, it was a natural decision to explore the symbolism of bread,’ says Baietto of his glass vessels, handblown inside stale bread loaves.

The Narrator

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY AGA CULTURE, COURTESY BRUNO BAIETTO

M OYO O G UN SE I NDE N I G E R I A THE DESIGNER Considering Àga Culture’s founder, Moyo Ogunseinde, was born on the backseat of a moving car in bustling Ibadan, it’s little wonder the studio’s furniture celebrates Yoruba vibrancy and expression. ‘I grew up in Ibadan, a culturally rich Yoruba city. We are an expressive people who celebrate every moment as an occasion,’ she says.

‘Traditionally, Yoruba are skilled craftspeople – blacksmiths, weavers, leather workers, glassmakers, carvers.’ Ogunseinde studied at The Bartlett School of Architecture in London, returning to Nigeria to work in design. She founded Àga Concept in 2017 as a platform to tell African stories through design. ‘I decided to create what I felt was missing,’ she explains. ‘Nigeria’s design industry is young and growing. The richness of African culture is enormous; we are just beginning to scratch its surface.’

SELF-PRESERVATION Ogunseinde regards respect and inherent goodness as key values of Yoruba culture, and so her collections prioritise longevity and durability whilst empowering communities to revive traditional skills. ‘Our culture and traditions cannot be lost if we preserve them.

Our acts to preserve will give hope for our culture to transcend us as a generation.’ Ogunseinde’s clean-lined Oko Chair draws inspiration from the agrarian hoe, a ubiquitous implement in rural Africa. Accordingly, it’s conceived as outdoor furniture, its patina paying tribute to the hand tool.

It’s the Mmanwu Chair though – a fusion of Igbo culture and Western form – that perhaps most speaks of Ogunseinde’s intentions. Inspired by the costumes of the Mmanwu masquerade, a celebration of harvests and seasons, the chair is upholstered in aso oke, a hand-woven cloth traditionally used for garments. ‘Its artistry is a tradition passed from one generation to another,’ explains Ogunseinde of the fabric. ‘Not only does each Mmanwu chair support the informal economy while preserving heritage and handiwork, it’s also using recycled materials in innovative ways.’ agaculture.com

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The Ideological Nomad BRU NO BAIET TO URUGUAY

THE DESIGNER ‘I come from a family of South American bakers, formerly linked to the political pasts of Uruguay and Brazil. My mother was raised as a communist, and my father as a capitalist,’ explains Design Academy Eindhoven graduate Bruno Baietto. ‘Suffice it to say, the subject of ideology was always the battleground of my upbringing, and continues to be so.’ An interest in ideas and ideals has shaped the work of the designer, who describes himself as ‘born and raised in the clash between the Uruguayan nihilistic nostalgia of “things were better how they used to be” and Brazilian hedonist optimism’.

SYMBOLISM EXPLORED Baietto’s debut collection of coloured glass vases, titled ‘Follow The Crumbs That Fall From Your Own’, were handblown inside bread loaves, the bread symbolic of ideologies pertaining to class, religion and politics. ‘With bakers in my family, it was a natural decision to explore the symbolism of bread, and to research the contradictory interpretations a single symbol might evoke,’ says Baietto.

‘Under socialism, bread is synonymous with labour and national progress, whereas in a capitalist society bread is a staple food, the result of a large economy.’ The designer also considers bread as a symbol of Christianity (the body of Christ). A nod to the tale of Hansel and Gretel, who leave a trail of breadcrumbs in order to return home, Baietto’s title questions how different cultures follow established social constructs, subsequently living under past ideologies.

BREAKING BREAD With help from master glassblowers Josja Caecilia Schepman and Geir Nurstad, the vases were created at Leerdam’s Nationaal Glasmuseum. Molten glass was inserted into hollowed-out stale loaves prior to blowing. As the bread burns and breaks, it leaves wonderfully textured surfaces on the exteriors of the unique vessels. brunobaietto.com

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Mnisi’s Nyoka console – its storage concealed behind a beaded curtain – was created in collaboration with artisans from Monkeybiz and Bronze Age Studio.

The Snake Charmer RIC H MNISI SOUTH AFRICA

THE DESIGNER Johannesburg fashion designer Rich Mnisi asserted his design versatility with his first solo exhibition of collectable furniture at Southern Guild earlier this year. With his eponymous clothing label now in its seventh year, the designer has become known for a fusion of contemporary pop culture with traditional African heritage. Whether in fashion or furniture, his bold aesthetic is infused with personal narrative. ‘Collectively, my work is inspired by pride. Pride in who you are, where you’ve come from, and where you’re going,’ he explains.

FRIGHTENINGLY BEAUTIFUL Titled Nyoka (snake in Tsonga), Mnisi’s furniture collection draws inspiration from both the personal and cultural. ‘This started with a nightmare,’ he explains of his collection. ‘My mother dreamt of a snake on her back.

When she turned to look at it, she saw an intense green creature, frightening and fluid, dangerous and beautiful.’ For a designer

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engaged with the formal elements within his work, it’s easy to understand the impact of such a dream. ‘Fluidity and form always inform my work. They are elements to which I’m naturally drawn, as they’re an extension of me.’ Snaking lines, referencing his mother’s dream, define many of the pieces, from sheepskin seats Vumboni I and Vumboni II to his console, Nyoka. The works also draw inspiration from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Bushongo origin myth. Bumba, the creator god, is believed to have vomited up the sun, moon and stars, and subsequently nine animals that created the world’s animal kingdom. ‘This is an origin story that proposes that beauty and life could be purged rather than birthed,’ Mnisi explains. ‘To live is to embrace this duality. To accept that joy and tragedy, light and darkness, dreams and nightmares are connected, orbiting and defining each other.’ richmnisi.com; southernguild.co.za

PRIVATE EDITION

DESIGN

IT WILL TAKE DECADES BEFORE THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL VALUE OF THESE PAPER REMAINS IS RECOGNISED.

The Archaeologist PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD KEPPEL (PORTRAIT), CHRISTOF VAN DER WALT (CONSOLE), COURTESY RITA OSIPOVA

R I TA OSI P OVA HOLL A ND

THE DESIGNER ‘Street posters are like freedom of speech: raw, free and very human. We advertise events, products and political programmes. We deface them with graffiti and gum,’ says Rotterdam-based designer Rita Osipova, of her growing collection of salvaged posters. ‘When sorting through them, it struck me that I was going through years of data like in a history book – modern archaeology.’ Of Dutch-Russian descent and a sculpture graduate of London’s Royal College of Art, Osipova considers herself a curator of current culture. Her design language flirts with the ordinary, finding poetry in the unappealing, as in Shifting Perspectives, her collection of ‘modern artefacts’ constructed from street posters.

PAPER WEIGHT ‘As digitalisation proceeds, the era of posters is coming to an end ... It will take decades before the anthropological value of these paper remains is recognised as an abundant source of information about what we eat and do, who we vote for and what problems we fight today.’ With a passion for archaeology, Osipova has turned to history in the shaping of her works. Her forms nod to England’s Sutton Hoo burial site and ancient Greek urns decorated with imagery of daily life. Working with poster, glue and staples, each of Osipova’s sculptures represents the city in which its posters were sourced. ‘New York’s posters are almost pure consumerism with a small but important message – diversity. Posters in Paris are a mix of political statements and fashion. London is mad about music and cultural events, and Berlin can rightly be called the city of freedom, where a dildo ad sits next to a book fair poster.’ ritaosipova.com 

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Titled ‘London’, Osipova’s paper vessel takes its name from the city in which she collected the street posters used in its construction.

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ADVERTORIAL

THE NEW

BMW 8 SERIES TRANSFORMS LUXURY Luxury presents premium quality most pleasing to the senses – it looks and feels good. With revolutionary styling and technical perfection, the BMW 8 Series sports cars are uniquely luxurious.

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ADVERTORIAL

E

ACH MODEL IN THE NEW BMW 8 series masterfully combines pleasing yet dynamic design with extraordinary precision, boasts impressive performance and encompasses its driver in incomparable comfort.

BMW has displayed bold leadership that is committed to reimagining how the automotive industry operates. It is transforming luxury and inviting its clientele along in this chase for mythical beauty. At a crucial moment of connectedness, the BMW 8 Series embodies an inherent passion for inspiration and style.

The three models of the BMW 8 Series are respective stories of strikingly formulated surfaces and precisely traced lines synonymous with the brand’s current design ethos – a conjuring of unmistakable desire and lasting impression.

Beyond iconic, each of the three individual vehicle characters offers a distinctive interpretation of athletic flair and luxury.

The BMW 8 Series Coupé embodies the classic two-door body shape, holding firmly to the tradition of the brand’s

The athletic silhouettes of BMW’s 8 Series Gran Coupé, Coupé and Convertible house inherent luxury and driving precision so characteristic of the iconic car marque.

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ADVERTORIAL

THE BMW 8 SERIES EMBODIES AN INHERENT PASSION FOR INSPIRATION AND STYLE.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé exceeds the expectations of a sports car with exceptional space, comfort and long-distance suitability.

The 8 Series Coupé epitomises elegance, power and precision.

BMW’s 8 Series Convertible elevates open-top touring to new levels of pleasure.

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legendary sports cars. It is a low-slung vehicle with an elongated silhouette and a roof line that elegantly flows into a powerful rear. Its roof – optionally made of carbon fibre reinforced composite material (CFRP) – features a central indentation reminiscent of the double curvature known as the ‘double bubble’ in classic racing cars.

The BMW 8 Series Convertible combines sporting performance with the highest level of exclusivity and the appeal of open-top driving pleasure. The classic textile soft top can be opened or closed fully at the touch of a button in 15 seconds, and lies flat in its compartment after being opened.

The series is rounded off with a vehicle concept that combines typical BMW dynamic

performance with a clear bonus in terms of space and long-distance suitability. As a four-door model with an exceptionally high level of seating comfort in the rear for a sports car, the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé occupies an exceptional position in the luxury segment.

In addition, all model variants of the new BMW 8 Series come standard with the desirable M Sport package that offers a more focused impression of driving pleasure. Operating convenience and connectivity are optimised by an enlarged 12.3-inch Control Display for the BMW iDrive system. The BMW ‘Iconic Glow’ kidney grille, standard on all model variants, now adds an even more expressive prominence to the exterior.

Go ahead, be inspired. 

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ADVERTORIAL

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HAIL THE GENTLEMAN DRIVERS Motorsport has always attracted the blue-blooded. Apart from the wealth needed to participate, they’re driven by the thrill of danger, a zest for life, and the glory of victory.

WORDS RICHARD WEBB

F

ROM THE PREDICTABLE to the outland-

ish, the reasons elites have gravitated towards racing machines are easy to define.

They have the money required to participate, they crave the adrenaline, and then, in no small measure, there is the thrill that victory delivers. An endeavour stretching back to Edwardian aristocracy, a similar eccentricity remains associated with many of the gentleman racers of today.

Despite motor racing being mostly a solo sport, it’s a pursuit steeped in camaraderie. Early participants formed troupes, one example being the Bentley Boys led by Joel Woolf Barnato. Barnato was heir to a South African diamond mine and had invested heavily in Bentley. He famously won a £100 bet he made

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whilst partying in Cannes. The wager? That he could race his 6½-litre Bentley Speed Six from the Carlton Hotel in Cannes to The Carlton Club on St James Street in London by the time the Le Train Bleu pulled into the French port city of Calais. He drove the 1 329km in 22 and a half hours, pipping the train by just four minutes.

Earnest Hemmingway aptly characterised this post-World War 1 spirit of laissez-faire hedonism as belonging to a ‘lost generation – the emotionally scarred who’d been in the thick of the action, mingling with revellers who were incapable of empathising with their pain’.

Arguably the most gifted and utterly fearless driver was Bentley Boy Sir Henry Ralph Stanley ‘Tim’

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‘DANGER, AND THE NEED FOR CAUTION, WERE ALL SACRIFICED TO THE LOVE OF BRILLIANT DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED.’

Birkin. His restless dynamism and a longing for adventure were best described by The Times: ‘Danger, and the need for caution, were all sacrificed to the love of brilliant driving at high speed.’

In the 1928 Le Mans, he managed a lap average speed of 136 km/h on just three wheels because one tyre had punctured. But his driving prowess was not limited to the track. Mischievously, he once managed to shoehorn a Bentley up the staircase of the Savoy Hotel during a well-lubricated dinner.

Taking the baton from Sir Henry, Count Carlo Felice Trossi, a young engineer and gentleman racer was an early financial backer of Enzo Ferrari. In 1930, he commissioned a supercharged 7.1-litre MercedesBenz SSK ‘Count Trossi’ known as the Black Prince.

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This was the era when cars were indeed bespoke works of art.

Characterised by his ever-present Trossi Leggenda 46mm-diameter Patek Philippe on his wrist, he raced in the German Grand Prix, but his best results on the racetrack were with the mighty Alfa Romeo team, with victory on the streets of Milan’s Portello district in the 1947 Italian Grand Prix.

Enzo Ferrari’s first customers were all wealthy privateers for whom a Servizio Clienti department was set up in 1948 in Viale Trento e Trieste, Modena.

Enzo’s fourth ever customer, Count Gianni Marzotto, was the owner of a 2-litre grand touring coupé. He set the sartorial standard by winning the 1950 Mille Miglia in a double-breasted suit. ‘I raced in my suit

OPPOSITE PAGE Birkin and Barnato’s Bentley seen here at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929, the 7th Grand Prix of Endurance.

THIS PAGE Joel Woolf Barnato drove the 1 329km from the Carlton Hotel to the Carlton Club (46 of which were on a channel ferry) in 22 and a half hours, beating the train by four minutes.

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The thrill of racing wheel-to-wheel needn’t be a pipe dream. Locally, the South African National GT Association was formed by a group of heavily invested gentlemen racers with a passion for racing. Currently, FIA-homologated purpose-built GT3 racing cars from Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Audi, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Bentley compete in the SAGTRA Championship.

‘We’ve created a level playing field, so it’s all down to the driver,’ says Chairman Izak Spies.

because that was my normal working attire… It meant I was always ready, if forced to retire, to take the train home,’ he later said of his derring-do.

Scotch whisky heir Rob Walker, the man who, having got his wings at Cambridge, was ejected from the university air squadron for clipping the fences around Cottenham racecourse in his Tiger Moth.

Citing his occupation as ‘gentleman’ in his passport, he described himself as self-unemployed. He went on to form the Rob Walker Racing Team and became a highly respected character in motor sport history, winning a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix nine times between 1958 and 1968.

But is there a place for the modern gentleman driver? The concept of a gentleman racer seems quaint; however, there’s no shortage of venues or outlets for gentlemen drivers to test their mettle behind the wheel of a purebred racing machine.

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Car-makers of high-performance brands like Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini and Maserati are the modern enablers. There’s plenty of scope for the well-heeled to satisfy their need for speed, and at the other economic end of the performance spectrum, affordable sporty cars for the racer in us all.

In fact, the importance of gentleman drivers in top-line sports-car racing has been enshrined in the regulations of the Le Mans Series in Europe. Driver line-ups in the LMP2 category have at least one gentleman racer. Promoter Patrick Peter said LMP2 is about amateur drivers and private teams. ‘We need gentlemen drivers because they pay for the racing.’

Cigars and brandy during pitstops may be a distant memory, but those who pay for the privilege of being behind the wheel follow in the illustrious tire-tracks of the gentleman racers of old. 

PRIVATE EDITION

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OPPOSITE PAGE The Ferrari 166MM was crafted in a shape that resembled an egg, or ‘uovo’. It was built for Count Giannino Marzotto, the youngest heir to a vast textile and fashion fortune.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Joel Woolf Barnato’s spectacular dare; Luigi Chinetti in his Ferrari Barchetta on the way to his third victory at Le Mans in 1949; ‘Bentley Boy’ Barnato.

BOTTOM The 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK ‘Count Trossi’.

A SPORTING SPIRIT AND A FLAIR FOR DRIVING, COUPLED WITH A PASSION FOR ENGINEERING AND THE ABILITY TO ENDURE FATIGUE WERE REQUIRED TO BECOME ONE OF THE FEW GENTLEMAN RACERS.

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PLACES OF

PEACE Three memorable Cape escapes, which place wellness at the heart of the guest experience, offer luxury and indulgence, and the opportunity to give your body and soul the nourishment they deserve.

WORDS RICHARD HOLMES

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T’S AN EASY REPLY that slips off the tongue almost imperceptibly when someone asks, ‘How are you?’ ‘I’m well, thank you.’ But are you? In a world that is fastpaced and frantic (even before pandemics and the potential for a Europe mired in war), finding wellness isn’t always easy.

Stress and sleep deprivation are too often worn as a badge of honour, while healthy eating and the opportunity to simply stop and take a deep breath are too often relegated to that mythical year-end holiday. But wellness shouldn’t wait until December. We found three luxurious escapes that offer restful repose from the fast lane ... any time of the year.

XXX Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Cederberg, Bliss & Stars offers multi-day retreats focused on meditation, mindfulness and connection.

‘IT’S A SPACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN COME AND PRESS PAUSE.’

BLISS & STARS

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It’s off-grid and off-the-beaten track, but it’s well worth the drive. Bliss & Stars, set on the banks of the Doring River three hours north of Cape Town, amid the weathered sandstone ridges of the northern Cederberg, is a glorious getaway that brings new meaning to the notion of a wilderness escape.

‘This is not a lodge, and it’s not a retreat. It’s our home and we want to share it with people,’ explains Daria Rasmussen, who runs Bliss & Stars with her husband, Heine. ‘We wanted to create a place where people really slow down, so we guide guests in how to do nothing. A rest is a real act of rebellion in this world!’

Bliss & Stars opened in late-2020, just 18 months after the couple had swopped busy corporate lives in Denmark for the perfect stillness of the Cederberg. On 1 350 hectares of untouched mountain wilderness, just a handful of luxurious suites cling to the mountainside, elegantly decorated in a chic Afro-Nordic aesthetic.

That dedication to beauty extends to the cuisine, with holistic health coach and consultant chef Melissa Delport the talent behind the delicious plant-based menu.

‘Food is fuel; it should be powering us up,’ says Delport, whose seasonal plant-based menu ranges from colourful poke bowls and hearty tagines,

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to cooling avocado and cucumber soup. Much of the produce comes from the on-site vegetable gardens, or is drawn from surrounding farms, ensuring sustainability throughout.

With your hunger pangs taken care of, the wilderness will do the same to refill your soul.

Days can be spent in quiet meditation, or walking serene mountain trails. Bliss & Stars enjoys kilometres of private river frontage, with stand-up paddle boards on offer if you wish to explore a little further afield.

But this isn’t just a getaway space to arrive and flop. Rather, Bliss & Stars offers focused multi-day retreats built around particular themes.

A highlight is the Star Bathing retreat that combines the Cederberg’s clear night skies with Heine’s passion for astronomy. It’s an experience that is educational, humbling and awe-inspiring, all at once. For those needing a true respite from the fast pace of modern life, the Silent Retreats option offers an opportunity to reassess your priorities in life.

Above all, Bliss & Stars is ‘a space where people can come and press the pause button. It’s a place to slow down, and notice the abundance of the life they lead,’ explains Daria. blissandstars.com

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Enjoy glorious mountain views from the Grand Master Suite at Villa Verte, or soak up the sun at the Maison Noir pool.

FUTURE FOUND SANCTUARY In the shadow of Table Mountain, tucked beneath the indigenous forests of Orangekloof in Hout Bay, Future Found Sanctuary offers an entirely new way to discover the healing energy of the Mother City. This contemporary destination is the brainchild of American retail entrepreneur Jim Brett (owner of brands like J. Crew, Anthropologie and West Elm), who turned his considerable creativity to crafting an unforgettable wellness retreat in the heart of Cape Town.

Channelling all five senses, Future Found is built on the notion of ‘ecotherapy’.

From the ancient forests and Cape Floral Kingdom surrounding the sanctuary to the on-site Sensorium Spa, it’s a destination focused firmly on wellness. Seasonal yoga sessions take full advantage of the impressive mountainside location, while serene meditation spaces are spread throughout the seven-acre property. This year it was added to Regenerative Travel’s hotel portfolio, thus being recognised for its sustainable future-focused ethos of eco-minded luxury.

Accommodation extends over two contemporary villas, both filled with the work of African artists, photographers and creatives handpicked by Brett. Each villa – the five-bedroom Maison Noir and four-bedroomed Villa Verte – can be hired on an exclusive-use basis, or as individual suites, with longer multi-day residential retreats in the planning. futurefoundsanctuary.com/

FUTURE FOUND IS BUILT ON THE NOTION OF ‘ECOTHERAPY’.

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ANGALA Billed as a five-star barefoot sanctuary, this destination on the slopes of the Simonsberg offers an intimate wellness address in the Cape Winelands.

With 11 luxury suites, this family-owned boutique property offers a space for quiet reflection. Wander the gardens, walk the nearby mountain trails or enjoy the on-site wellness facilities, which include a natural freshwater pool, ozonated pool and heated plunge pool, alongside a dedicated steam room and infrared sauna. An extensive range of massage, facial and healing treatments can be enjoyed in the privacy of your suite, with advance booking.

Angala hosts a series of inspiring retreats during the winter months that provide the perfect opportunity to reset, and reconnect with yourself, and loved ones. Opt for the focussed two-night yoga retreat, emerge yourself in gong and crystal-bowl relaxation sessions, or join the midweek art retreats, run by experienced artists and geared for all skill levels. Here the focus is on channelling your innate creativity, encouraging spontaneity and stillness. angala.co.za 

The eco-swimming pool at Angala is one of three on the property, offering the chance to cool off in spring water kept sparkling by filtration through indigenous wetland plants.

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PHOTOGRAPHY GETTY IMAGES

ISLAND OF TURTLES

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WE ARE ON ISLA MÚCURA, a tiny, 23-hectare island, two hours by speedboat from Cartagena on Colombia’s northwest coast. Forming part of the archipelago of San Bernado, it is a protected natural paradise, in sharp contrast to its neighbouring island, Santa Cruz del Islote. The latter is said to be one of the most densely populated islands on earth. The size of about two soccer fields, Santa Cruz del Islote is man-made and rests on a raised seabed of coral. It is home to more than 1 200 people who fish or work in the tourism industry for a living. Many are employed at hotels and watersport centres on some of the other nine small islands dotted around this area.

In contrast, Isla Múcura has one sleepy village called Puerto Caracol, two hotels, no roads and no cars. Here you get around by boat or bicycle. Hotel Punta Faro spreads across nine hectares of the island and provides employment to 100 people, 60 of whom are from the local villages. It offers the quintessential perfect island holiday: a beautiful sandy beach, clear warm sea, water sports and outdoor spa treatment rooms overlooking the ocean. Inviting you to ditch your shoes and walk barefoot, there are rolling lawns with palm trees and tropical gardens inhabited by birds and iguanas. Daybeds with palm-leaf shelters provide sun protection for afternoon naps, and there are hammocks aplenty for daydreaming and reading.

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It’s a race for survival as rescued sea turtles are released into the Caribbean Sea. Surprisingly, it’s the littlest one that wins the day.

WORDS JANIE VAN DER SPUY

The comfortable wooden guest cabins come with all the mod-cons – Wi-Fi, aircon, mini-bar – as well as an outdoor shower. The service is warm, the beer is cold.

At sunset, guests sip Coco Loco cocktails from fresh coconuts before feasting on freshly caught grilled fish and other Colombian and Caribbean speciality dishes.

But there is trouble in paradise. Like everywhere else in the world, the sea and its precious creatures are under severe threat. Once a common sighting in these waters, sea turtles are at great risk of extinction. There are seven turtle species in the world, two of which occur in the Caribbean around Isla Múcura. Green turtles weigh around 160kg and were traditionally hunted for their meat and eggs. The much smaller, now critically endangered Hawksbill turtle was a sought-after catch for its beautiful shell, used to make jewellery sold to ignorant tourists.

The family that owns Hotel Punta Faro is adamant about making a difference in this remote little corner of the ocean. The design of the hotel is carefully integrated with nature. As expected, they recycle and reuse in an effort to run an environmentally sustainable tourism product. But it goes much further, and they have founded several successful conservation and community initiatives. Villagers used to shoot, trap and kill birds around the island until the hotel created a photography competition to encourage locals to ‘shoot’

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TRAVEL

TURTLE PROTECTION STARTS WITH AWARENESS AND OUTREACH PROGRAMMES.

birds with cellphone cameras only. The best photographs are revered, and the aspirant photographers are rewarded handsomely. Consequently, birdlife is thriving on the island. Strolling through the gardens and at mealtimes, delighted hotel guests are entertained by the antics of more than 25 bird species, including impressive birds of prey such as the feisty yellow-headed caracara.

But back to the turtles. In partnership with the National Natural Parks of Colombia, Hotel Punta Faro started a turtle conservation project on the island.

Natural aquariums have been constructed around the shore where sea turtles are monitored, tagged and scientific information collected. Fishermen who would historically catch and eat turtles, are encouraged to rescue the creatures from their fishing nets and bring them to the conservation team at Punta Faro. Here live, unharmed turtles are bartered and exchanged, kilogram by kilogram in weight, for frozen chicken. Hotel Punta Faro picks up the tab for the frozen chicken. It’s a winwin: food on the table for the fisherman’s family, and one more turtle with a chance of survival.

Turtle protection starts with awareness and outreach programmes within the local and neighbouring communities. In partnership with Hotel Punta Faro, a small conservation aquarium was also established on

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PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE VAN DER SPUY

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Island magic: the picture-perfect beach of Hotel Punta Faro on Isla Múcura off Colombia; Built from sustainable, natural materials, the rustic design of the hotel blends into nature; Guest rooms overlook tropical gardens with views of the ocean in the distance.

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TRAVEL

The baby turtles are instinctively drawn to the shoreline.

RIGHT A young boy shows off the turtle he is about to set free.

Santa Cruz del Islote. Here rescued turtles are kept safe until they are relocated to the research centre on Punta Faro. Tourists pay a small fee to visit this world-famous island and see the aquarium. The educational programme involves regular school group visits to Punta Faro where children are taught the importance of conservation and the plight of the sea turtle. They return to their families and communities with newly gained knowledge and spread the word to older generations. Slowly but surely, the message of conservation tourism and its direct benefit to the community is driven home.

Once a month, there is a turtle-release ceremony at Hotel Punta Faro. Excitement is in the air as 17 turtles will be released today. Like about 800 turtles before them over the last eight years, these rescued turtles were brought to the hotel’s conservation team by members of the local community. Scientifically monitored and tagged, they are deemed fit and in good health to be granted their freedom, today.

Hotel guests gather under a huge 100-year old rubber tree, joining members of the scientific community, local villagers and school groups. Then, 17 children are picked as project assistants who rush ahead to the research aquarium. The rest of us move to the beach where we wait for this special ceremony. Marching in time to dramatic orchestral piped music to mark the occasion,

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the line of children in their brand-new turtle project T-shirts make their way down to the beach. With serious little faces they proudly carry their sea turtles like trophies in their outstretched hands. Taking their positions on the beach, they gently put their turtles down, some green and others hawksbill, to start the race of their lives.

On your marks, get set, go! Some of the turtles hesitate, perplexed, but with a helping hand here and a gentle nudge there, they get a sense of their impending freedom, find their bearings and head towards the ocean. Thrusting towards the shore only a few metres away, the smallest turtle is most eager and reaches the gentle waves first. With the others in hot pursuit, it launches itself into the warm Caribbean sea and with a few powerful kicks, it disappears into the turquoise yonder. On the beach we celebrate their freedom and a second chance at life, and ultimately, survival. My heart sings.  GETTING THERE E-Visa application for Colombia can be done online. Fly to Colombia via Europe or the US. KLM operates flights via Bogota to Cartagena and American Airlines operates a direct service from New York. From Cartagena, a speedboat service takes you to the island in under two hours. puntafaro.com

PRIVATE EDITION

PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE VAN DER SPUY

TODAY 17 HAWKSBILL AND GREEN TURTLES GET ANOTHER SHOT AT FREEDOM AND SURVIVAL.

BELLWOOD ROAD, FRESNAYE

JOUBERT ROAD, GREEN POINT

Set in the beautiful cobbled Bellwood Road in Fresnaye, this exquisite recently completed complex Bellhouse comes to market. A boutique residence designed by renowned architects Peerutin, comprising of four luxury units. Standing proud in white plaster, the complex has great curb appeal with the accents of natural wood and grey aluminium. Each unit offers direct elevator access. A communal swimming pool and braai area along with two secure underground parking bays completes this desirable residence. The perfect lock-up-and-go! Grant Bailey: 083 444 5171; Rudi Jordaan: 066 307 1952; Web ref: 100163.

Joubert road has for a long time been an address renowned for its magnificent sea views, spacious plots and its quiet suburb-feel in the heart of the city and today, after 35 years, Joubert Road releases it’s Crown Jewel. Designed by award winning architect Richard Perfect, this home makes the most of its 945 m2 ERF and panoramic views with attention to detail and style in a marriage of contemporary design and classic architecture that is finally ready for a new owner to call her home. Jonathan Mark Boyes-065 804 4989; Meghan Kloppers: 082 854 4560; Web ref: 101957.

MAGNIFICENT LLANDUDNO HOME

CAMPS BAY BOUTIQUE GUEST HOUSE

Exquisite Ocean and Mountain views are the focal point of this extremely sophisticated home in Llandudno. A double volume entrance hall leads up to the opulent main level incorporating a stylish open plan kitchen which seamlessly flows into a lounge and dining area surrounded by fully retractable glass doors which merge onto the pool deck with spectacular views. Copious entertainment areas include two lounges, TV room and study with fireplace connected to the pool deck with heated salt water pool. Steam Room, Home Cinema, Laundry and staff accommodation. Andrea Glew: 0798939197; Web ref: 99590.

The inspired interior design of this bespoke residence emanates a sense of pared back luxury with generous lounges and dining area connecting to an alfresco terrace and exquisite pool deck with swimming pool set within landscaped gardens. Five individually styled and fully equipped suites offer private outdoor terraces/balconies from which guests can truly revel in the magnificent views.

Purchase as a fully furnished going concern with proven income, reconfigure the design to extend or enjoy as a spacious home. Separate laundry facility, water storage tanks, staff accommodation. Andrea Glew: 0798939197.

Asking: R14,750 million | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R59 million | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms | Carport

To view these properties visit www.sothebysrealty.co.za

Asking: R16.995 million | 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Asking: R39 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 5 Parkings

BRYANSTON, SANDTON

SAXONWOLD, JOHANNESBURG

Rich architectural splendour – chic and sophisticated double-storey home designed for ease of entertaining – a stunning masterpiece with walls of glass – superb open-plan kitchen with top of the range fittings – flowing to open-plan reception rooms to pool deck, pool & landscaped garden – study – 4 lux bedroom suites with dream bathrooms – self-contained flatlet for guests – domestic accommodation – 3 auto garages. Fully automated home featuring top of the range security and easy-living technologies. A tranquil haven for the discerning buyer. Manuela Coelho: 082 552 7119; Web ref: 4559969.

This gorgeous family home exudes appeal from head to toe. The ultimate home that invites you to share a luxurious, yet relaxed lifestyle with loved ones. The extended North-facing Garden with mature trees and swimming pool, keeps everyone entertained. An ancient Conifer shelters an outside dining area for al-fresco lunches. The open-plan kitchen and spacious, light-filled family room spill onto the covered terrace, good for entertainment. Kitchen with a pantry and separate scullery forms the heart of the home. An ideally situated studio, study, or office with its entrance leading into a courtyard. Elsabe Burnett: 082 414 6655; Web ref: 5124455.

ATHOLL, JOHANNESBURG

INANDA, JOHANNESBURG

Enjoy peace of mind as this comfortable, stylish home is set within an access controlled road. Upstairs, 5 bedrooms (3 en-suite), the main offers a walkin dressing room, 4th separate guest bathroom. All bedrooms have external aluminium shutters for added security. The ironmongery of the gates and balustrade is classical and attests to the quality of this home. Double staff accommodation with a shared bathroom and double automated garage. This home with its many features will be a serious contender for your bucket list.

Karen and John Bosman: 083 435 7703; Web ref: 5276344.

Within a discreet complex of only 4 prestigious homes nestles this impressive property. Enjoying a 1 928m² garden which embraces the home at every turn.

The generous use of windowscapes to exotic atriums and skylights creates a relaxed, serene, light filled indoor landscape. A generous double entry, light filled foyer with feature picture windows and skylight. 3 Spacious receptions, lounge with gas fireplace. Expansive covered patio. Study / 5th bedroom. Tiled kitchen with granite work tops, centre island / breakfast bar, large walk-in pantry and air conditioning. Separate Scullery. Karen and John Bosman: 083 435 7703; Web ref: 4726822.

Asking: R18.5 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Asking: R9 million | 4 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Asking: R8.1 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R6.45 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 4 Garages

To view these properties visit www.sothebysrealty.co.za

CRAIGHALL PARK, JOHANNESBURG

WEST CLIFF, JOHANNESBURG

A beautiful South entry North facing dream home situated on the Dunkeld and Craighall Park border. Designer built with beautiful finishes, this modern spacious home lends itself to lavish indoor/outdoor entertaining. Stylishly and immaculately decorated. The gracious glass balustraded staircase leads upstairs to 4 well-appointed north facing bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a pyjama lounge. The elegant main bedroom en-suite, is carpeted, opens into a his and hers dressing room and through to the bathroom. Di: 082 960 5353; Debbie: 083 326 7739; Web ref: 5061421.

Architect Michael Scholes, Designer Krsysia Back and the owner herself, have collaborated to create “Suburban Art” – with 2nd dwelling located on the crest of the West Cliff ridge. Glass, rock, stone and copper, create a home that is warm, low maintenance and connected to nature. Cosy library with riveting views. Wine cellar. 5 Reception areas, 3 double bedrooms main en-suite with dressing room. 2nd Bedroom en-suite, family bathroom. 2nd Dwelling: Entr, lounge/dining, kitchen, bed, bath, garden. Beverley Gurwicz: 082 412 0010; Web ref: 5044721.

PARKVIEW, JOHANNESBURG

HOUGHTON ESTATE, JOHANNESBURG

Entrance opens to open plan living at its best encompassing the kitchen, lounge, dining room and family room with gas fire place and large private study/office all exceptionally well fitted with built-in sound system linked to the reception areas and main bedroom with electronic controls for the lighting system. The main suite is glamorous with a large dressing room opening to the wrap around verandah. This is a South, North East and West verandah leading on to all garden and pool area. The main kitchen has a lock up pantry with utility room, laundry and second stove. This is linked to a staff suite, could be 4th bedroom. Theodora Brickhill: 082 553 8525; Web ref: 5159480.

This Immaculate, well maintained and well contained home calls all families who want both the luxury of a house and the lock up convenience of a cluster-style home. North facing, sunny, warm and bright. Excellent security. Double Gate.

Beautiful patio, with built in braai and bar room overlooks the sparkling swimming pool and pristine garden. Modern open plan kitchen and family room, comfortable lounge and dining room. 4 Well appointed bedrooms (2 en suite), 3 bathrooms.

MES with two separate studies. Generator. Staff acc, 2 garages, plenty off street parking. Sabina Seeber: 083 254 6981; Michael: 076 202 3388; Web ref: 5339911.

Asking: R8.99 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R4.25 million | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

To view these properties visit www.sothebysrealty.co.za

Asking: R17.5 million | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Asking: R6.3 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

PARKHURST, JOHANNESBURG

SENDERWOOD, JOHANNESBURG

Asking: R3.75 million | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Asking: R8.9 million | 5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Welcoming entrance hall area that flows onto the north facing lounge with gas fireplace, double doors lead to the dining room area onto the generous well fitted kitchen. The dining room spills onto the beautifully elevated undercover patio and sundeck area, past the office/ study nook. The patio overlooks the garden & pool with the adjacent outdoor pool room/ studio. 2 En suite beds. Outbuildings comprise of a contemporary double storey structure with a very sunny studio/ additional outdoor reception area/ billiard room fitted with aluminium stack doors that open onto the pool and garden downstairs and a well designed guest suite upstairs. Willem: 082 442 1497; Cornel: 082 468 8247; Web ref: 5256723.

Modern – great accommodation and very spacious, but compact and open plan ideal for privacy and sunny family living. Double volume entrance hall marble staircase, huge study ideal for work from home lounge and TV room and study all open out onto patio of great proportions, glass railings, sparkling pool and treed garden. Wine Cellar open plan, kitchen plus breakfast eating area opening onto courtyard, big scullery/laundry with extra ovens! Double staff cottage - three garages and upstairs big pyjama lounge – 5 bedrooms 3 en-suite (4 bathrooms).

Everything in this home is new modern and up to date as for the colour ambiance a once off! Charlene Leibman: 082 448 0440; Web ref: 5172907.

BEDFORDVIEW, JOHANNESBURG

MORNINGSIDE EXT 40, SANDTON

Asking: R9.7 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Asking: R15.8 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 6 Garages

Majestic modern architecture. Glass encased double volume entrance! Vast open-plan living is catered for and the flow from the main lounge, pub area, and dining room is perfect for effortless entertaining. The pub, which is set slightly to the side, is built-in. A separate TV lounge area is just great for family ‘down time’ together. Stunning kitchen. The ‘Master Suite’ is sumptuously spacious, 3 x further double bedrooms are en-suite to full bathrooms. Extras include: 3 garages, plus generous extra parking, 2 x staff suites, electric fencing, perimeter beams, an alarm system, a borehole, sprinkler system and garden lights. Ingrid Hoaten: 082 490 6246; Web ref: 5253030.

Double volume entrance with feature staircase and awe-inspiring chandelier leads to 3 spacious reception rooms. Magnificent cocktail bar. Formal lounge has an imported closed fireplace, baronial dining room. Fitted Gentleman’s study/office. Patio with built-in gas braai overlooks the solar heated rim-flow pool. Upstairs are 4 beds, all en-suite. Pyjama lounge. 2 Bed en-suite fully selfcontained cottage. 6 automated garages, staff acc for 3 and ample visitors parking. Security is tight, sequestered in a boomed 24 hour guarded enclave, gated cul-de-sac, electric fencing, alarm, outside beams, 10 CCTV cameras. This home offers splendid seclusion. Sue Hall: 083 378 1101; Web ref: 4429623.

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EAGLE CANYON GOLF ESTATE

LINDEN EXT

Asking: R9.95 million | 6 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 4 Garages

Asking: R3.95 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

North facing architectural designed home with a view of the golf course. Large open plan living area downstairs to a formal lounge, TV lounge, dining room and kitchen leading onto a large, enclosed patio. Guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a plus separate study. Upstairs, five bedrooms, three are ensuite bathrooms and two bedrooms with separate bathroom. The main ensuite bedroom has and large patio and magnificent view of the Estate. Lovely spacious garden with swimming pool that borders onto the green belt. Additional features are a backup power invertor, wine cellar and under-floor heating. Staff accommodation and two double garages. Debby Woodward: 082 889 7903; Office: 011 476 8303; Web ref: 4489991.

Ultramodern, Spacious Luxury Cluster: full title, only 3 years old! Fantastic patio, home office/staff suite, private garden in small exclusive estate! Entrance (access to double garage), spacious open plan lounge, TV room, dining area. Gourmet kitchen: breakfast nook, SMEG gas stove, pantry, scullery, gas geyser. Showcase entertainment Patio, built-in braai. Upstairs: Pajama lounge, 4 Bedrooms (2 ensuite, with dressing rooms), 3 posh bathrooms. Back yard, covered carport, extra parking. House: 341m²; Stand: 614m2. Melinda Odendaal: 083 399 4113; Maria Minik: 083 380 2939; Office: 011 476 8303; Web ref: 5285200.

THE WILLOWS ESTATE, KELLAND

SENIOR DRIVE, NORTHCLIFF

Asking: R4.395 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Asking: 5.25 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Enjoy the peace and quiet in this serene sought-after estate, that offers a secure lifestyle experience like no other, with 24-hour guard house and strict access to the estate. Sophisticated, simplicity, a contemporary style 3 bedroomed family home with full flatlet/office/domestic quarters. Sunny patio and braai area overlooking the private landscaped garden with dazzling pool. Central aircon, 3 garages, gas stove, outside beams and plenty parking. This Lifestyle Estate has beautifully landscaped gardens, quiet walkways as well as a clubhouse with communal swimming pools.

Ria de Wet: 082 824 6925; Office: 011 476 8303; Web ref: 5262668.

Double volume entrance. 4 Luxury bedrooms with a rich blend of textures and styles, 3 bathrooms. Manicured garden. Dining, lavish lounge, open-air patio overlooking the sparkling pool and with magnificent Northcliff views. Country style kitchen overlooking the beautiful courtyard and back garden. 2 Garages, study area. Separate flatlet with, large lounge, dining, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom with own entrance and garage. Ample additional parking, outside laundry with staff toilet, large wendy house, gas geysers, storeroom, generator, and excellent security inside and out. This signature style home offers tranquillity and escape from busy lifestyles. Moira du Toit: 083 388 8820; Fikile Mashela: 073 164 2453; Office: 011 476 8303; Web ref: 4974062.

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29 HERMINA AVENUE, CONSTANTIA UPPER

199 MAGALIESBERG CLOSE, STONEHURST MOUNTAIN ESTATE

Asking: R24.75 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | Triple Garage

Asking: R16.95 million | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

A home of excellent finishes, exceptional quality & style and seamless flow.

A large family home offering maximum functionality, outstanding style in a picturesque location with uninterrupted mountain views and landscaped garden.

Downstairs has a large open plan dining, lounge and kitchen all flowing to the exceptional outdoor undercover entertainment area which overlooks pool and garden. There is a large scullery/laundry with direct access from house into the garage, separate TV/playroom, study and guest en-suite. 3 en-suite bedrooms, 2 further rooms that can be used as additional study or gym and large open Pajama lounge. Triple garage and domestic quarters. Jo Thomas: 084 404 4120; Rouvaun McKirby: 071 671 0821; Office: 021 701 2446; Web ref: 4698779.

An elegant and sophisticated home designed for luxurious living all on one level, with grace, space, and the most incredible unobstructed views across the Constantia Valley. Residents of this popular eco-estate enjoy an unparalleled and secure lifestyle with an onsite gym, and cycling, running and walking trails.

With 3 bedrooms, a study and 4 bathrooms, this north-facing property is beautifully designed to embrace the views and natural light with floor-to-ceiling double glazed windows and doors. The heart of this home is the exceptional covered and fully enclosable patio off the main living area, extending out to the charcoal lap pool. Steve Thomas: 084 471 4722; Dave Burger: 083 458 3333; Office: 021 701-2446; Web ref: 5283271.

20B VALLEY ROAD, KENILWORTH UPPER

19A ROBINSON ROAD, KENILWORTH UPPER, CAPE TOWN

A rare find! This unique home was named after the Senior British Naval Office based in Cape Town, who lived there until 1976. Recently updated by architect Paul Righini,”Elphinstone” now forms the hub of a small gated estate of only four properties. Accommodation comprises four attractive bedrooms, a separate downstairs guest suite and a spacious reception area leading out to the landscaped garden (1451m²) with beautiful views and pool. Conveniently located for leading schools. Barbara Manning: 083 407 3656; Office: 021 701 2446; Web ref: 4652555.

This is one of 3 luxury houses in a small security complex. A bespoke property, with a fully integrated “SMART” system that allows for high tech security and an ease of living that is not commonly seen, a property that includes finishes and design of the utmost quality. Double Garage with direct access. Excellent security. Swimming pool with heat pump and special lighting. Fibre. Satellite Dish. Aluminum windows and doors – no maintenance. An Integrated Security System that is controlled through Touchpads And Smart Devices in The Home.

An absolute pleasure to present! Ruth Leach: 082 323 7550; Elaine Dobson: 082 413 7369; Office: 021 701 2446; Web Ref: 5250985.

Asking: R16.9 million | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R8.75 million | 5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

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66 ZWAANSWYK ROAD, ZWAANSWYK

5 RUSACRE, RONDEBOSCH

Asking: R18.5 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R4.1 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 1 Garage

Master-built entertainer’s dream home, in sylvan setting, surrounded by sweeping mountain views. Double volume open plan reception rooms and stylish kitchen with Caesar-stone counter tops. Easy indoor/outdoor flow.

Main House on 2025 square metres selling at R12 995 000. Separate plot on 1523 square metres with stables and groom’s cottage selling at R5 500 000.

The asking price for both portions of land with main house and stable section included is R18 500 000. Dawn Bloch: 072 496 9458; Lee-Ann Davis: 082 412 6597; Office: 021 701 2446; Web ref: 5036491.

3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 receptions, study, work station/chill zone; single garage, double carport. Perfect South entry, North facing home, often sought, seldom found. Add your stamp to this property which is in need of some TLC and make it your dream home. This double storey home is set well on the plot (just under 600sqm) and enjoys an established garden with a beautiful Plane tree. Rusacre Road enjoys a great, pro-active community spirit and has an extensive security network and cameras in the road. Jane Stirton: 083 613 7863; Web ref: 5340502.

260 MAIN ROAD, KALK BAY

3 SCOPUS ROAD, MUIZENBERG

This Architecturally designed home set and carved into the Kalk Bay mountainside. Boasts beautiful “reach out and touch” sea views overlooking Clovelly & Fish Hoek beaches. High ceilings, sliding doors and enormous, double-glazed windows throughout. The main structure contains a huge living space and entertainment area, chef’s kitchen, 3 en-suite spacious bedrooms with built-in cupboards. Beneath is a studio apartment complete with built-in cupboards, kitchenette, and a separate entrance. Adjoining the apartment is a fully equipped office space. An exceptional home with a host of extras. Enjoy seaside living at its best! Clint Stevens: 082 308 4727; Web Ref: 5290119.

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac this family home has incredible mountain and ocean views. You are welcomed by a beautiful garden with a swimming pool built at a lower level well protected from the wind. The lounge invites you to rest next to the fireplace and unwind with the endless views to the vlei and Hottentots Mountain range. The open plan kitchen, newly renovated has exquisite details to make your life comfortable and easy. The master bedroom en-suite has a walk - in closet and glorious views. The house has a nice and easy flow with modern touches and a happy feeling. Jonathan Alexander: 082 570 9007; Paula Giusti: 082 770 7705; Web Ref: 5257195.

Asking: POA | 5 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

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Asking: R6.5 million | 5 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

DE ZALZE WINELANDS GOLF ESTATE

WINELANDS ESTATE

Asking: R15.8 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: POA | 7 Bedrooms | 8 Bathrooms | 16 Garages

This home was built with families in mind and is being offered to the market for the first time since it was built. Situated on a quiet and private cul de sac with easy access to the main gate, this home has been so well planned with spaces for the family to enjoy together and spaces to offer privacy as well. Chris Cilliers: 082 568 1122; 021 809 2760; Web Ref: 5228686.

Boasting an array of sleek finishes and a thoughtful open plan layout, this home is one in a million and offers the discerning buyer everything they could dream of. Perched in an elevated position on the perimeter of the beautiful Winelands Estate in Paarl, this 7 bedroom - 8 Bathroom home enjoys 180 degree unobstructed views that stretch out over the adjacent farmland to the Winelands mountains beyond. Karlien vd Walt: 079 891 1317; 021 870 1011; Retha Liebenberg: 082 413 2390; 021 870 1011; Web Ref: 5227771.

PEARL VALLEY AT VAL DE VIE

VAL DE VIE ESTATE

Asking: R10.65 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms

Asking: R12.45 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Enjoy living in this lovely 4-bedroom family home with a spacious backyard on the water’s edge, perfect for happy gatherings with family and friends. This house offers a lovely big living area and open plan kitchen, with sliding doors opening to the backyard patio, swimming pool and braai area with a wooden deck and fire-pit on the edge of the water. The garden is low maintenance and water-wise with plenty of mature trees where small garden birds happily go about their daily lives. Desiré Crowther: 082 576 4962; 021 867 0161; Web Ref: 5138835.

Tucked behind the gates of the esteemed Val de Vie Luxury Estate, this home tells the story of a love for travel, artistry and entertainment. Nestled in the heart of the Winelands, this superior constructed and elegant home offers an unsurpassed location with privacy and every modern convenience. Marli Scheppel: 083 988 5691; 021 867 0161; Suritha van Tonder: 084 440 4283; 021 867 0161; Web Ref: 5219499.

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BEL’AIRE WINELANDS ESTATE, SOMERSET WEST

LIFESTYLE FARM, PAARL

Asking: R9.2 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Asking: R77 million | Lifestyle Farm

This charming double storey house in a peaceful position within the wellestablished Bel’Aire Winelands Estate is nestled on a corner plot and is kept in a mint condition by the original owner. The mainly north facing property of impressive quality features spacious rooms with large windows and high ceilings. Detlef Struck: 079 597 1727; 021 851 4450; Wolfgang Jacob: 082 577 1526; 021 851 4450; Web Ref: 5301287.

Luxury Lifestyle farm located in Winelands Estate and neighbouring the Val de Vie Estate. An Agriculturally zoned property of 5,8 ha with olive orchard and vineyard. Sharing security with Winelands Estate. Very strong borehole as well as municipal water. Danie Hauptfleisch: 083 627 2148; 021 870 1011; Web Ref: 5243670.

DIEMERSFONTEIN WINE & COUNTRY ESTATE, WELLINGTON

FRANSCHE HOEK ESTATE, FRANSCHHOEK

Asking: R14.75 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Asking: R12.5 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Luxurious living from this Sophisticated Master-Build Home, set in 1.2 Hectares Vines, surrounded by sweeping mountain views. A well planned, gorgeous family Home that became the epitome of Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate living. Eddie Van Pachtenbeke: 071 003 0363; 021 876 8480; Web Ref: 5267477.

Families do not want over-complicated homes, but they do want comfortable, spacious living areas, privacy, security, and especially up -to-date and modern conveniences. Offering a country -living lifestyle the established garden is easy to maintain, bordering on one of the many green fynbos belts on the Estate, with patio decks making the most of the spectacular mountain views which have made the Franschhoek valley a landmark destination address. Bev Malan: 082 901 6966; 021 876 8480; Moira Barham: 082 896 3597; 021 876 8480; Web Ref: 5342299.

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1 KORHAAN, SOUTHDOWNS ESTATE, CENTURION Asking: R11.5 million | 4 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages Grandly proportioned and flooded with natural light, this home features a vast layout with a selection of formal and informal living areas. The lavish entrance welcomes you into the striking contemporary home capturing sweeping elevated views from inside-out across the river into the dairy farm. A gourmet Caesar stone kitchen, open plan living design includes the dining area, family lounge with a double-sided wood burning fireplace. The Library walled with wooden shelves brings genius into the home. Ground level completes guest room. Upper level includes three bedrooms, pajama lounge, fireplace. Mezzanine level includes wine cellar and entertainment area. Striking residence delivers an environment for family living. Lisa Kelly; Office: 010 510 0000; Web ref: 5273157.

151 CLAYSTONE, STONERIDGE COUNTRY ESTATE, MONAVONI, CENTURION Asking: R4.8 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages Sunrises and stretches, morning coffees and mantras, brunches and lunches, laughter and memories or simple campfires while you surrender to the sunsets.

Tucked away, a dedicated pergola designed for serenity and tranquility to meditate and reflect or to escape into novels and daydreams. Even more enthralling, a greenbelt that extends beyond, promising peace, privacy and leisurely strolls. The seamlessly outfitted kitchen with quartz countertops and unique backsplash, forms the heart of the home. A theater room to unwind. This home is ready for a new family to create their story. Sharmila Bhana: 083 292 9534; Warren Blakewood: 071 293 7503; Office: 010 510 0000; Web ref: 102610.

10 BEAUFIGHTER STREET, MONAGHAN FARM, LANSERIA

1257 PLOVERS NEST, FEATHERBROOKE ESTATE, KRUGERSDORP

Asking: R8.75 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 6 Parkings

Asking: R21 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 4 Garages

A private tranquil haven in a relaxed country atmosphere. This modern, contemporary, spacious north-facing home offers a unique lifestyle with stunning views over the Magaliesberg and Renosterspruit Reserve. Warm up your lounge area with the Italian pellet stove or the wood burning fireplace.

The dining area has full glass stackable doors opening to the pool and lush indigenous natural garden. Stunning open plan designer kitchen and coldroom makes entertaining a pleasure. The three bedrooms all open onto the garden. A separate suite houses the 4th bedroom, also en-suite, ideal for guests. Grahame Diedericks: 083 357 6288; Denise Irvine: 060 658 7112; Web ref: 5335787.

This breathtaking WP Bosch architectural masterpiece opens the door to everything you long for in a home and what you never knew you could have.

Words will not do this property justice. We invite you to explore this breathtaking masterpiece at your own leisure. This magnificent five-bedroom home impresses with its expansive interiors, integrated home automation system, private wine cellar, veranda with vistas of the magnificent, manicured garden.

Built to take advantage of the natural light from every angle. Style is the hall mark of this gorgeous family home. Estelle Smit: 083 231 9691; Charmaine Von Gordon: 079 882 3360; Web ref: 5305995.

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KEURBOOMSTRAND, GARDEN ROUTE

PLETTENBERG BAY, GARDEN ROUTE

Asking: R24.9 million | 5 Bedrooms | 6.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R6.9 million | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Flexible accommodation in 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, with panoramic sea and forest views, immaculate attention to detail designed for comfortable living all year, spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge areas with a large open wood fireplace, multipurpose room, sauna, landscaped garden, double garage, 70% off-grid (capacity for 100%), custom excellent finishes, high tech lighting systems, stainless steel switches and sockets, reverse-cycle air-conditioners, distressed oak planks throughout, master key system, heated towel rails, irrigation, water storage tanks, plenty of storage, guarded estate, and mere meters from a pristine 7km long beach. Elbie Pama: 082 569 2588; Sue Harvey: 083 306 7499; Office: 044 533 2529, Web ref: 100998.

Beautiful new upmarket contemporary home, with quality finishes, attention to detail and a practical layout with lovely free-flowing entertainment and living areas; comprising of 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious open-plan modern kitchen (with separate scullery and laundry area), dining area with TV lounge area and living areas flowing out onto the large undercover patio with built-in braai, study/additional lounge/4th bedroom as required, extra length double garage with ample storage space, and sea views. Located in a gated estate close to Plett CBD and less than 5 minutes drive to beaches, gyms, schools and other amenities. Paul Jordaan: 082 876 0577; Office: 044 533 2529; Web ref: 100004.

UNIONDALE, KLEIN KAROO

PLETTENBERG BAY, GARDEN ROUTE

Asking: R9.75 million | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 4 Garages

Asking: R25 million | 5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 2 Parkings

925ha farm in De Hoop at the beginning of the Langkloof farming community, a mere 80km from Plettenberg Bay. Ample water: 1 natural spring, 5 dams, 2 rivers and 80m³ of water tanks kept permanently full by the natural spring. A 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom main house, 3 worker houses and a workshop all in good condition. 20ha of pastures for livestock feed and 50ha of uncultivated farmland.

Currently being utilized as a lifestyle farm with a wide variety of game, but there are multiple opportunities like fruit farming, livestock, game, hunting, 4X4 track or accommodation and spa. Serious seller. Werner Harris: 084 351 8992; Office: 044 533 2529; Web ref: 3208756.

This magnificent home with endless sea views spanning the entire bay is one of the best properties currently available. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, expansive open-plan areas for easy living and entertaining, bar, pizza oven, built-in braai, modern, well-appointed kitchen with island, scullery area, gas stove and Caesarstone counters, guest toilet, casual lounge, separate flatlet, ample storage, double garage, easy-to-maintain garden, and swimming pool. Every room enjoys a view and direct patio access. Stroll to the beach or take a two-minute walk to central town. Fully Furnished. This is Plett at its best. It must be seen to be believed. Hein Pretorius: 083 701 3159; Office: 044 533 2529; Web ref: 100815.

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