EASY ON THE EYE: BEAUTIFUL

Easy on THE EYE

We explore six of the Western Cape’s most BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED ESTATES—with a side of ne wine, of course.

ere are many reasons to raise a glass and celebrate, and design is just one of them. You probably share our great love for interior and architectural design. So here a few wine estates that also display a love of design and all things aesthetic. While they also o er amenities like excellent food, trail runs, or kiddies' play areas, these farms are second to none when it comes to architecture or unique design elements. To see them in real life, be sure to take a trip to these estates when you next visit the Cape.

Hazendal Wine Estate Wine Lounge

1. Kunjani Wines : afro ChiC

The heart of this estate is the tasting room and dining area, whose friendly ambiance speaks to the greeting behind the name Kunjani. Here you'll enjoy a Euromeets-Afro design concept that's been designed by local talent Haldane Martin. It has an expansive deck overlooking the surrounding vineyards and mountains and a wine cellar with a tasting area that showcases wines on original leather and steel wine racks.

The building was designed in a Cape Dutch typology, meaning it was laid out in an H-plan, a very traditional architectural style. The twist to this typical farmhouse technique is that the building's exterior was painted charcoal (instead of white), and traditional slate stone cladding and red sliding screens were added. The screens were inspired by the geometric patterns painted onto mud huts in West Africa. There are original designs by Haldane Martin furnishing the area, including the new Sim-Ply dining chairs in grey leather and red lacquer. Notable South African design and art pieces have been included throughout the space to root the design within its local context firmly.

information Farm 90/20, Blumberg Drive, Devonvale, Stellenbosch / www.kunjaniwines.co.za

2. De Toren: a TouCh of DuTCh

The De Toren Manor House boasts a blend of African and Dutch influences. Keeping true to the Cape Dutch heritage was first and foremost of importance, said CEO Daniel Mueller. “The architecture, interior design, and exterior landscaping were driven by a story of evolution, rather than revolution—the intention was to remain true to our heritage and roots while embracing the opportunity to refresh and reinvigorate.”

If you're looking for a touch of grandeur, you'll find it in the tasting lounge—it has a sense of flair that's hard to ignore. There is a large fireplace, wood-burning stove and rotating chandelier. Plus, the interior decor shows off a truly South African influence.

information Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch / www.de-toren.com

3. HAZENDAL: A REAL GEM

At Hazendal, the vision was for the farm's design to add contemporary and exciting new structures existing harmoniously alongside 300-year-old buildings. is task was taken on by Mike Hackner Architects, who have created the e ortless blending of old and new.

Here, the new buildings imitate the shape of a traditional Cape Dutch barn and are clad in raw stone material. Modest and beautiful, you'll enjoy the clean silhouette of the pavilion, and the height of the dining room and underground suites are jewels of contemporary design while not being too ashy. INFORMATION Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch / www.hazendal.co.za

4. BOSJES: WE’RE GOIN’ TO THE CHAPEL

Even if you haven’t visited the farm in person, you’ve most likely seen the striking white curves of the glass-walled chapel of Bosjes, no? Designed by Coetzee Steyn, the chapel seems to rest on the water in front of it, almost seeming to oat. e inspiration behind this design emulates the silhouette of the surrounding mountain ranges, paying tribute to historic Cape Dutch gables.

ese curves have been constructed from a slim concrete cast shell. e roof supports itself as each undulation falls to meet the ground. It is said to draw inspiration from Psalm 36:7. e building is elevated upon a plinth, and the chapel rises from the at land it sits upon, providing a hierarchical focal point within its surroundings—a beautiful place for rest and meditation.

INFORMATION Bosjes, R43, Ceres / www.bosjes.co.za

5. BaBylonstoren: everyone’s Favourite

The restoration of Babylonstoren has been carefully done to be nostalgic of the past. The aim was to preserve the feel of the original fabric of the farm while introducing 21st-century life here. There are simple, modern decor and furniture pieces with a hint of antique detail.

Although the interiors are perhaps pretty modest, they are still luxurious and stylish. This attention to detail is all thanks to Karen Roos and her design team. It's still a working farm while also being a unique getaway and wine estate. information Klapmuts, Simondium Road, Simondium / www.babylonstoren.com

6. steenBerg: Bringing the outside in

“The starting point in the redesign was for visitors to be aware of the working of all its elements—from the vineyards where the grapes are grown to the cellars where the wine is made and the kitchen where the food is prepared,” say the Steenberg architects, Richard Perfect and Jan Desseyn.

With that in mind, they've created a building that blurs the lines of where the outside ends and the inside begins. And in this manner, the materials of metal, glass, and timber screens take centre stage. This multi-layered approach is used throughout all design elements, from the building itself and the landscaped garden to various pools of water and the interior. Each layer of fittings and furnishings adds depth and texture. You'll find weathered dead wood, a unique lattice column sculpture and accompanying sofa tables, and a spectacular grape sculpture made of 2km of steel cable and 2,700 resin grapes, hand-crafted and installed by Divali Natural lighting. information: Steenberg Rd, Tokai, Cape Town / www.steenbergfarm.com