This South African home is a celebration of its unique context and the rituals of holiday living. It is a holiday home to a family of five, who retreat here approximately two weekends a month.
The design is a sympathetic response to the complexities of the site, and takes advantage of its topography and the natural vista.
Terrace
The semi-outdoor nature of the terrace blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, and heightens the relationship with the surrounding landscape from within the house.
![68314-southafricahomejun2](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/68314-southafricahomejun2.png)
Kitchen
At the heart of the home is the kitchen and lounge with a generous sofa, as well as an internal courtyard.
The combination of an open-concept kitchen counter and a sofa encourages uninhibited interaction between family and friends.
![68315-southafricahomejun3](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/68315-southafricahomejun3.png)
Dining Room
The dining and living areas flow seamlessly from the kitchen and lounge.
The dining room features a custom-made table by James Mudge that is accentuated by a Lindsey Adelman pendant light. The black Magis chairs are softened with sheepskin throws.
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Courtyard
The courtyard brings north light into the interior and connects the home with nature both inside and out, physically and visually.
A semi-open terrace leading from the courtyard heightens the engagement with the surrounding landscape.
The vantage point of the house allows good access to the surrounding native fynbos and the landscaping of the home incorporates a lot of indigenous vegetation, including iconic South African trees.
![68317-southafricahomejun5](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/68317-southafricahomejun5.png)
Open Concept Living
The various spaces offer glimpses of each other, creating both a sense mystery as well as maintaining visual connection.
![68318-southafricahomejun6](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/68318-southafricahomejun6.png)
Furniture
An eclectic mix of furniture imbues the home with a comfortable quality, while the soft leather, white linen and rich textures create a sense of calm.
![68319-southafricahomejun7](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/68319-southafricahomejun7.png)
Black Staircase
A sculptural black metal staircase injects a playful and quirky element into the home.
![68320-southafricahomejun8](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/68320-southafricahomejun8.png)
Master Bedroom
The bedrooms are located in the basement and on the second storey.
The former is designed with a warm and cosy feel, while the latter takes advantage of the surrounding views.
The master bedroom, in particular, “has an open en-suite bathroom and wrap-around windows to appreciate the breathtaking views”, says Philip.
The neutral palette and modest furniture pieces in the bedrooms turn the focus outwards to the breathtaking views that are like ever-changing artworks.
![68321-southafricahomejun9](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/68321-southafricahomejun9.png)
Bathroom
The bathroom has a beach-house style integrated with modern finishes and amenities.
This article was first published in Sona Decor in 2017.
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