By Anna-Marie Smith, Project Consultant Athena Poulos, Photography Fiona Barclay-Smith
What better way to revisit fond childhood memories than choosing a country lifestyle, one that closely resembles an upbringing around horses and wide open spaces.
Achieving the goal of living in a modern yet timeless environment took long term planning, with a focus on orientation, convenience and beauty, say the owners. Spending time here during long year-end holidays brought new found appreciation for home comforts amid abundant beauty, fresh air, and mountain views.
This pair of hands-on owners chose to be involved in the interior design, decor, finishes, fittings as well as electrical work. What made it possible, they say, was a mutual understanding between themselves and the project contractors, who appreciated their needs as well as technical and creative input. Flexibility from all sides, for the duration of the project, contributed to the successful completion of this private estate home.
Initiating the process was architect Louis Phillips, who realised that his clients’ brief for a sheltered outdoor entertainment area had to be pivotal to the design, while optimising the north-facing orientation of the plot.
His integration of indoor and outdoor areas produced the easy flow his clients wanted, both on the ground and first floor levels, where open verandahs lead off bathroom and bedroom spaces.
Louis says the design concept was built around a strong central axis, starting off in the entrance courtyard. This area is accentuated by stone columns and water features on both sides, terminating over the pool courtyard with splendid views towards Paarl Mountain, and is flanked by living and entertainment areas on both floors. In framing the Paarl Mountain views, the house creates a seamless visual transition onto the adjoining vineyards. For the owners, the work of specialist builder, Riaan van der Westhuizen, who is well acquainted both locally and within the Val de Vie Polo Estate, shows the results of flexibility and patience. Riaan says that together with the site engineers they managed the high water table, which enabled the successful construction of the pool.
The outcome is a luxury pool terrace, complete with surrounding stone finishes by Natural Stone Warehouse, and is now a firm favourite for summer entertainment.
The interior spaces of this home are filled with personal preferences for superior-quality materials and applications sitting comfortably together, such as the crisp white panelling and hint of a French Canadian decor influence.
Large quantities of fine cabinetry by MSM Kitchens throughout the house, from the open-plan kitchen to the master bedroom dressing area, display the owners’ transitional approach of merging traditional and contemporary styles. Private spaces are enhanced by style and quality, such as the central position of the bath in the master suite by Waterstone, which allows for views from across the polo fields to flow inward.
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