Guhy

I N S I D E R

10 FROM TH E ED ITO R

It has been a relentless year of dizzying highs and crashing lows –take the time to rest, reflect and face the coming year with renewed energy 13 I N S I D ER The much-anticipated opening of South African design collective Always Welcome’s Cape Town showroom is a brilliant union of past, present and future 20 B O O KS From far-flung destinations that champion slow living to the fast-paced world of interior design, there is a book for every beat 23 G I F T G U I D E There’s something for everyone in the House & Garden editors’ approved guide to choosing

the perfect present – from stylish stocking-fillers to festive show-stoppers 29 TR AVEL Stuck for getaway plans? Danielskraal Farm in Calitzdorp and Fazenda in Swellendam are two small hotels that deliver a big break 34 J E WELLERY It might be summertime, but we are getting iced out in the season ’ s statement pieces – from silver and gold to diamonds, pearls and timepieces 38 M EN U The Jordan Restaurant on Jordan Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, a long-standing fine dining feature on the winelands culinary scene, welcomes chef Marthinus Ferreira – and a bold new direction in farm-to-table fare

D E S I G N

4 3 D E S I G N SO LUTI O N S

The great outdoors is about to get a whole lot greater – from alfresco entertaining and laid-back picnic chic to garden bars and bringing the colour (or not) – it is time to take it outside and make the most of the sunshine season

4 9 H OM E TEC H As the mercury rises, invest in smart home cooling solutions – in this issue, we focus on the humble fan, which gets a high-tech update to match any interior style

51 S H OWROOM Legendary local design brand Block & Chisel has opened an experience-driven space in Sandton filled with need-to-have design and art

ON THE COVER: Force Majeure, p13

T H E E D I T

58 NATU R AL H I G H

Over evening whiskies with the owner of an Illovo abode, designer Dylan Thomaz conceives a voluminous, cohesive space with family gatherings in mind

70 M A D A B O U T TH E B OY

With this magnificent English church belonging to outlandish Culture Club singer Boy George, Kelly Hoppen strikes an intriguing balance between classic and contemporary

7 8 LO O KI N G FO RWAR D

Studio 19’s layered approach to a modern family beach house in Hermanus – combining inherited, custom, crafted and contemporary elements

88 CALI FO R N IA D R E A M I N G

The book Lotusland pays homage to the late Madame Walska, whose passion for the unexpected and whimsical led her to design one of the world’s best botanical gardens

94 L A D O LC E VITA

Indoor-outdoor living is central to Olga Ashby’s design of this neutralhued hilltop hotel overlooking Puglia’s winelands

102 G O I N G D UTC H

An historic coastal cottage in Plettenberg Bay suffused with the soul, memories, culture, spirit and warmth of its globetrotting owner

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f r o m t h e e d i t o r

ch a mpioned col lec ta ble desi g n a nd t he except ion a l loca l cra f tspeople beh i nd t he work . Mea nw h i le, we cont i nued to d r i ve ou r Women Sh api n g Desi g n m i s sion , col l a borat i n g w it h i ndu st r y legend s s uch a s Kel l y Wea rst ler a nd Br i get te Rom a nek , t wo of t he most i n spi r i n g a nd st ra i g ht- up bos s desi g ners work i n g tod ay, i n ou r d r i ve to spot l i g ht t he ga me - ch a n g i n g (a nd of ten u n s u n g ) fem a le ta lents i n t he i ndu st r y T h i s i s s ue a l s o m a rk s t he fi r s t t i me i n Hou se & Ga rd e n ’ s h i stor y t h at we a re r u n n i n g t wo d i f ferent covers to celebrate t he sea son : one, a st r i k i n g a rch itec t u ra l m a ster piece i n Jobu rg by desi g ner D y l a n T hom a z a nd t he ot her, a n exclu si ve look i n side A l way s Welcome Her ita ge Hou se, t he ju st- opened Cape Tow n out post of SA’s lead i n g desi g n -reta i l col lec t i ve

sk a nyone w ho work s i n publ i sh i n g a nd t he y w i l l tel l you look i n g back i s not somet h i n g we a re wont to do. O u rs i s a n i ndu st r y a l way s look i n g a head ; w h at i s ne w a nd nex t – a nd w h i le it i s a ph i losophy t h at h a s a l way s kept Hou se & Ga rd e n at t he foref ront of t he desi g n zeitgei st, perh aps it i s t i me to ta ke a moment to reflec t

L i ke it or not, t h i s t i me of yea r a l way s u shers i n a sen se of i nt rospec t ion , a ta k i n g stock of t he pa st 12 mont h s, t he h i g h s, low s a nd pl ateau s Perh aps it i s t he l i m i n a l it y of t h i s per iod , t he breat h les s pu sh to t he g ra nd fi n a le a nd t hen , ju st l i ke t h at, we a re fl ippi n g t he ca lend a r back to Ja nu a r y a nd t he yea r before becomes a ncient h i stor y I h a ve a l way s fou nd it to be pu re ex i stent ia l i st n i g ht m a re f uel – t hou g h perh aps u n fa i rl y so W h at a n except ion a l yea r for ch a n ge – a nd ch a n ge -m a k i n g – at Hou se & Ga rd e n We l au nched ‘CUSP ’ , a n ex h ibit ion t h at

For t he t i me bei n g , t he foc u s i s fi r m l y on home a nd t he hol id ay s It i s a t r ick y t i g ht rope wa l k of ex pec tat ion vers u s rea l it y – a s i n , I wou ld l i ke to thin k I w i l l be spend i n g t he nex t fe w week s ef for t les sl y host i n g ch a r m i n g , a l f resco m id s u m mer d i n ner pa r t ies, catch i n g up on read i n g a nd ju st genera l l y pa s si n g t he t i me i n a Na nc y Me yers fa nta s y T he rea l it y i s, more l i kel y, a hou se f u l l of cl a morou s (a nd ra venou s) f r iend s a nd fa m i l y, fe ver i sh g i f t shoppi n g a nd t r y i n g desperatel y not to overheat Luck i l y i n t h i s i s s ue, we a re ca l l i n g i n t he ex per ts: f rom br i l l ia nt g i f t i n g idea s for a l l (yes, e ven tha t person i n you r l i fe) to ou r t r ied - a nd -t r u sted g u ide to outdoor enter ta i n i n g a nd t he best i n cool i n g home tech

L ook i n g back , it h a s been one hel lu va r ide – a nd w h i le t here i s much to st i l l do, it cer ta i n l y i s rea s s u r i n g to see how fa r we h a ve come I hope t h at you w i l l fi nd t he t i me to reflec t on you r jou r ne y, a nd I w i l l see you on t he ot her side. H appy hol id ay s.

THE SCOOP ON SHOPPING, ST YLE, DESIGN & C ULTURE

e have always wanted to be in Cape Town but in two years never managed to find the right partner who shared our passion and vision,’ says Always Welcome co-founder Garreth van Niekerk ‘But, on our last trip here, we connected with the founders of Habitus – developers working to create sustainable spaces that bring unique tenant mixes back to the inner-city ’ It was a meeting of minds and an aligning of objectives that would see Always Welcome join the Habitus team’s mission to create a design node within Cape Town’s CBD ‘ Alongside our stable of over 40 of the countr y ’ s leading designer-maker studios, you will be able to explore the works of our neighbours, such as the inspiring African surf brand Mami Wata, Asian-fusion restaurant Silk, confectioner Mochi Mochi, and more, ’ says Garreth.

Habitus, co-founded by Victoria Engelhorn, Brad Armitage and Tim Harris, acquired the 108 Shortmarket Street building (an 18th-centur y former smithy and tobacco store) in 2021 from the Cape Heritage Trust, and found themselves faced with the challenge of bringing this historic – albeit neglected – building into the present. ‘It was in a ver y bad state, so we cleaned it up and took away structures and additions that were not part of the original build, bringing back the clean white walls and exposing some of the stone and brickwork that we believed indicated how, in the past, things were built,’ says Victoria ‘We worked ver y closely with a Heritage consultant so that no mistakes were made It is a challenge to be able to maintain the character but repurpose it for modern usage We wanted to bring the building’s histor y to light but make sure it also ser ves Cape Town as it is today This vision has now been realised and we are seeing a diverse group of locals and tourists appreciating the space, enjoying the art and design created by contemporar y artists, and loving the incredible food from our new restaurants opening in the space ’

GARRETH VAN NIEKERK: We want Always Welcome Herita ge House to be a space that is about experiencing our countr y ’ s rich legacy of craftsmanship and design, but told through the lens of contemporar y Southern African furniture and products From collaborative chairs that connect traditional craft techniques with industrial processes, such as Houtlander ’ s ‘Woven’ tub chair created with the Hlabisa weavers in KwaZulu-Natal to works by young designers, such as Neimil, who explore their own stor y in pieces including their ‘Hut’ chair.

Collaboration is at the heart of how Always Welcome works as a collective From the wall finishes, working with Robin Sprong and Fabric Bank, MONN Rugs on

PIET SMEDY: What drives the concept behind Always Welcome Heritage House?

How closely did you work with local designers in the development of the showroom?

the floors, MOS Products, Mash.T Design Studio and Ananta Lighting Co – the space itself is a reflection of the best in South African design Selecting the actual furniture and art pieces in the space is also a partnership between ourselves, the designers and our partner organisations, such as Art Gazette and the Spier Arts Trust, so it is ver y much a team effort.

Take me through the space. How does it flow?

The Heritage ‘House’ is split into two levels – on the ground floor, we have our gift store featuring a selection of awardwinning, suitcase-friendly product designs Then you head up the original staircase into a librar y, sitting room, dining space, bedroom and conser vator y-style outdoor area

There is a clearly domestic feel – what was the thinking behind that?

We wanted it to feel like a home The pieces themselves are really outstanding objects that someone could comfortably show in a galler y-style white cube, but our designers created the pieces with a home in mind, and so we think it is important that they should make sense as furniture that anyone could own – chairs you could sit on, not just admire

Always Welcome offers a way to interact with local design on a more cerebral level; occupying this liminal space between retail and gallery, past and present, present and future, heritage and the avant garde.

As the business is maturing and we are working more closely with designers in the collective, the store is really becoming about how we can include ever yone ’ s voices while ser ving our customers in a way that is authentic and exciting It is a little bit of ever ything – but, most importantly, we want ever yone to feel welcome, that it is their space to explore and reimagine It is in the name!

Beyond the retail aspect, what sort of conversations do you want people to be having around SA design – and what place do you see Always Welcome occupying within that creative ecosystem?

Our designers are the inspiration for all our retail stores, campaigns and exhibitions We get to see what is new and in development and then tr y to mix it all harmoniously We tr y never to dictate what is coming out but rather celebrate the flare of originality our members consistently come up with

How has Always Welcome’s philosophy

evolved since you first launched?

Always Welcome is about connecting designers with their audience through beautiful retail environments and engaging content, creating a more holistic design ecosystem I think the best part of visiting Always Welcome is that you never know quite what to expect, so expect the unexpected, and to be consistently surprised and proud of the work being done by our members – we are lucky to have them Always Welcome alwayswelcome.store

SOFA BY MASH T DESIGN STUDIO, ROUND CUSHIONS BY CURACIÓN COLLECTION, BED AND BEDSIDE TABLE BY HOUTLANDER, BEDSIDE LAMP BY DOKTER AND MISSES, BLANKET BY LULAMA WOLF FOR SOMETHING GOOD STUDIO, ‘PEANUT’ CUSHION BY RONEL JORDAAN, ARTWORKS BY ART GAZETTE

TABLE, SERVER AND GREEN CHAIR BY DOKTER AND MISSES, LAMP BY BOFRED, LIGHT FIXTURE BY MOS PRODUCTS, CHAIRS BY HOUTLANDER, VASE BY VORSTER & BRAYE CERAMIC DESIGN, TABLE CERAMIC FROM THE SPIER ARTS TRUST, ARTWORK BY DAVID BRITS

FULL COVERAGE

From the fast-paced world of global design to far-flung escapes that champion slow living – add these coffee-table tomes to your holiday reading list

A VISION FOR DESIGN BY STEPHEN SILLS, R1 700; THE LAYERED INTERIOR BY

THE LAYERED INTERIOR

(Rizzoli)

Told in Greg Natale’s refreshing, personable style and accompanied by rich visuals, The Layered Interior celebrates the design elements that give a home character, such as vintage and contemporar y furniture and lighting, artworks, ornaments, and accents thoughtfully combined with colour and pattern Featured residences include a modern palazzo full of arches on Queensland’s Brisbane River; a Melbourne city mansion that is all sumptuous hues and dark, moody opulence; a penthouse on Sydney Harbour blending soft pink tones and sculptural cur ves, and another in swish Toorak with a Dynasty vibe.

A VISION FOR DESIGN (Rizzoli)

Stephen Sills is a true icon, recognised as a unique artistic voice in the design world. He is renowned for his ability not only to design innovative and beautiful rooms but also to establish a per vasive atmosphere of luxur y and calm This book is an in-depth look at several of his most recent projects, stunning homes in New York City, the West Coast of Florida, the Hamptons, Connecticut, and Stephen’s own residences. The book is rich with creative collaborators: a foreword by longtime client, Tina Turner; text by designer David Netto; and a conversation on gardens with friend Martha Stewart.

GILLES & BOISSIER BY RIZZOLI, R1 700; THE MEDITERRANEAN HOME BY GESTALTEN, R1 300; SLOW ESCAPES BY GESTALTEN, R1 100 ALL PEZULA INTERIORS

GILLES & BOISSIER (Rizzoli)

In 2004, Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier – partners at work and in life – founded their Paris-based interior design studio and furniture line, Gilles & Boissier The maturity of their style, simple yet sophisticated aesthetic, and the cinematographic compositions of their interiors allowed the brand to build a reputation quickly These front-page designers in the world of interiors create projects for private clients and luxur y brands worldwide. Part interior design monograph, part art book, this new volume will appeal to anyone interested in visual arts and stylish French interiors.

THE MEDITERRANEAN HOME (Gestalten)

Mediterranean homes have an ongoing influence on residential architecture and interior design: from classical rural styles to more grounded spaces that inter weave form and function Blending the inside and outside and bringing together traditional features with contemporar y elements, Mediterranean houses connect with their environments and the local culture The Mediterranean Home looks at architecture, interior design, decoration and furniture, celebrating the unique Mediterranean aesthetic, which continues to inspire a sense of home and comfort around the globe.

SLOW ESCAPES (Gestalten)

A thoughtful guide to a new kind of travel, Slow Escapes explores hotels, guesthouses and hospitality venues reinvigorating rural areas by fostering meaningful connections between people and places From an 18thcentur y sheep farm reimagined as a guest house in the far north of Iceland to a new-age finca in the heart of Andalusia; a homestead-turned-farmand-fermentor y in the Catskills to the Fogo Island Inn, a social enterprise and hotel set on an island off an island in the North Atlantic; read the stories behind places that are changing the way we holiday – for the better.

GLASS VASE WITH MIXED WHITE BOUQUET, R299, @HOME

RULE BREAKER

Bvlgari Allegra unites the colourful emotions of the Italian lifestyle and the one-of-a-kind glamour of Italian women in an innovative journey Consisting of five exhilarating fragrances and five Magnifying essences, Bvlgari Allegra invites you to experience the Roman passion for

life first-hand by styling a personal scent, a statement fragrance as unique and bold as Bvlgari itself Behind this sophisticated system of scent mixing is Bvlgari’s renowned artisanal craftsmanship Devising accords exclusive to Bvlgari, Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier

refined

The essences, Magnifying Musk, Magnifying Bergamot, Magnifying Rose, Magnifying Vanilla and Magnifying Patchouli, contain rich concentrations of precious materials distilled from the best har vests, revealing excellent facets with unbridled intensity and capturing the vibrancy of unfiltered emotions Now you can #MagnifyForMore.

Ryosuke Namiki, the founder of PILOT, realised the need to improve existing pens used for drawing during his tenure as a professor at the Tokyo Merchant Marine College After making a prototype fountain pen, he and his colleague Masao Wada started manufacturing and selling fountain pens in 1918 In 1938, it was renamed The Pilot Pen Co , Ltd and then PILOT Corporation in 1989

Throughout our rich heritage of over 100 years, we have played a leading role in the industry, developing new technologies, introducing imaginative designs and creating new materials

Using our vast technological expertise and modern research facilities, we now manufacture all sorts of writing instruments using our technology and components Our commitment to quality is impeccable

HAPPIEST AT HOME

H&M Home is launching its first stand-alone store in Sandton, filled with contemporary design and a new sunset-inspired collection that is perfect for a relaxed summer

rom a single store at the V&A Waterfront in 2015 to over 20 stores across the countr y, H&M has become a staple in our lives – which makes the recent addition of a stand-alone H&M Home space so exciting. The chic homeware store, now open in Sandton City, Joburg, presents the latest trends and products to create inspiring interiors – a lifestyle destination with a truly vibrant shopping experience.

‘H&M Home has always been about presenting modern design and quality at the best price in an inspiring and sustainable way Our unique and considered store concept will offer a dynamic shopping experience with a high level of customer ser vice, the latest trends and exciting collaborations,’ says Caroline Nelson, countr y manager for H&M South Africa.

The store will offer fashion-for ward decor and accessories for ever y room and style The assortment ranges from high-quality bed linen and timeless dinner ware to diversified textiles with

contemporar y style and attention to detail at its core By merging modern design and quality with sustainability and affordable prices, H&M Home enables interior lovers to create a personal and contemporar y space – a place to feel at home

The launch of the stand-alone store coincides with the release of the H&M summer campaign, inspired by sun-soaked interiors, with golden-hour tones taking centre stage Think blushing pinks, soft yellows and soothing beige hues that add a Mediterranean touch to your spaces

The new collection features soft tufted cushions, jacquardweave blankets, candles and lanterns to create a breezy and calming atmosphere while embracing your inner boho-chic alter ego (the best part: they are all sustainably produced) From picturesque sunset blankets to beautifully hand-painted vases, H&M Home is here to transform your home into the perfect summertime escape H&M Home hm.com/za

From Danielskraal in Calitzdorp to Fazenda in Swellendam, these two working farms offer an unmatched escape from big-city stress in the open country

TEXT PIET SMEDY

DANIELSKRAAL FARM

‘I have always been mad about the Karoo,’ says Danielskraal Farm owner Rosheen O’Meara, who has headed up the Calitzdorp landmark with her friend Sandra Galbraith over the past four years ‘When I was a child, we had a home in Joburg and Cape Town and ever y year at Christmas, we would get into the Chr ysler Valiant and make the journey down from the Highveld – I will always remember my mother declaring to my stepfather on the drive (she had a flair for the dramatic), “Stop the car, stop the car, look at those mountains, they are pure Pierneef !” She really instilled in me a deep regard and understanding for the land of desolation that is the Karoo ’

Cradled by the Rooiberg mountains, the 2 600 -hectare farm is a biodiversity hotspot, with an incredible variety and abundance of succulents and fynbos, as well as being home to the Cape leopard, eagle owl and the highly endangered riverine rabbit – all within an hour of George Airport.

The 1836 farmhouse, which sleeps 10 to 12, required extensive updating, with Rosheen restoring many elements of the build, such as rethatching the roof, while the homestead’s interiors take a heady, more-is-more maximalist style

‘I do not believe in decorating so much as I love beautiful things and collecting things, and all of these parts of my life from my travels have come together here, and it just works,’ says Rosheen

‘I never wanted it to become precious, I wanted it to have an essence and did not want to make it pristine, it had to be a little lopsided I gave it my soul ’

Unpretentious and untamed, Danielskraal Farm provides a rustic-luxe escape for the outdoorsy and those looking to tap out while Rosheen and Sandra take a decidedly laissez-faire approach, allowing guests to explore the impossibly beautiful landscape but never being far off to assist.

‘I love the big, open skies, the closeness of the stars,’ says Rosheen ‘There is excitement and myster y here ’ Danielskraal Farm danielskraalfarm.co.za

FAZENDA LUXURY RETREAT & FARM

Tucked into the Hermitage Valley, a forested pocket of the Langeberg mountains, at the end of a weaving dirt track that takes you seemingly a million kilometres from civilisation (in reality, it is only about 15 minutes from Swellendam), the transporting – and revitalising – appeal of Fazenda Luxur y Retreat & Farm cannot be overstated.

‘We could not help but fall in love with the quaintness and surreal beauty of this town, with its rich histor y and diverse community – and, of course, the lush, natural landscape,’ says Marilouise van der Mer we, who owns the farm with her husband, Jacques, and oversaw the complete reimagining of the humble berr y farm into an exclusive retreat. ‘When we bought Fazenda, it had just two rustic log cabins,’ says Marilouise ‘We renovated those and extended our hospitality offering to what it is today with the Hacienda and Greenhouse (which sleep four and two respectively) now firm favourites ’

The former, an old worker’s cottage, lives up to its name, drawing on the white-washed walls, pared-back interiors and low-slung architecture synonymous with the Spanish-style homestead ‘The structure had interesting features, such as textured walls and a cur ved ceiling that I wanted to keep, so we used that as the base for this unfussy retreat,’ says Marilouise ‘The plastered walls, slatted pergola and pool, all backdropped by the sensational view of the mountain and trees, are an unadulterated escape from the norm. ’

‘ We could not help but fall in lov e with the QUAINTNESS and SURREAL BEAUT Y of this town, with its rich history and DIVERSE COMMUNIT Y ’

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT THE LIVING AREA OF THE HACIENDA; VIEWS OF THE LANGEBERG MOUNTAINS; A PERGOLA SHADES THE VERANDAH BETWEEN THE HACIENDA’S MAIN LIVING AREA AND POOL

Inside, it was transformed into a light-filled, open-plan space with elements of wood and stone, while a neutral interior colour palette was specifically chosen to highlight the natural surroundings of the lake, forest and mountains The decor and finishes read as a who’s who of design – from Mungo towels in the bathroom to cutler y by JAN and crocker y from Hertex Haus in the kitchen, while all the appliances and cookware are by SMEG and Le Creuset ‘There were so many lovely moments during the renovation of this building, from sourcing lights and furniture to the art and, uniquely, the beautiful antique doors from India,’ says Marilousise. ‘The Hacienda is a humble abode, but

there is no denying that there is something special about this quiet place.’

The much-Instagrammed Greenhouse is an entirely different experience, all glass and steel and filled with greener y – a literal conser vator y-style space hidden in the forest where you could, quite easily, stargaze from bed

‘Fazenda caters to the discerning traveller not only seeking a luxur y stay but an experience,’ says Marilouise. ‘Through the bespoke interiors and unique location, our guests can completely relax in nature while enjoying all the best of modern luxur y ’ Fazenda Luxur

‘

‘ME PAVÉ’ RING, R979, PANDORA

‘WILD FLOWER’ DOUBLE DIAMOND NECKLACE R170 000, DELAIRE GRAFF

Diamonds are not only the most robust material in the world, but the first choice for jewellery design Their pretty colours and modern shapes provide endless options in the jewel-stone world

‘DIVAS DREAM’ EARRINGS IN 18K GOLD WITH DIAMONDS, R114 000, BULGARI

‘LUCKYMOVE ’BRACELET INBABYTURQUOISE, R48000, MESSIKA ‘MACHELLE’ RING, R5 840, JENNA CLIFFORD

‘CELESTIAL STARS’ RING, R1 399, PANDORA

‘THE TUMBLING BLOCK’ NECKLACE, R2 275, BLACK BETTY DESIGN

‘THE SILVER SNAKE’ STUD EARRING, R350, BLACK BETTY DESIGN

‘SO-MÓ EXTRA’ RING, FROM R1 500, ADÈLE DEJAK

‘LAKSHMI’ CUFF, R930, ATHENA A ‘BIA’S AUNT’ RING, R750, ATHENA A

‘OPHELIA’ EARRINGS, R1 990, KIRSTEN GOSS

‘THE HOOKED LUNA’ BANGLE, R780, BLACK BETTY DESIGN

Sometimes simple speaks the loudest , so adorn yourself with elegant accessories that sparkle and shine, solid gold earrings, dainty silver rings and intricate rose gold necklaces with an artistic design and paredback approach

‘DAINTY’ OVAL SIGNET RING IN STERLING SILVER, R2 200, FAMKE

‘CURVES AND SWERVES’ EARRINGS, R3 200, YELLOW BY JESLEA

Functional and beautiful, watches are a great statement piece for anyone to own, and when it comes to design: bolder is better. From smartwatches and dress watches to sports and analogues, there is a timepiece for every lifestyle

L I F E O N T H E FA R M

ccording to estate lore, Gar y Jordan, who founded Jordan Wine Estate in Stellenbosch with his wife, Kathy, once proclaimed that his two favourite chefs were George Jardine and Marthinus Ferreira – so when the time came for George to exit The Jordan Restaurant, where for the past 12 years he had set the signature-chef wine estate restaurant standard, it was only fitting that Marthinus would start the restaurant’s next chapter Having closed his famed DW Eleven-13 restaurant in Dunkeld, Joburg after over a decade, Marthinus relocated to Cape Town with a renewed vigour and focus to make The Jordan Restaurant entirely his own

A self-confessed food nerd who loves what he does with a fer vent passion, Marthinus wears his heart, quite literally, on his sleeve – that is, his sleeve tattoo, which sees his right arm inked with an array of bright, colourful vegetables. ‘I want the vegetables to be the star of the show I want the produce to drive the menu, ’ says Marthinus ‘The goal over the next six or seven months is to build the restaurant up. We have got gardens being planted at the moment, and we want them to dictate what goes on the menu And when it comes to our suppliers, we want to make it as seasonal and fresh as possible ’

Marthinus Ferreira joins The Jordan Restaurant, ushering in a new era for the legendary estate eatery

With an ever-changing menu that highlights the Cape’s beef, lamb and fish produce, Marthinus’s hope to be seasonal and sustainable is reinforced by the culture created in his kitchen alongside sous chef Darren Ferrier Saunders and pastr y chef Motheba Makhetha, while the floor is managed by sommelier Richard Chitukutuku, another DW Eleven-13 alum who made the coastal move.

‘People think that you need to over-complicate recipes But, if you have great ingredients, you need to do ver y little to it, and that is where I am tr ying to take my food at the moment – less on a dish but well thought out,’ Marthinus explains The bread course is exemplar y of this philosophy, presented at the table by swirling a bouquet garni through olive oil and dusting the top of the bread,

and accompanied with an assortment of fresh pickled vegetables and a light, creamy garlic-infused butter

‘Ever y great recipe starts with a vegetable, and the one thing that I pride myself on is that I do not take the second or the third option of the dish when creating it Ever y step has been considered when creating the final dish,’ he says. Dishes such as the beetroot

bresaola starter illustrate this, as the root vegetable is first salted and cured for three to four days before being marinated in red wine, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, thyme and garlic and left for another week

to brine After that, it is sous-vide overnight and then dried for 24 hours before finally being smoked and ser ved with fennel-cured trout in a taco-like shape alongside an oyster emulsion, dill oil, and buttermilk and roe sauce

At The Jordan Restaurant, a vegetable-inspired menu that is innovative and seasonal plays out overlooking the estate’s lake flanked by Stellenbosch’s picturesque valleys while the interior is spacious and bespoke – from the signature ‘Jordan Chair’ designed by Louw Roets to the handmade ceramic crocker y.

This acute attention to detail makes Marthinus proud to begin an entirely new phase in the Winelands ‘I was here when they were breaking down walls and tiles,’ he says. ‘So being able to say that I helped create this from the ground up has been such an amazing feeling and the most rewarding part of this whole process ’

Jordan Wine Estate jordanwines.com

That is where I am trying to take my F OOD

less on the dish but w ell THOUGHT out’ M A R T H I N U S F E R R E I R A

T H AT S U M M E R

F E E L I N G

T i m e t o b l a n q u e t t e

The updated version of a picnic, blanquetting is to the humble garden spread what glamping is to camping This summer trend is ideal for lazy afternoons spent outdoors – eating, relaxing and conversing with loved ones. Simple outdoor rugs and blankets do the job, along with low-slung chairs and cushions for comfort Pretty picnic baskets (stocked with charcuterie and wine) and great company are all you need to make this trend work for you.

Sunny days are here – and there’s no better time to take it outside, whether it is a come-as-you-are picnic or dressed-up alfresco dinner party

H a p p y h o u r

Eschew over-priced cocktails and madding crowds with your own outdoor bar setup Stock up on locally handcrafted accessories and comfortable outdoor bar stools for a space that is sure to be a family favourite. Whether creating a more luxe finish or a casual tiki bar, the convenience of having a setup in your back garden cannot be overstated

P a i n t w i t h p a s t e l s

While summer is a great time to embrace seasonal brightness and rainbow colours, this might be the best opportunity to invest in a pastel palette for the holidays These shades offer the same pops of colour but in a more subdued approach to outdoor furniture and dining. Providing an air y and comfortable space, they lend themselves to the calmer side of the colour palette while still maintaining the freshness of a mint green or softer rose-quartz pink.

N e u t r a l a n d n a t u r a l

As our shift to indoor-outdoor living continues to integrate seamlessly, natural material furniture and home decor fit well with the outdoor dining experience From linen tablecloths to wicker chairs and stone tabletops, the neutral colour palette, with its natural materials, remains a focus for homeowners as it organically blends into its surroundings

NATURAL HABITAT

Surefire tips to wow and whimsy with Dulux Colour of the Year 2023 Wild Wonder™

Colour has an amazing way of adding character and vibrancy to the home

As sunny South Africa embraces the warmer season, you may be in search of harmonious upbeat tones to add colour to your life. This year, South Africa’s most loved paint brand Dulux revealed their shade for 2023: Wild Wonder™ – a positive, glowing tone, inspired by the natural world.

Taking inspiration from Dulux Colour of the Year 2023 Wild Wonder™, Dulux Colour Expert Palesa Ramaisa unpacks how to use the Buzz palette to bring the magic of nature into your home this summer ‘The Buzz palette takes inspiration from nature’s extraordinar y ecosystems – from lush green meadows to bright and beautiful wildflowers Used in our homes, the vibrant colours in this palette create a rich, energetic space that feels playful and sparks joy. Buzz shades are perfect for making bold statements and injecting personality into your home Get creative with geometric shapes, paint a dramatic contrast with split walls or highlight focal points in a room with clever colour-blocking,’ says Palesa

GO GRAPHIC IN THE LIVING ROOM

Be bold in your living room by combining colours and playful paint effects; the Buzz palette is all about

mixing and matching the perfect combinations Here, a circle painted in Wild Wonder™ adds a joyful, unexpected element against a soft pink wall, adding to the warm and glowing feel

GET CREATIVE WITH CONTRAST

Vibrant but harmonious, Buzz colours are made to work together, so get creative with a split wall feature Here, a section picked out in soft pink defines the bed area, while the rest of the room is painted in the Dulux Colour of the Year 2023, Wild Wonder™ It is a combination that makes for a fun, warm and welcoming space

BRING SUNSHINE INTO THE KITCHEN

Inspired by the tones you would find in a wildflower field, Buzz colours feel comfortable together and are easy to layer. ‘Here, a combination of Wild Wonder™ and rich yellow brings this kitchen to life In highly frequented areas such as the kitchen, the ty pe of paint you select can be equally important. Options such as the new Dulux Luxurious Silk is a low-odour premium-quality interior paint with a mid-sheen finish and supreme stain resistance,’ adds Palesa

TRY COLOUR-BLOCKING

It is easy to make a statement with a simple colourblock technique, and you cannot go wrong combining any of the tones from the Buzz palette with Wild Wonder™ In this workspace, the pastel pink staircase makes a subtle impact against walls and ceiling painted in the Colour of the Year. Co-ordinating furnishings and accessories in the same shade of pink add the perfect finishing touch

Discover how Wild Wonder™ and the new Dulux Colour of the Year palettes could transform your home with the Dulux Visualizer app, which provides colour guidance for your unique style.

FOR MORE TIPS AND COLOUR INSPIRATION, VISIT THE DULUX SOCIAL PAGES ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST OR INSTAGRAM

hat inspires beautiful living? This is a question family-run interior brand Block & Chisel sets out to answer in its newly renovated flagship store near the decorators’ square mile in Kramer ville The store at 11 Charles Crescent, Strathavon, Sandton, showcases a maximalist take on interiors; layers of texture, colour and styles that create rich and inspiring scenes.

With 35 years in the business and a second-generation brother and sister team now at the helm, the Block & Chisel

name is synonymous with timeless style with a more-is-more take on interiors Bold colour and eclectic style take centre stage, ensuring there is no space for the bland. ‘In a world of grey and black decor, people are gravitating to bold colour,’ says director Sue McCoubrey, who worked closely with the visual merchandising team to turn what was originally a bare-boned warehouse into the show-stopper it is now.

The store’s first floor showcases situational scenes that integrate exceptional products with a high-glam hit of interior design savvy to aid homeowners in visualising the various pieces in their own homes. You can interact with thoughtfully

LEFT WHITE CERAMIC UMBRELLA HOLDER, R2 795; ‘TERENCE’ SIDEBOARD, R22 995; ‘REZA’ CUSHION IN MUSTARD, R1 295; ‘MILLIE’ DAYBED, R14 995

styled living and dining rooms, outdoor spaces, bedrooms and more There are also areas dedicated to smaller accessories, such as lighting and homeware.

‘When choosing furniture for your interiors, we are conscious of the need for a good reference, so we chose to design our store in a way we consider “inspired retail”,’ says director Paul McAdam ‘This meant bringing in natural light, creating interesting nooks and spaces to demonstrate the versatility of a piece with trained design consultants on hand to give advice and help you put things together ’

Also notable is the brand’s move toward collaboration with key local names Both Paul and Sue acknowledge just how important art is to the soul of a home, so a galler y has been set up in the store demonstrating how art might be incorporated into the Block & Chisel look. Painter Sibley and sculptor Sarah Heinemann are currently on display in this space ‘It all adds a new dimension,’ says Sue. ‘We hope to make this a dynamic space to show off other artists in the future ’

Nestled into a cosy corner of the showroom, The Block Cafe offers the opportunity to pause with barista-made coffee and freshly baked goods while a trip up to the second floor offers a vast selection of ready-to-buy stock

The brand’s stor y has long focused on its unique design and furniture manufacture at its Cape Town workshop alongside expertly curated interior pieces – all while embracing its local roots. ‘Our people and the Block & Chisel brand have a wide range of qualities to boast, but we are most proud of being a homegrown South African business success stor y, ’ says Paul ‘We have managed to upskill many local craftspeople, whose work adorns some of the countr y ’ s most beautiful homes ’

Block & Chisel has tirelessly evolved through the decades, its experimentation and presentation in stores bold and exciting And it is this enduring South African tenacity and courage that has seen the brand not just stand strong but excel: fortune truly favours the brave Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za

SHOWROOM

ABOVE LEFT ‘PALM’ MIRROR, R5 495; ‘GABRIELLE’ SIDEBOARD, R32 995; ‘JOSEPHINE CARVER’ CHAIR, R13 995; ‘TRIBAL’ PRINT CUSHION, R1 895

ABOVE RIGHT ‘NADINE’ ARMOIRE IN WHITE WASH, R38 995; CLEAR GLASS-RIDGED LAMP BASE AND SHADE, R3 295

LEFT LAMP AND SHADE IN BRASS AND MARBLE, R5 695; WORLD GLOBE IN MUSTARD, R1 395; ‘ARMILLARY’ BRASS SPHERE, R1 395; OFFICE WORK STATION, R34 995;

‘BAXTON’ OCCASIONAL ARMCHAIR, R7 995

ABOVE ‘LULA’ LAMP AND SHADE, R3 895; FLORAL VESSEL IN BLUE, R1 295; FLOWER GINGER JAR, R1 295

What started as the simple addition of a rooftop entertainment area to this Illovo home soon turned into a complete interior overhaul, with designer Dylan Thomaz leading the charge

LEFT VIEW OF THE ROOFTOP PAVILION AND INFINITY POOL FROM THE GARDEN

OPPOSITE PAGE CUSTOM METAL SCULPTURES OVERLOOKING THE INFINITY POOL

here is something that lights up in a designer’s eyes when they have forged a connection with their clients. It is a glint of free rein, a sparkle of creative indulgence, and a flicker that lets you know this designer did not just work on a project but had plenty of fun doing so That is just the look in Dylan Thomaz’s eyes as he dishes on the many personal anecdotes shared over the three months that he lived and worked from Joburg on what was to be just a structural addition to this Illovo abode. ‘It became much bigger than that The scope of the project more than tripled,’ he says

Founder of Curación Interior Architecture and Curación Collection, Dylan was already familiar with the property, having led the original scheme in 2017 And so the brief – adding an upper entertainment level to a one-storey build – seemed simple enough. But because the house was not built to withstand a second level, the team had to explore new angles for support They devised a clever triangular arrangement of cantilevered parapets and I-beams that carr y the weight of the roof without imposing on floor space ‘We clad it to give the impression of oversized scale,’ he explains of the sturdy wall drops, the cladding tiled in black African

slate, that feel unimposing and modern – and less thickset than your typical four-pillar brick designs ‘That is what we had to really think about: how do we make this as light as possible?’

These tiled accent walls also mirror the downtairs area that Dylan installed back in 2017, and what you will quickly learn about the designer is his love of continuity. ‘It was important to me to make sure we maintain the asymmetr y of it,’ he explains This continuity extends to the pool, where he interpreted the black theme in slate. So, though the team had met the brief, Dylan and the homeowner continued to share ideas and inspiration, talking over morning coffees and evening whiskies It was perhaps the natural evolution of things in a client-designer relationship that was already highly collaborative and organic After all, many of the furniture and decorative items that eventually found a home on the rooftop were never actually intended for that space. For example, two Marcel Breuer for knoll ‘Wassily’ chairs sourced for upstairs now sit in the living area after the homeowner saw them in situ. And so, some of the softs, objets and furniture pieces that the homeowners had already been living with were placed in this new entertainment zone, and all new finds were introduced downstairs ‘Many of the pieces we selected in 2017 are iconic, so updating the space was actually quite easy, ’ he says

It is rather refreshing to hear that this was no interior gut job –no out with the old and in with the new. Rather, Dylan sought to evolve what they already had with updated textures and a downto-earth palette ‘The signature component is the tactility – from the boucle on the sofa to the corduroy on the Eames chair, the leather and the wood,’ he says That is important here, where scale is crucial – this home is 600 square metres and often hosts large gatherings of friends and family, all hanging out in the living room To counteract all that immensity, Dylan had to create the impression of space by mirroring pillars, which brought a new dimension and sense of warmth, according to the designer. ‘It is inviting, not imposing That is very true to my aesthetic,’ he notes Dylan’s signature aesthetic is articulated throughout the home in the ver y items themselves, some of which – such as the ropey drops of Loopy Lucy lamps for statement lighting – come from his and Adrian Beukes’s Curación Collection ‘This is probably a dream project,’ he says. ‘ As a designer, you never actually have the privilege of staying on-site and living there – watching the family experience their home Ver y beautiful products, one-of-a-kind stuff, it all really means nothing when you do not actually get to enjoy them,’ Dylan ruminates ‘I can honestly say this space represents my clients’ lifestyle choices, and that is something we got to see first-hand ’ Curación Interior Architecture curacion.co.za

‘As

‘

SIGNATURE component is the TAC TILIT Y – from the B OUCLE on the sofa to the corduroy on the Eames chair, the LEATHER and the WOOD’

M A D A B O U T

grand English mansion built in the 1860s with contemporar y finishes is truly something to behold Belonging to iconic Culture Club singer and all round eccentric British personality, Boy George, this old English church was reimagined as the ideal foundation for a breathtaking home refurbishment Internationally-acclaimed interior designer Kelly Hoppen relished the chance to refresh the

space. The South African-born British interior designer’s signature natural palette and trademark ‘Perfect Neutrals’ combined with Boy George’s expansive and vibrant art collection culminated in a gestalt that’s both highly personalised and aberrant – which is exactly what you would expect from the boundar y breaking pop star ‘The interior needed rejuvenation, but we had to make sure to preser ve the charm and decadence of the architectural style,’ Kelly says When redesigning the interior, she carefully maintained many of the original features of the home’s architecture to preser ve its histor y. ‘I wanted to keep the Gothic staircase, ornate wrought-iron balustrades and restored stained glass windows as a focal point,’ she adds Another statement-making aspect is the symmetrical, marble-pillared archways which frame the centre of the home and the dining area – a space where George likes to read and write

The entirety of the home is defined by an intriguing balance between old and new, where Gothic-coffered ceilings and fascinating antique pieces are met with contemporar y artwork and photography. The living room makes use of neutral-hued

furnishings with bold, clean and cur ved lines as a way to complement the pointed architecture This area also features grand windows that permeate natural light to create an inviting entertainment space, which is centred by a black Tamo-wood coffee table and expanded by the illusor y fish-eye mirror The distinct splashes of colour and neo-expressionist artwork add new layers of depth and dimension to the other wise restrained colour palette, a motif evident throughout the home

The bathrooms play with stark contrasts, each offering a unique look and feel that highlights their distinct identities Downstairs, one features bold, darker tones with graphic wallpaper and sleek tiles, bringing forth a dramatic Gothic atmosphere. Elsewhere in

the house, another bathroom leans toward a more Victorian style, featuring white subway tiles and metal fixtures Light and air y with a giant skylight as the ceiling, this space also features a metalplated bath, modern artwork, and a shapely side table to carr y the unmistakable character of the design

Ascending to the top floor, the scheme is kept minimal to draw attention to the exquisite Gothic ceilings The master bedroom embraces the relaxed creases of linen upholster y and an understated palette to allow standout darker pieces to catch the eye A vision in warm neutrals, this is a simple, serene space where organic, matte ceramics and monochromatic details are balanced with a burst of yellow and sinuous, statement pieces.

‘A GESTALT that’s b oth highly personalised and ABERRANT – which is exactly what you w ould expect from the b oundary-breaking P OP STAR’

Kelly’s signature layering is exemplified here with multiple textures and taupe tones working in perfect harmony.

Kelly’s innate ability to create a well-balanced environment using a variety of different design styles while still managing to weave in her own signature style does not go unnoticed. Often referred to as ‘The Queen of Taupe’, she skillfully uses her idiosyncratic palette as a beautiful backdrop for the fusion of Gothic and Italianate architecture alongside the vivid, colourful works of art that was always going to be a hallmark of Boy George’s home Kelly makes use of both luxurious and earthy textures, such as Italian marble in soft grey tones that bring a sense of grandeur to the central hall, as well as ceramics that bring an earthy feel to the landing space Across multiple floors, this reimagined church space strikes a sumptuous balance between classic and contemporar y, a vision that could only be achieved with decades of experience and an immaculate eye for design by none other than Kelly Hoppen

Kelly Hoppen Interiors kellyhoppeninteriors.com

‘

The INTERIOR needed rejuv enation, but w e had to preser v e the CHARM and decadence of the architectural ST YLE’ K E L LY H O P P E N

RIGHT CONTRASTING ELEMENTS – SUCH AS SCULPTED WOODEN CHAIRS AND A TRADITIONAL BENCH – DO NOT FEEL AT ODDS THANKS TO THE COMMON THREAD OF NATURAL MATERIALS BELOW THE STAGGERING POSITION – OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN WITH A MOUNTAIN BACKDROP – NECESSITATED OUTDOOR VANTAGE POINTS

PREVIOUS SPREAD LEFT TO RIGHT THIS HOUSE’S HERITAGE ELEMENTS WERE RETAINED, WITH A NEW SECTION SENSITIVELY ADDED; ‘WE FOUND SO MANY AMAZING THINGS IN THE HOUSE LEFT BY THE OWNER’S MOTHER – SUCH AS SHELL COLLECTIONS AND BASKETS – THAT WE SPRINKLED AROUND LIKE CONFETTI,’ SAYS MIA

building restrictions but contemporar y living requirements

A meaningful family home that could also double as a boutique hotel Some designers may have baulked at the balancing act this design proposition in Hermanus posed – to bring the owner ’ s childhood holiday escape up to date, but do it in such a way that it could be enjoyed by others But for Mia Widlake and Debbie Votin, the pair behind Studio19’s always timeless designs, this merely added creative impetus to their endlessly can-do approach.

The resulting six-bedroom, six-bathroom home is the design duo’s elevated but accessible style at its best Resourceful sourcing and a sensitive adaptation have given it a gracious and grounded effect to complement its heritage, while clever practical touches cater to contemporar y lifestyle demands for comfort

The pair speak with an ease that belies the various challenges the project put for ward For one, the house, due to its heritage status, did not allow for changes An obstacle the team overcame by adding on a section – making it a hybrid of old and new. ‘We then had to make the two parts of the house feel cohesive and familiar ’ So, across the space, the team concentrated on consistent finishes and textures – predominantly natural, such as klompie tiles and custom cabinetr y This has the dual benefit of keeping with the heritage elements (all the floors and windows were retained) and also grounding the newly built side of the house.

HeritageThe house honours the past in two ways – carefully navigating the existing structure and incorporating pieces inherited from the owner ’ s mother, all seamlessly pulled together through the considered injection of contemporar y elements. ‘Furnishing a house of this size – you must be clever and find interesting items We spent a year sourcing It also helped that the owner ’ s mother left a garage of lovely things we could repurpose to make it feel more lived in,’ says Mia

Livability (on a literal and figurative level) is important to Mia ‘I dissect a space ever y time I go to an AirBnb or hotel – what would make it function better, or how could one make the experience of being in that space better? I consider those details as important as the design.’

And the practicalities were important – whether it is hosting the owners ’ family and friends or guests unfamiliar with the spaces, the houses needed to be easy to use and seamless to spend time in. ‘Each room had to ser ve as its own self-contained capsule space, ’ says Mia

The requirement for neutrality was just as important (while a family home, the spaces also had to appeal to short-term guests) and the scheme walks a fine line between personal and impartial The owner ’ s affinity for calm tones assisted Studio19 in achieving this goal, and are also a nod to the natural surroundings – the muted green of coastal plants growing among the slate-coloured rocks along the cliff path, the opalescent off-white of seashells. ‘But let us be honest – we never stray too far from our palette, do we? Those bitter greens, milky tones, slate ’ says Mia We do like our comfort zone. But in this case it was particularly perfect for this house.’

HANDMADE FINISHES – ACROSS THE HOME – ARE A CONSISTENT THREAD THAT CREATES A SENSE OF COHESION AND TACTILITY

The house HONOURS the past in tw o w ays –care fully navigating the existing structure, and incorporating pieces INHERITED

But while the location is alluded to, this is not simply a beach pastiche and Mia has steered clear of any obvious coastal motifs ‘We did not want it to be obviously beachy – our focus was rather on marr ying the two sides of the house. Bringing the more traditional elements across to the contemporar y side and vice versa, ’ she explains This they did through layering inherited, custom, crafted and contemporar y elements. A clever convergence in details, such as shaker-profile cabinets with modern handles

This careful consideration of all points of view is a signature Studio19 trait. And it can be seen too in how the entertaining

spaces have been approached. ‘We tucked the braai pavilion into the sheltered front garden as it is quite far from the kitchen, but because of the dimensions of the property, we designed it so you can set up camp there for the afternoon without having to go back and forth ’

Downstairs too, it is all about ease ‘When you have 10 adults and six children together, you need a lot of space. Spaces to congregate. But you also need spaces to hide,’ says Mia Which is really all you want in a beach house Somewhere that speaks to a sense of intimacy, but also escape. Studio 19 studio19.co

ABOVE IN THE LIVING ROOM IS PERHAPS WHERE THE BALANCE OF OLD AND NEW, RUSTIC AND MINIMAL CAN BEST BE APPRECIATED

RIGHT, TOP DOWN A DESIGNATED SUNSET SPOT ON THE UPSTAIRS BALCONY; THE OUTDOOR VERANDAH AND BRAAI AREA IS EQUIPPED FOR LONG RELAXING AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS WITHOUT THE NEED FOR BACK AND FORTH TO THE KITCHEN

IN THE KITCHEN A VINTAGE ISLAND IS COMPLEMENTED BY CUSTOM CABINETRY

‘OUR JOINER WAS WONDERFUL AND CREATED REALLY BEAUTIFUL WORK FOR THE SPACE. IT ADDS A SENSE OF CRAFT,’ SAYS MIA

‘ We didn’t w ant it to b e obviously BEACHY –our F OC US w as rather on MARRYING the tw o sides of the house’ M I A W I D L A K E

c a l i f o r n i a

d r e a m i n g

In the foreword from the newly published Lotusland, Marc Appleton explores the history and magic of a most unique garden just outside of Santa Barbara

Listed as one of the most coveted gardens to visit and among the ten best botanical gardens in the world, L otusland celebrates the unexpected and whimsy in garden desig n Madame Ganna Walska, a Polish opera singer and socialite, purchased the estate in 1941 and spent a lifetime creating an other worldly 37-acre garden oasis filled with an unparalleled collection of exotic flora Nestled in the hills of Montecito in souther n Califor nia, L otusland is perhaps the most private public garden in the world

There are a few gardens from more recent times that defy traditional order and logic They have been consciously made, but over time and without a preconceived master plan. The Garden of Ninfa in Latina, Italy, or Little Sparta near Edinburgh, Scotland, come to mind They have been inspired by instinct and appetite rather than planned logic, usually by an individual or family, and their development has been less predictable and more whimsical, often influenced by vicissitudes of mood and local circumstance

I believe Lotusland, as conceived by Ganna Walska, is among these rarer unstructured garden types There was no master plan, its arrangement is not so easily understood, and it was characterdriven, in this case by her insatiable attraction to particular plants and her desire to create specific individual and often unrelated gardens within the larger garden. When she fell in love with something, a particular plant or garden ornament, she could not settle for just one or even a few but had to have a plethora Hers was obsessive botanical collecting, often at a ver y ambitious scale, and the exuberance of the collections is a unique aspect of Lotusland’s appeal

As Lotusland has evolved as a nonprofit public garden over the last few decades since Ganna Walska’s death, there has been a concerted effort toward sustainable horticultural practices and developing a sustainable business model. The botanical collections have grown and aged without losing their powerful and sometimes exotic identities There are some new additions, such as the Dunlap Cactus Garden, and others have been expanded or refreshed, but the whimsy and character that were the inspiration for the original garden sur vive and assure Lotusland a special status as one of the most remarkable and magical places in the world.

The publication of this long-awaited book is finally an opportunity to share this unique garden with a wider audience In person there is no mistaking the garden’s appeal. In any publication it would be challenging to convey its eccentric qualities, but Lisa Romerein’s photographs illuminate both the impressive scale of the collections as well as their poignant details, enticing those of us already familiar with the garden to look closer, and inviting those who have never had the chance to experience it to visit

To have been voted, as it recently was, one of the 10 best gardens in the world and among the top 100 to see before dying is an honor that might have made Madame Walska grin with delight Foreword from Lotusland (Rizzoli). rizzoliusa.com

THE EXPANSIVE VIEWS OF THE GREENERY AND WINELANDS CAN BE SEEN FROM THE PROPERTY

An idyllic escape, Tenuta Negroamaro in Puglia makes for the perfect space to unwind and reconnect with nature in the Italian countryside

THE TAPESTRY ABOVE THE SOFA IS A BESPOKE PIECE OF MERINO WOOL SOURCED FROM A LOCAL ARTISAN

OPPOSITE PAGE THE ENTRANCE TO TENUTA NEGROAMARO, FLANKED BY OLIVE TREES

n the outskirts of the ancient city of Gallipoli, among a seemingly contradictor y mix of ancient architecture and booming nightlife, this 10 -bedroom boutique hotel, Tenuta Negroamaro, sits atop a grassy hill overlooking the greener y and winelands of Puglia For years, the region was one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, but recently it has – justifiably – nudged its way up the must-see bucket list thanks to a heady mix of idyllic Mediterranean climate, wealth of archaeological sites and charming countr yside appeal

Tenuta, in particular, has been well-loved for over 30 years Initially built as a holiday home for a renowned stylist, where it hosted many celebrity visitors and events over the years, it was later sold to a local property developer who transformed it into a bed and breakfast and, eventually, acquired by the current owner, who was looking to return to his homeland After these numerous changes in ownership, the home was ready for a refurbishment and restoration, which was spearheaded by the team at Olga Ashby Interiors.

Interior designer Olga Ashby set out to create a home-away-from-home environment for any guest at Tenuta, offering the perfect mix of indoor-outdoor living in a calm and welcoming setting ‘In big cities, we often forget how the stars shine and how the silence sounds; we no longer remember how fruits grow or how the grass feels when you walk on it,’ says Olga ‘We all need to reconnect and let nature heal our souls ’ As she explains the concept of the hotel, it was imperative that relaxed living was central to the design, and the outdoors became part of the interior space with a seamless flow throughout.

The natural textures and finishes throughout the home, combined with subtle cur vature in the architecture and furniture, added a softness to this villa ‘The colour scheme is very neutral and earthy, so both the outside and inside gently blend,’ says Olga ‘The beauty of Tenuta is revealed through the details, materials and textures

We used all the traditional materials from the region, with local soft stone Pietra Leccese and travertine for the floors and furniture; bamboo for the gazebo and jute for the rugs and lighting fixtures ’ The idea was to create a tactile experience for the guests with a combination of rough and smooth textures ‘We want people to stop thinking and start feeling and truly see the world around them.’

Olga Ashby Interiors olgaashby.com; Tenuta Negroamaro tenutanegroamaro.com

‘ We w a n t p e o p l e t o s t o p T H I N K I N G a n d s t a r t F E E L I N G a n d t r u l y s e e t h e W O R L D a r o u n d t h e m ’

HAND-PLASTERED WALLS ADD CHARACTER AND CHARM TO THE SPACE

OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT EACH BEDROOM’S ARCHITECTURE

IS UNIQUE; THE WHITEWALLED EXTERIOR; NATURAL MATERIALS AND TEXTURES INFORM THE INTERIOR SCHEME; THE BAR AREA WAS INSPIRED BY THE LOCAL SURROUNDINGS

This beach home in one of the Western Cape’s most searingly beautiful coastal towns is a repository for learning, sharing and gathering

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t h e r e i s

a rule never to proceed with a renovation when there is insurmountable work to do on the building,’ Serena Crawford says, listing the ‘warning signs’ that were present when she and her husband Murray embarked on the reimagining of their Plettenberg Bay cottage But rules have little bearing in matters of the heart

Having owned and lived in a string of larger homes worldwide, the couple has spent the past few years scaling back and simplifying in an attempt to claw back life’s most finite resource – time. When they settled on this ’60s Cape-Dutch style cottage a stone’s throw from the ocean, it was for the building’s human scale, its thick walls and charming, thatched roof

But renovations famously run away with renovators, and this one was no exception The home swelled – stripped back to a skeleton and repurposed for daily living That Serena’s beloved thatched roof was replaced with a less flammable tin iteration was a great loss, but its demise made room for a higher pitch, more volume and more bedrooms The irony of owning a five-bedroom ‘cottage’ is not lost on Serena, but the added space welcomes a steady stream of precious friends and family – their two daughters included – over holidays, weekends and shared meals This – she says – is what a beach home is all about.

THE VERANDAH LEADS ONTO AN AREA WITH A FIRE PIT, WHERE EVENINGS END WITH CONVERSATION UNDER THE STARS

OPPOSITE PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT THE CAPE DUTCH-INSPIRED WALLS LEAD TO A SHOWER AND OUTDOOR BATH; A GILDED ANTIQUE VICTORIAN BED FROM LONDON

Despite its new capacity and vast verandah, spanning around 16 metres, Lalapanzi (as the house is called) is still a beach cottage in spirit None of the scale is daunting and none of the volume is cavernous. Ambience still permeates the interior thanks to their well-worn and widely collected anthology of furniture, art and textiles and the quality of the hand that can be seen in the plastered walls, hand-cut stone and craft pieces of varied provenance.

An interior designer and itinerant global traveller with a cult following on Instagram, Serena is a master of infusing mood into her interiors and a collector of stories told over dinners and translated through the artisanal textiles and ceramics she has sourced over decades Lalapanzi brings together a mix of antiques, upholstered furniture and bespoke pieces of her design, assembled with equal doses of elegance and ease

Here, a Louis Vuitton trunk finds company with a bevvy of cane armchairs and a handsome refector y table from a Spanish monaster y Hand-printed and embroidered fabrics of Malian, Indian and Persian origin mingle, draped over sofas and lining chairs, and at ever y turn, their abode is suffused with soul.

Intentionally so. ‘It was important for me to bring in elements from our previous homes,’ she says In doing so, their much-loved pig (a sculpture affectionately named Porcellino from a straw market in Florence) obser ves his new abode from the end of the pool and locally quarried stone used around the pool and fireplace nods to their previous home in Plett

An invite to join the Crawfords promises Italian-style aperitivos and small bites accompanied by music, candles and fire – always fire, ‘ even when it is 35 degrees,’ she says The verandah is the seat for these laid-back get-togethers and ser ves as a base for living year-round with zones for dining, lounging and contemplation stretching out across its length Given that it is protected from the wind that rattles the area, breakfast, lunch and dinner through the seasons is plausible

She speaks of ‘emotional homes’, those that resonate with depth and meaning being the ones people are drawn to settle in and return to For Lalapanzi, this is certainly the case, steeped as it is in histor y, memor y, culture, spirit and warmth These are its magnetic forces.

promises

An INVITE to join the Crawfords

ITALIAN-ST YLE aperitiv os and small bites accompanied by MUSIC, candles and FIRE

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