In a remote part of the South African coast, a Cape Town couple gave their second home a green makeover

Snuggled between the mountains and the sea, this secluded South African home is the ultimate retreat for its busy owners

Less than an hour from Cape Town, Misty Cliffs is a conservation area that only a lucky few have the privilege of inhabiting. South African couple Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro had been visiting the hamlet for years and always dreamed of buying in the area when they discovered this 1970s bungalow. It seemed like the perfect getaway from their busy lives in the city, where they own a raft of trendy venues and an art gallery.

The house needed work, but no major structural changes.

One of the first things Justin and Cameron did was paint the whole house (including some of the ceilings and cabinetry) a brave shade of green. This was at the suggestion of their close friend, acclaimed South African furniture designer Gregor Jenkin, who said the soothing mossy colour would complement the original yellow beechwood floors. Depending on the light, the walls veer from hues of avocado to pistachio and fern. Echoing the lush plant life outside, the green scheme extends to the lighting fixtures and even rugs. “It’s green to the max,” says Cameron.

Justin and Cameron own a gallery in Cape Town called

What If The World and have decorated their weekender with sculptures, drawings and collages from some of the artists they represent. When it comes to furniture, there is a mix of comfortable big-ticket pieces from Italian brands such as Flos, Calligaris and Varaschin. Smaller homewares and ceramics from South African-based designers such as Vorster & Braye and

Dokter and Misses Editions are scattered throughout.

The layout is a unique footprint of split levels, accessed through an entry on the upper floor, where the main bedroom has been given a new shelving wall with a ceramic basin. On another floor is the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. Below that are two bedrooms. A narrow central staircase runs through the three floors and is lined in shiplap timber. Decks and balconies hang off all the rooms, creating a closer connection to the outdoors and good air flow. “The house is small, but it opens up very well,” says Justin. When there for the weekend, the couple might explore the fresh produce markets in nearby Scarborough on the Saturday, then host brunch for friends on the Sunday. “The kitchen is compact, but we make a lot in it,” he adds.

One significant addition they’ve made is a split-level deck they installed around the pool. The top level features two vivid blue armchairs that reflect the pool water, and a second, sunken level has a built-in bench that doubles as storage. Midway down the stepped garden path to the beach, Justin and Cameron have also built a balau-timber perch and have plans to install a hot tub there. While the Atlantic can be wild and windy, this spot is hidden and well-protected by vegetation. “It’s like being submerged in the mountainside,” says Cameron of the indigenous shrubland.

Picture windows on every floor look out at something spectacular. To maximise the views, it was important for the furniture to be carefully oriented. From the dining table, for example, floor-to-ceiling windows frame the sea, showing how Misty Cliffs got its name. “It’s very magical… the mist plays tricks with the light and sometimes everything below us is white,” explains Cameron. In the main bedroom, latch windows in the reed-lined A-frame ceiling open up to the sky. “When all the windows are open, it feels like you’re on a cruise ship,” he says.

The coastal property also works well in the colder months. In the living area, the fireplace mantel echoes the rockery just outside the window and its shield of patinaed steel prevents smoke escaping. Under the bay window is a day bed custom designed with leather trimmings. “It’s like a log cabin in winter,” says Justin. “We light the fire and watch the storms come in. But then in summer we open the house up and it becomes really beachy.” What If The World is in Cape Town, South Africa; whatiftheworld.com

DOUBLE DECK The poolside entertaining zone juts out over the slope’s wild vegetation. Paola Lenti loungers, through Dedece. LIVING AREA (opposite) A custom day bed in the bay window rounds out the mix of new and vintage pieces. At left is a mid-century Falcon chair. Cork coffee table, Wiid Design. Risom side chair and stool, Dedece.

KITCHEN Painting the entire house green — including some ceilings — was one of the few major changes made to the original home. Stool by Gregor Jenkin. PERGOLA (opposite left) Cameron and Justin in their most protected outdoor space. DINING AREA (opposite right) Both men are keen cooks so are always serving up delicious meals. The table and Quaker chairs are by Gregor Jenkin. Ngwenya Glass vessels. IC Lights, available through Euroluce and Living Edge.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT Flos ‘ICS1’ brass pendant light, $612, Finnish Design Shop. Coast cotton velveteen cushion in Mint, $145, Bonnie & Neil. Carl Hansen + Son ‘OW150’ day bed, POA, Cult. Empira White 5151 solid surface, POA, Caesarstone. Carl Hansen & Son ‘OW150’ day bed, from $6000, Cult. Flowerpot VP3 table lamp in Dark Green, $293, Finnish Design Shop. Cuba stool, $576 (small), Beeline Design. Small Jug 2 ceramic jug, $160*, LRNCE. Dulux Wash&Wear low-sheen paint in Tendril, $91.55 per 4L, Bunnings.

MAIN BEDROOM (both pages) Picture windows reveal ever- changing vistas of sea and sky. Behind the bed is a pencil drawing by Paul Edmunds, represented by the owners’ gallery. Silk rug made from saris, Mae Artisan Rugs. Opposite in the niche is a round ceramic basin and shallow shelves. On the Calligaris side table by the wall is an &Tradition ‘FlowerPot’ lamp by Verner Panton, available through Cult.