Layer upon layer
(below). When Rial and Daniel moved back to the farmhouse with its rich history and many heirlooms, transforming the space to suit their minimalist style presented a challenge.
“We wanted to respect the people who made it what it is and honour our family heritage,” explains Rial. The property had been rented out for 27 years and was rather run-down with an overgrown and unstructured garden. But with the help of architects Steyn Swanepoel and Hennie Arendse they started transforming the property as a labour of love.
These days, the gardens are constantly being renewed and the stunning Lizamore@Clairvaux sculpture garden stands between the couple’s home and the factory. The structure of the original house has been preserved, while Rial and Daniel’s personal style has been tastefully incorporated into each room.
“We’re still working on the house, figuring out which rooms to use for what; but we’re happy here and have the rest of our lives to make those decisions,” Rial says contentedly.
It’s evident from the carefully considered combination of heirloom pieces with the elegant yet masculine style the couple have introduced that the interior has gracefully evolved from the traditional farmhouse it once was into a modern homestead. “The layer we add will one day be inherited by future generations. For us, that’s a responsibility and a privilege,” Rial adds. >>