Reader home ‘Everything I hold dear’
Romantic, playful, artistic and full of personality – what more could you ask of your home?
Rather, it’s an unpretentious Victorian farmstead-style abode with a corrugated-iron roof and charming broekie lace set against Tygerberg Ridge.
“When we bought this property in 1994, it was exactly what we wanted,” says Liesl. “But when we started building, we had to get special permission to use corrugated-iron for the roof because, apparently, it wouldn’t match the style of the neighbourhood,” she adds with a chuckle as she sips a glass of pink sparkling wine.
“We got the 1 000m² stand for an excellent price because it didn’t have a view of Table Mountain – but it’s right next to the Frikkie Knoetze Arboretum, a park with indigenous trees. That was worth much more to us than a view. Johann used to jog in the arboretum – that’s how we discovered the plot.”
Liesl, a music teacher, designed the house herself. Once she’d drawn rough sketches, an architect friend, Bertie Schreuder, drew up the formal plans.
The house includes three bedrooms and three living rooms with a north-facing L-shaped stoep at the back that looks out over the arboretum. Typical of Victorian architecture, each room has French doors leading out onto the stoep. “We were owner-builders and Johann was the project manager because he’s very practicallyminded,” says Liesl.
After 23 years, the Rheeders are still very happy in their home – they especially love the peace and quiet. “We regularly find ducks and geese in our swimming pool and guineafowl browsing on the lawn,” says Liesl. The couple plan to one day demolish a few interior walls to give the layout a more contemporary, open-plan feel. >>
Johann and Liesl Rheeder’s dream home in Cape Town is not your typical suburban double-storey with a panoramic view of Table Mountain...
The living area next to the kitchen is Liesl’s favourite space and features some of her most beloved works of art, including a Claerhout (left) and a Carl Buchner (right) on the wall. A chandelier she bought in Argentina hangs in the corner and the second-hand armchairs were reupholstered in Sanderson fabric. The figurines on the mantelpiece are by Frank van Reenen. Large chandelier from Beach House in Hermanus; standing lamp from Strand Trading Post [LIESL’S DÉCOR TIPS] • If you love something but it’s very expensive, invest in a single item – you don’t have to have an entire set of tinted crystal glasses; these can be collected over the years. • Remember, you get what you pay for. Rather have one authentic chandelier in a half-empty lounge than a room cluttered with cheap furniture that you’ll have to replace soon anyway. In the same vein, it’s better to invest in fewer pieces of furniture that are of a better quality. • Your home should reflect your personality. If you’re not sure where to start, look at the clothes you wear or your accessories, such as jewellery and handbags, and use that as a starting point. • Avoid buying all your furniture at one store, otherwise your home will end up looking like a catalogue display. Rather, select one style element from a store you like, combine it with other items you love and make the look your own. >>
I adore crystal and coloured glass, but I never buy an item for a particular spot in my home. I buy something because I think it’s beautiful and then I find a place for it. – Liesl
Before this bath in the en-suite bathroom was renovated by Mend-a-Bath, it was used as a water trough for cattle! The figurines on the stool are little perfume bottles that Liesl bought because they reminded her of Frank van Reenen figurines.
Fabric and found items
Liesl has always loved gorgeous fabric – a passion she shares with her mother, Dolene Jobing. The pair make a formidable team and a lot of Liesl’s beautiful pieces come from her mom, who lives just around the corner. “My house and my mother’s house look very similar; I’d say her style is a little more flamboyant, while my house is more playful.”
Together, they regularly explore places such as Strand Trading Post, Plan B Vintage in Durbanville and the Milnerton Market – and any fabric or antique store is sure to entice them. They’re always on the lookout for floral Sanderson fabric, even if it’s only a metre-long offcut – they simply join pieces together or cover a single cushion. Dolene is also known for her ingenuity: she’ll cut up an old tapestry and reupholster a sofa with it to create an authentic French feel.
When they visited Argentina and discovered all the antiques in Buenos Aires, Liesl and Dolene could barely restrain themselves. Both bought several antique chandeliers and glassware for next to nothing then carefully wrapped them and brought them home in their hand luggage.
“I like unique pieces; I’m not crazy about items that match. I believe in decorating my home in the same way I dress myself – a colourful and unique reflection of my personality,” says Liesl. The brass bed in the guest bedroom was Liesl’s first piece of furniture, a coming-of-age gift from her aunt Freda Openshaw. Liesl’s mother Dolene made the bedspread from Liesl’s old jeans and Liesl painted her previous dogs’ names on the bedside table. The artwork on the wall is by Zimbabwean artist Makiwa.