Welcome to my home

“We call this house ‘the giant golden bubble’, because in winter it’s so cosy and tranquil”

Emma Kruger lives here with her husband Stefan. They are both retired and have two daughters who have both left home, but visit often.

THE PROPERTY

A four-bedroom detached new-build house in the small town of Franschhoek in the Western Cape of South Africa.

With retirement nearing, Emma and Stefan Kruger knew exactly where they wanted to settle down.

‘We looked for a home in a beautiful setting, close to mountains and vineyards and farmlands, that we would be able to share with our grown children and extended family,’ says Emma. Franschhoek is a historic town in the foothills of the Wemmershoek Mountains, surrounded by farmland, vineyards, nature reserves and peaks.

Part slow-paced small town, part buzzing hotspot; it’s the dream location for a retirement property.

The couple decided to find a plot and build their own house. The area of land they bought is relatively small by South African standards, but the couple maximised the space with a building that hugs the boundary in a U-shape, opening onto a pool and patio. ‘We decided on a modern barn-style interpretation of the Cape Dutch tradition,’ says Emma. It’s compact, but feels spacious thanks to seven-metre-high ceilings and huge windows.

Stefan was keen to incorporate smart, but unseen, tech. Double glazing ensures that the interior is blissfully quiet. The well-insulated house regulates its own temperature, with solar-heated water, underfloor heating, solar-powered electricity and wood-burners.

Emma enlisted the help of Mia Widlake, an interior designer at Johannesburg-based company Studio 19. ‘Mia champions timeless design and honest materials, which won me over,’ says Emma. She and Stefan wanted the house to be ‘bulletproof’ – uncluttered, and full of tough materials that meant there would be no need to be precious about the decor.

A restful palette of charcoal, bitter grey-green and milky white reflects the surrounding landscape. Emma and Stefan are now deeply settled. ‘We love the tranquility of this area,’ she says. ‘Although we also love the racket the guinea fowl make in the vineyards at dusk when we walk into town for dinner!’

“Terracotta klompies (traditional small bricks) add colour and texture to the interior”

“In winter, the house is so cosy it feels like you’re in a light, warm bubble while the storms rage outside”

WHAT I’VE LEARNED “Support homegrown design talent. Buying furniture, fabric and artwork for this house was an opportunity to champion young designers and artists. We enjoyed finding them so much, and it has made our home unique”

Living area A skinny window brings a burst of light into the centre of the living area, putting the couple’s tree pictures in the spotlight. BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar print, try Black Branches framed poster by Monika Strigel, from £14.95, Juniqe. Coast Diamond rug, £325; Black floor lamp, £89, both Barker and Stonehouse, would work here. Try Alec oak console, £285, Perch & Parrow FLOOR LAMP CASTS A POOL OF LIGHT FOR A MORE INTIMATE MOOD

Living area The kitchen and seating area feel connected visually, thanks to a consistent colour palette and the use of rustic, wooden furniture throughout both. BUY THE KEY PIECES Octavius coffee table by Union Rustic, £379.99, Wayfair, would look good here. For a similar drum table, try the Nadia, £115, Perch & Parrow OAK PICTURE FRAMES WARM UP THE WHITE WALLS TO MAKE THIS SPACE FEEL COSIER

Kitchen ‘We wanted something a bit different for the island,’ says Emma. ‘So we chose a pale, mottled slab of granite.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Try Browning three-bulb pendant, £590, Neptune. Black reeded glass cabinet, £1,825, House of Sloane, is similar. Carved wood tray, £69, Nordic Nest, is a match

LOG STORAGE TROLLEY WHEELS OUT TO BE REFILLED FROM THE OUTDOOR STACK

Dining area The big oak table and leather chairs make a comfortable and practical dining space for big family gatherings. Diners on one side have a view of the fireplace, while the others have a view out over the garden. BUY THE KEY PIECES Bay Isle Home bamboo/rattan pendant shades, £52.99 each, Wayfair, are similar. Ebbe Gehl Mira extending dining table in oak, £799, John Lewis & Partners, is of this style

DOUBLE CURTAIN A DRAPE PLUS A SHEER GIVES YOU OPTIONS Main bedroom The formal look in here is softly eased by Emma’s favourite leopard print on the pillowcases. BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar grasscloth-effect wallpaper, try Clarke & Clarke’s Nico, £44 a roll, Wallpaper UK. Amelia headboard, £229, Sueno, has this look. Try Bloomingville gold metal wall lamps, £146.99 each, Trouva

Main bedroom The en suite is open-plan to the bedroom, but its darkgreen panelled wall signals the transition with a subtle colour change from the bedroom’s grey and white palette. BUY THE KEY PIECES Francine chest of drawers, £136.99, Wayfair, would look good here. Try Light and Living Paton side table, £134, Naken Interiors PURE WHITE FRAME MAKES THE ARTWORK INTO A BOLD FOCAL POINT