Sectional title holds steady
Sectional title is still experiencing stable buyer momentum. These are some of the sought-after developments in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal
he Western
Cape’s West Coast has steadily grown in popularity as a holiday destination, with many drawn to its unspoilt, rugged surroundings and windswept beaches that go on for miles. The Bester family’s recently finished beach house Villa Kersbos is a remote and luxurious escape that remains true to its environment, connecting with the sea, dunes and natural vegetation.
TTRADITION WITH A TWIST
Architect Charl Marais of
CFM Architects took his cue from the area’s traditional white-washed style yet went further with the design by adding a modern twist and interesting spatial relationships.
“These types of houses are often oversimplified. What makes them interesting, though, is how they change over the years,” Marais says. “People add on rooms and modify them, often with no architectural background – they just follow their intuition. Sometimes in the natural organic process the most amazing architecture happens.”
In this home, beautifully interconnected spaces emulate add-ons. The way the kitchen links to the main space is an example of this, he explains. “It feels like a space that was added on some time in the past, and as if it was always meant to be.”
NOOKS AND CRANNIES
Villa Kersbos announces itself with its taller-thanaverage chimney – a quirky touch from Marais that gives the home presence and perhaps something of a church-like quality.
“West Coast houses, in my mind, should be interesting, have nooks and crannies, unexpected little walls and shady spots and rocky patches to make the inhabitants feel as if they are in an oasis with plenty of options,” he says. “Yet all of this must be pared down in a way that makes you feel life is uncomplicated.”
The expansive central entertainment room has a great wow factor, but it’s the bathrooms and the simple, spacious kitchen that Marais favours. “I’m a sucker for a nice kitchen and a bathroom – maybe because I like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen myself!” he says. “Between these two spaces, we really perform the basic functions of life, food and sanitation, and if we feel special doing that, then life feels a bit more special too. This house was no exception.”
BIG OUTDOORS
Entertaining is a big focus for this property with its many interesting gathering spaces, depending on the weather. A well-protected, cool and calm arrival area allows guests to transition into holiday mode and the decked courtyard is the perfect space to relax. Thanks to large stacking doors the sea-facing side of the house, separated from the beach by coastal shrubbery, opens up to the elements and a braai yard with a (sapling) screen.
Even when you’re not outside, the connection to nature is tangible, with oversized windows providing sweeping views over the vegetation.
“The harshness of the West Coast is part of the beauty of it,” says Marais. “This house provides you with the opportunity to seek refuge from the heat and dry winds that can often last for days, but at the same time you can observe it and be part of it.”