HANDMADE TALE

Art, antiques and custom furniture come together in the ultra-artisanal interiors of a home that celebrates the best in local craft

The interiors of this ultra-artisanal home celebrates the best in local craft

next came the house itself. Cape Town architect Philip Briel was commissioned to help give effect to the couple’s ideas. ‘he was alive to all the possibilities and sensitive to our vision,’ says the owner.

The original design envisaged a single storey, but it evolved and now the main house is flanked by a traditional jongmans

huis on one side and a private office-bedroom suite on the other. The upper floor houses the main en-suite bedrooms. adding to the exterior architectural authenticity are gables and, delightfully, a tin roof.

extra-high ceilings, deep mouldings, interior shutters, and glass-paned interior doors are also undeniably Cape farmhouse-style. The sun room is both a restful, comfortable, family space and one of the best view sites in the house.

‘I can’t overemphasise how important the contribution was of the craftspeople involved,’ says the owner. ‘The entire team brought passion and skill in equal measure.’ among others, she credits andy de Klerk of Cabinetworks, in particular Jarvis Ball, who made eye-catching bookcases; and guy Wood of Van dijk studio, who was responsible for the extensive brass work. ‘The old skills are slowly being lost,’ she notes. ‘I’m grateful that we could still have true artisans here.’

The home’s well-established air is also due, in part, to the thoughtful relocation of pieces from the couple’s Johannesburg home. ‘even though they’ve been transplanted here, into a very different environment, it all works,’ she says.

art is everywhere, representing the cream of south african artists as well as international up-and-coming stars. Works by William Kentridge, robert hodgins and Walter Meyer mingle with heirloom and bespoke pieces.

‘There is beauty in every corner of the Cape Peninsula,’ says the owner, gesturing towards the spectacular surrounds. ‘It’s a privilege to live in this part of the world, in this house.’ Andy de Klerk Cabinetworks % 021 422 3830; n Iwan Roux 082 570 7822; Philip Briel % 8 philipbriel.com; Van Dijk Studios 021 557 4074 %

clockwise, from top right the tapestry in the entrance hall was designed by caroline cullinan and woven at stephens tapestry studio; a work by william kentridge hangs above an antique chinese chest in the living room; exterior view of the study and...