There is an unshakeable solidity to this family home,
located in cape Town’s leafy suburb of higgovale in the last row of houses that border Table Mountain national Park. It’s an incredible setting that holds within its gaze views of Table Mountain, Lion’s head, the city and the harbour beyond it.
The couple bought the plot four years ago when they were looking for a home that could accommodate their growing brood of children and dogs. ‘We’d outgrown our previous home and were looking for a house with a sizeable garden that was level with the living areas. admittedly, that’s pretty hard to find in higgovale but we loved the area and so set ourselves the task of finding something that we could reconfigure to suit our needs,’ explain the homeowners. While the original site was terraced with little to no garden and a very disjointed house set back on the property, they immediately saw the potential, with its proximity to the reserve and its location in a wind-free pocket on the mountain.
‘We’d worked with architectural firm salt + Pepper design on our previous home and so we knew we could rely on their engineering knowledge to solve the complexities of the site and to perfect the relationship of the house to the mountain.’ and they did not disappoint, opting to build the new house to the street side of the plot, allowing for the back garden to be levelled and become an extension of Table Mountain reserve. ‘our brief for a unique contemporary home inspired by the mid-century modern homes of california that we both love was more than met,’ say the homeowners. In short, their clever use of bold architectural lines, modern
engineering and the textural qualities of stone and concrete ensured that this once tricky plot was knocked into shape.
To this end the house is laid out on three levels. You enter into a generous reception hall with access to the garage and wine cellar. From there you ascend to the private level, comprising five en-suite bedrooms and a pyjama lounge. ‘This level is quiet, cosy and sheltered,’ say the homeowners. In contrast, the top floor is where all the living happens with the lounge, dining, kitchen, TV room and study all looking out to views of garden, mountain and city.
generosity of space was a critical requirement and so, wherever possible, the need for walls were done away with. This was as much a nod to their love for luxury as to the needs of their children. ‘The house had to be hardworking, from a soundproof study to space for the kids to ride their scooters and skateboards inside if they need to,’ they explain.
avid gardeners, the homeowners knew that they’d be spending many hours amongst plants and trees, which is why they called on the expertise of landscaper ruth rupprecht. While they haven’t followed a theme in their plantings, the outdoor areas are segregated in a way that works. The back of the house is planted predominantly with fynbos and a spectacular row of 15 silver birch trees in deference to the mountain. But it’s the roof garden – the pièce de résistance of the house – that steals the show with its mix of indigenous plants on the back half and a Japanese garden to the front.
as a couple, the homeowners are a mix of creative, cerebral and sartorially savvy. It is these attributes – and their incredible collection of art, objet and furniture – that gives their home gravitas. In addition to a great working relationship with architect adrian Malitte and builder arnold Meiring, they also credit interior designer Lynne Whitfield of Field design studio as the alchemist who brought their disparate tastes together. ‘Lynne’s a master of easy living,’ they say. ‘everything she does is about making the moment more enjoyable.’ It’s no wonder, then, that the house is the relaxed, organised and creative haven they craved. Salt + Pepper Design n % 021 4185391; Field Design Studio
% 083 645 7811; Arnold Meiring Projects % 021 422 1118