Reason for renovation
“An unwelcoming space with a boxed-in feel, unsightly gutters, a low roof, a jacuzzi and a swimming pool in a very confined space, and, to top it all, a statue we dubbed Zeus, with two Roman pillars.” That, in a nutshell, was the challenge facing Hanneke and Abrie.
Today, the couple laugh when they recall what the courtyard looked like when they bought their home in Green Point in 2013.
“We moved into the house in September that year and realised the courtyard was something we should renovate sooner rather than later,” says Hanneke, a graphic designer and regular Home contributor; hubby Abrie works in the financial industry.
Zeus and his pillars weren’t their biggest problem. “There were three layers of tiles on top of each other and the jacuzzi was on a raised platform. This extra height channelled rainwater directly to the French doors of the guest room. We had to replace the wooden floor because it was rotten,” says Hanneke.
The renovation was extensive, complete with a hoist to remove the jacuzzi, while poor Zeus had to be chopped into pieces. Due to the Cape rain, it took six months to make the space liveable and to build a braai area.
“It’s a real city home,” says Abrie. “So we wanted to make the most of our limited space as well as create a comfortable braai area. The patio is sheltered from the wind by the pergola and high walls; there’s really nothing to beat the smell of your own braai meat cooking!”