Eclectic farmhouse an earthy blend of Art Deco and modernism

Avisit to Dieter Odendaal and André Lambrechts’ home in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley always feels like an occasion. It’s little wonder, since the pair are the owners of Fabulous Events, a company that ensures that weddings and other special events around the country are memorable.

Not only do they create beauty for other people, but their own home is also a testament to their boundless creativity.

Dieter is a décor fundi, a collector of a little bit of everything. He is also a former journalist who worked in the wine industry for many years. André is a florist and the mastermind behind the lovely arrangements created by their other business, The Flower Boyz. There’s no shortage of ideas here.

It was the breathtaking scenery and tranquillity that attracted the couple to this 3ha property in a farming community known as Solitaire about seven years ago. And even though it is secluded, the locality is ideal with three Overberg towns close by: Hermanus, Bot River and Caledon. Slipping away to Cape Town is also no big deal. “We often drive there and back in one day,” says Dieter. >>

Timeless style

This house is Dieter and André’s third home together. “Our previous places mostly reflected the trends of a specific period,” says Dieter. “This house is more earthy and it’s built to suit our lifestyle.”

Its style is timeless. All the doors, window frames and many of the couple’s collectibles are second-hand or recycled. The giant wooden frames of the door leading to the stoep were salvaged from a shop that was due to be demolished – they were originally part of a display window.

“We spent many holidays in the Hermanus area and discovered the Hemel-en-Aarde wine region during one of these visits. We immediately fell in love; it is ‘heaven on earth’. Farm life and a gorgeous environment with mountains covered in fynbos all around were major drawcards. It was also the ideal property for our six dogs – the garden is nice and spacious.”

But they weren’t in a hurry. “We didn’t finish it all in one go,” explains Dieter. “If we saw something we wanted to use in the building process, we bought it and where necessary adjusted the plans to accommodate that find.” In this way, second-hand building materials that the pair acquired in various locations from Somerset West to Knysna were incorporated into the structure.

Dieter and André describe their home as “an eclectic conservatory with a touch of Bali and a penchant for Art Deco”.

It’s a stylish mix of everything they adore – and it works!

“The collectibles come from all over,” says Dieter. “And they are a fond reminder of our travels abroad. The style of the house itself can definitely be described as a modernist farm aesthetic and it complements the remarkable location and the weather.

“The inspiration for the plans was probably ignited when I played with Lego blocks as a child. André and I have both had a keen interest in putting beautiful things together since childhood.”

They drew the rough plans themselves and then got Gericke Architectural Services to finalise them.

“The principle that a house should face north holds true and the best view is on the north-facing side, so everything worked out well,” says Dieter. The seasons definitely influence how the couple live. “In winter, the stoep is the place to be; it’s wonderfully warm. There are lots of fireplaces in the house, so it warms up quickly too. In summer, it’s cool as the sun has moved south and the double walls also keep the house cool. Loose rugs on the cement- and wooden floors assist in managing the temperature.” >>

We’re avid recyclers and we care deeply about nature; it’s the main reason why we settled here. – Dieter

WHO LIVES HERE? Dieter Odendaal and André Lambrechts WHERE Solitaire, Hemel-en-Aarde (near Hermanus) SIZE 350m²

On summer evenings, Dieter and André put a blanket down on the lawn and enjoy the night sky. With few electric lights in the area and being nestled in the mountains, Dieter says it sometimes feels as if they can touch the Milky Way. Guinea fowl, steenbok and blue cranes often browse the veld around the house. Gravel from Build it

When the couple entertains, guests congregate around the long table on the stoep; the huge windows provide a stunning view of the wetland in front of the house and the Steenboksberg mountains in the distance.

Dieter and André used recycled wood, windows and doors to give the house a lived-in feel. Steps and alcoves add interesting detail in this space, while sliding windows ensure that the beautiful natural surroundings feel like part of the house.

The various pendant lights on the stoep come from Malawi. The stoep with its built-in braai and gorgeous views is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning; it’s also where André and Dieter like to hang out with friends. In winter, they use the space as a sunroom; they chose a wooden floor because it adds warmth. >> Wooden frames and doors from Over & Over; Art Deco chair upholstered by Whale Coast Covers; rug from @homelivingspace