Bathrooms 7 stunning spaces
From classic design choices to unique artworks, these homeowners have put their stamp on these spaces with great success.
#1 Just beachy
When Jacoline van Zyl and Alexander Penman were itching to do a renovation project, Jacoline’s mom and dad’s beach house in Struisbaai presented the ideal opportunity.
“My parents, Japie and Mayne van Zyl, have owned the house for 10 years and it had become slightly run-down. Alexander and I literally lived in the dust for eight months during the renovation,” says Jacoline. The main bedroom’s en suite was part of this project. Where there were once four small, dark rooms crammed next to each other, Jacoline and
Alexander have created a spacious open-plan bedroom and bathroom. “We wanted to give the room a luxurious feel with lots of natural light – but it had to retain the holiday vibe,” says Jacoline.
#2 Cool oasis
Chris Willemse and Dané Erwee, owners of the floral design business Okasie, transformed a dilapidated farmhouse in the Banhoek Valley in Stellenbosch into a characterful home for their French friends.
Two bedrooms are situated next to the old veranda, which provided the ideal space in which to create an en-suite bathroom adjacent to each one. Thanks to the support beams and curvature of the corrugatediron roof, they were able to retain the original veranda aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling steel-framed windows provide a lovely view of the garden, while houseplants that thrive in the natural light and humidity of the bathroom create just the right amount of privacy.
Dark blue mosaic tiles in the shower are reminiscent of deep pools of water, while a loose rug lends a luxurious touch to the space.
In 2018, Chris and Dané bought the property next to theirs with friends and converted it into guest accommodation consisting of five suites. Johann Slee, architect and co-owner of Johannesdal 1207, wanted to preserve the historic identity of the property so he created a romantic feel in this bathroom (it forms part of the Silver Tree Suite).
A focal window behind the bath overlooks a private garden that also boasts an outdoor shower. The trunks of the trees outside the window were stripped bare, after which Dané painted them red to create an interesting focal point.
Klompie bricks in a herringbone pattern are a recurring theme at Johannesdal 1207 and here, under the freestanding bath, they are also a practical, non-slip solution. The floor in the rest of the space is covered with composite wood. A plush rug purchased on a trip to Tangier, Morocco anchors the space.
The shower, basins and loo are hidden from view behind a barn door. >>