A serene airy feel
Nina knew nothing about construction but her organisational talents came in handy in getting the renovation completed within three-anda-half months.
“I got specialists for every aspect and had 15 teams on site. I co-ordinated things in such a way that the right teams were here on the right days, so that they didn’t have to wait for each other or get in each other’s way.”
Petrus explains the structural changes: “We broke down a wall to enlarge the kitchen and let in the wonderful sunlight, which now floods the living room. The openings to the passageways were enlarged to create a sense of spaciousness in what was once an extremely dark interior. All the exterior doors were replaced with large glass doors to improve the natural light. And all the walls and ceilings were painted white – which took an entire 460L of paint! Now it all forms a cohesive whole with a serene, airy feel.”
These changes allowed Nina to create a neutral shell “so that I can change my mind if I want to”, she explains. Although she loves pretty accessories, she wanted to keep the surfaces as clean and open as possible, especially in the kitchen where she has concealed everything behind cupboard doors.
The old slate floor was retained in a passage that now serves as a library with books stored on narrow metal bookshelves. “We were so lucky to find salvaged American walnut parquet flooring,” says Petrus. “The contractor laid it out for us in a modern herringbone pattern in the main living area, kitchen and bedrooms; new skirting boards throughout the house provided the finishing touch.”
Nina’s 86-year-old grandma, Ina Conradie of Durbanville, took four months to lay out a new garden for them. “Large trees were removed and the yard became Ouma’s blank canvas. She knew exactly what to put where and planted loads of shrubs and fruit trees.” >>