Fruits of Their Labour

A grand old dame in Cape Town’s Sea Point recently received a facelift, transforming it into a bright boutique hotel.

Pineapple House isn’t your run-of-the-mill guest house. A passion project by owners Rupert and Lesley Sykes, it showcases their knack for interiors and understanding of architecture and design.

“I’ve been passionate about design from a young age,” Rupert explains. “I was often blown away by how beautiful someone could make their home look, and I think that’s where my interest stemmed from. I worked in construction in London for 21 years, and I often wanted to create something out of nothing, or maximise the potential of a space.”

Lesley and Rupert relocated back to South Africa in 2013. They found their family home by chance – the last of the 10 they viewed. Later, they bought the neighbouring Victorian house (a mirror of their own home), which eventually became Pineapple House. The boutique hotel got its name from the pineapple decals Rupert had used on his houses in the UK.

“People would knock on the door and ask whether we were ‘the pineapple house’,” he elaborates. “As well as it being a huge decor trend, the name stuck through familiarity.”

They joined forces with Grobler Architects and Melissa Kerkhoff of Lula Fabrics to make their vision a reality. The resulting colourful space consists of nine luxury suites, each exuding a unique and personal charm that makes every corner of Pineapple House a new decor delight to discover. From custom wallpaper to exposed bricks and an original wooden balustrade, the design theme combines elements of contemporary and traditional African design with creative personal touches to create a space that feels like a home away from home. Local art adorns the walls, and the bold use of fabrics creates a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. With a communal lounge with a fireplace, a breakfast space and an outside deck with a cute splash pool, this is the perfect getaway destination. pineapplehouse.co.za