Imagine a home that architecturally, would be perfect for a city sophisticate’s escape to the Australian Outback: steep pitch of storm-grey iron roof; high rafters for cool, natural air flow and the beautifully restrained use of stone, reed, steel and polished screed. The house has been skillfully and sensitively designed to be as at home in a hot climate as it is in the bite of winter. But sweep away the image of gum trees and outback scrub and instead, place this Franchhoek home on a farm between the borders two of the most prestigious properties in the valley, with fruit orchards, a river at the property’s feet and Willow trees that droop their boughs over a garden bench. Everything about this home invites you to relax and explore: sturdy bicycles lean against a wall and coax you into the nearby village while the lap pool is there for a cool plunge in the sizzle of summer. A wide green lawn hemmed by a white garden wall speaks of space designed with symmetry, harmony and privacy in mind.
Yet, Franchhoek, with is restaurants, wine, art and decor shops, is only a few hundred meters from the gates, a gentle walk – or cycle – away.
