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The hotel, reminiscent of an Italian pallazzo, is set in a garden with huge trees, rolling lawns and fountains. -
The Old Hollywood Suite with its mix of antique pieces and modern collectibles was inspired by glamorous movie stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Michael decided on a black-andwhite colour scheme and used the opportunity to experiment with French toile fabrics. The armchair is an upcycled auction find and the piano side table is a fun focal point – on it is a Rory Dobner plate from Liberty in London. The tripod floor lamp is from lampsonline.co.za. -
The Swedish Suite is located on the first floor of the Courtyard Suites. The airy space features revamped antiques, shaggy carpets, modern glass tables, mirrors and gilded furniture, and is a great example of how Michael married a classic feel with a modern touch. -
A ceramic Sootcookie animal sculpture lives in one of the lobbies to the Courtyard Suites. -
The Old Hollywood Suite with its mix of antique pieces and modern collectibles was inspired by glamorous movie stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Michael decided on a black-andwhite colour scheme and used the opportunity to experiment with French toile fabrics. The armchair is an upcycled auction find and the piano side table is a fun focal point – on it is a Rory Dobner plate from Liberty in London. The tripod floor lamp is from lampsonline.co.za. -
Patterned blue tiles reminiscent of Delftware were used in this modern wet room in the Azure Suite. -
This room was originally one of the horse stables on the property. The bathroom features a slipper bath, a wrought iron leaf chandelier and a Chinese drum stool – for putting down a Champagne glass while having an indulgent soak in the bath. -
In the McArthur Suite, a photograph of a landscape and a moody sky has been blown up and used as a mural. An antique dresser was kept as one of the heritage pieces in the room, and a candelabrum floor lamp makes an interesting alternative to a chandelier suspended from the ceiling. The lamp, table and chairs are from Sutherlands Home Furnishing. -
The Courtyard Suites look out onto a formal landscaped garden. -
Fairlawns combines old-world elegance with modern amenities. The balustrades were custom-made by Bar-One Security.
WORDS Katharyn Williams-Jaftha PRODUCTION Annemarie Meintjes IMAGES Dook
Fairlawns Boutique and Spa has been refurbished and taken to the next level of whimsical luxury.
Nestled in a lush garden on a quiet street in Morningside Manor, not far from the Sandton CBD, is the five-star Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa. In June 2016, managing director Michael Kewley embarked on a refurbishment of the 19-year-old establishment. It would see him transform a dozen suites, the bistro and the spa into contemporary, chic and luxuriously calming spaces in 12 weeks. “Before, everything was quite heavy and featured a lot of hand-painted technique,” says Michael. “The shabby-chic look was in 20 years ago. But we had to move on and start playing with a fresher feel.”
Instead of throwing everything out and starting from scratch, Michael had a lot of the antiques restored and brought in locally sourced collectibles as to add an eclectic touch to the new rooms. “I’ve taken the old, married it with the new and found a fusion between the decor styles,” he says. Michael drew inspiration from his travels and his love of Asia, but mostly from the fact that Fairlawns is known for its tranquil gardens. “You’ll see florals in the fabrics and real orchids and other plants; I had a lot of fun playing with botanicals. It was important for me to bring the outdoors in.”
Each suite is designed to take guests on a journey – to places such as France, Morocco and Kenya, among others – and features a dramatic fireplace, a spectacular chandelier, plush furniture, quirky accessories and a grand bathroom. Every bath is different, something Michael says he had the most fun with. “I endeavoured to incorporate element of surprise, so you’ll come around a corner and see something unusual, like an applegreen-style dresser, a pink spoonbill bird under a glass dome or the strawberry-daiquiri-coloured cake trolley we use for our tea parties, which all stand out in the most unusual areas, and you’ll ask yourself, ‘Why is that here?’” The intrigue doesn’t end there. Fairlawns’ Bali-themed spa features original Balinese tables, bamboo light fittings, wooden chimes that tinkle in the wind and traditional sandstone carvings on the walls – all imported from Indonesia.“The spa used to be very colourful and bright, but I’ve toned it down to be more natural, with a focus on the senses – water trickling over an oversized Buddha head in the treatment area, birds singing in the garden, mood lighting, relaxation pods and, of course, the calming scent of vanilla or lemongrass wafting through the space.”
Last but not least is the new Manor House Bistro, which leads out to a terrace that overlooks the garden. It’s just the place for high tea or al-fresco dining. Some of the playful touches are sugar bowls that look like owls, rabbits or horses; banana-leaf vases; and a flock of porcelain seagulls flying across the bar area. Fairlawns Hotel still has that stately ambience, but now with a touch of whimsy.
Book your stay via fairlawnshotel.co.za.
