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The gabled Bosjes Manor House, constructed in 1790, is the oldest building on the farm. -
The gentle curve of the reception desk and its welcoming couch invite you into the Voorkamer. Standout pieces include a large-scale work by Morné Visagie, as well as the “muurkas”, which is original to the house. A painting of a forest canopy by Jordan Sweke, lights by Dokter and Misses and armchairs by Studio 19 are further points of interest. -
The gentle curve of the reception desk and its welcoming couch invite you into the Voorkamer. Standout pieces include a large-scale work by Morné Visagie, as well as the “muurkas”, which is original to the house. A painting of a forest canopy by Jordan Sweke, lights by Dokter and Misses and armchairs by Studio 19 are further points of interest. -
The new additions to the lodge reference rural architecture, and are clearly distinguished from the white-washed walls of the Manor House via the use of dark corrugated sheeting and bespoke timber detailing. -
The new additions to the lodge reference rural architecture, and are clearly distinguished from the white-washed walls of the Manor House via the use of dark corrugated sheeting and bespoke timber detailing. -
The magnificent setting of Bosjes farm, encompassing the Manor House, Guest Lodge and spa, Bosjes Kombuis to the right, and the iconic Bosjes Chapel and Botha’s Halte School in the distance. -
“We wanted the library to be a sanctuary that envelops you when you’re inside it,” says interior designer Liam Mooney. The Dolly chair and Top Deck side table are by Valentim Furniture. -
The sunroom was designed to be the perfect spot for repose by the pool, with the green theme carried through, as well as the use of cane furniture custom-designed by the Society for the Blind. -
The dining room service counter’s curves are a leitmotif for the whole farm. -
The Bosjes pool courtyard is framed by timber pergolas and walkways, which offer protection from the summer winds. -
The basketweave design is a recurring theme on the farm, referencing Cape Dutch riempie chairs. “We chose a different colour and pattern scheme for each of the bedrooms, to mimic the vibrancy of the outdoors,” says Liam. “The patterned bed canopies create an intimate cocoon within the double-volume rooms.” -
The basketweave design is a recurring theme on the farm, referencing Cape Dutch riempie chairs. “We chose a different colour and pattern scheme for each of the bedrooms, to mimic the vibrancy of the outdoors,” says Liam. “The patterned bed canopies create an intimate cocoon within the double-volume rooms.” -
The basketweave design is a recurring theme on the farm, referencing Cape Dutch riempie chairs. “We chose a different colour and pattern scheme for each of the bedrooms, to mimic the vibrancy of the outdoors,” says Liam. “The patterned bed canopies create an intimate cocoon within the double-volume rooms.” -
The basketweave design is a recurring theme on the farm, referencing Cape Dutch riempie chairs. “We chose a different colour and pattern scheme for each of the bedrooms, to mimic the vibrancy of the outdoors,” says Liam. “The patterned bed canopies create an intimate cocoon within the double-volume rooms.”
WORDS Lynette Botha PHOTOS Paris Brummer PRODUCTION Annemarie Meintjes
The latest addition to the acclaimed architecture of the historic BOSJES farm is an 18th-century manor house re-imagined as a luxurious eight-bedroom guest lodge.
Ever since its unveiling in 2017, we knew that the Bosjes Chapel would be a hard act to follow. With its distinctive undulating white roof, it has garnered wide acclaim and appeared in many an Insta post. Last year, the owners of Bosjes did follow up their original chapel design with two new structures of spectacular sculptural trellises, which house the pantry and the farm shop (see VISI 113).
Now, the latest addition to this estate on the slopes of the Waaihoek mountains is a complete revamp of the 200-year-old Herehuis, the farm’s original manor house. Until recently, it was a private residence, but such is the growing popularity and appreciation of this beautiful estate that additional accommodation was needed to supplement the Die Skuur guesthouse on the property. Once again, architect Tiaan Meyer of Meyer & Associates was called on by the owners to re-imagine the Herehuis, with a brief that included adding at least 12 new bedroom suites as well as the necessary public areas – a reception, lounges, a library and a breakfast/dining room, plus a pool and deck area.
READ MORE: Breedekloof Valley Estate
“I was asked to come up with an architectural solution to modernise the original manor house while retaining its history and heritage and approaching the build in a sensitive and respectful way,” says Tiaan. “While the owners were keen for new additions to maximise the magnificent views and setting of the farm, the caveat was to not visually overshadow the manor house.
Any new additions had to be disguised, and had to emphasise the manor house as ‘the star of the show’.” The new accommodation is made up of a collection of separate buildings arranged around three courtyards, which are all connected with open timber walkways. The individual privacy of the bedroom suites was paramount, and each new suite has beautiful views of the surrounding Waaihoek and Slanghoek mountains. One of the oldest fixtures to remain was the original kitchen door. “The owners specifically asked that we preserve it,” says Tiaan. “The manor house was built in 1792, so the door has some serious history, as well as great sentimental value to the owners. Today, it’s set within the back covered walkway, as part of the library.”
Complementing Tiaan’s sensitive solutions to the build of the Herehuis are the colourfully eclectic interiors imagined by Liam Mooney, who has also worked with the Bosjes team for many years. “We wanted to create a space that didn’t emulate a traditional hotel,” says Liam, “but rather something with a home-away-from-home feel. We wanted to bring the vibrancy of the landscape into the rooms, incorporating vintage pieces sourced from local small businesses and dealers, and layering them with modern design pieces and a mix of old and new artists.”
In fact, it’s the Voorkamer – the room Liam is most proud of – that sets the tone for Herehuis. With Tiaan’s architecture directing guests to arrive through the manor house’s main gable, it’s the first room you encounter on arrival at Herehuis. It epitomises Bosjes: audacious, beautiful and creatively stimulating, but ultimately a place in which you want to languorously spend time.
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