The recent renovation of an old stone cottage in the picturesque cape coastal village of Pringle Bay is a model for respectful yet innovative updates to seaside holiday homes. 

As in most coastal locations, the ever-changing weather governs most activity here. When the VISI team visited to photograph this Pringle Bay house, our shoot began in peaceful sunshine at low tide, with the sea calm, and breathtakingly clear visibility right across False Bay. Then, as the tide came in and waves began crashing onto the rocks, a rainstorm crossed the bay, washing the crisp vista clean away and instead creating a dramatic, moody outlook.

Accordingly, this home is designed to suit all of these possibilities: it’s equipped with everything that might be required for indoor cocooning, as well as a glazed sea-facing facade that maximises the views no matter the weather conditions. The north-facing glass facade also opens up onto a generous deck, with a new all-natural swimming pool – built in a location-appropriate, raised “plaasdam” style – in the foreground.

It took a while to arrive at this design solution, though, and the owners had seen a few architectural proposals for its renovation come and go before appointing Chris Bakker of GASS Architecture Studios to oversee the project. Among them was a scheme to replace the existing stone cottage with the sort of imposing structure that has unfortunately become ubiquitous in Cape coastal villages, and a proposal to revamp only the interiors. Chris and his team found a third way to solve the architectural conundrum: as he explains, they elected to “maintain the humble character of the low-slung existing cottage, while also updating and freeing up the interior spaces”.

The premise underlying the design, says Chris, was “to retain the simplicity of the old stone building via a sort of neutral architecture… using an approach that is almost like a ‘non-architecture’”. What this translates to in practice is a genuine lightness of touch combined with a purposefully minimalist approach to the architectural interventions. The resulting renovation cleverly blends support for the requirements of contemporary holiday-makers with the old-fashioned appeal of the traditional stone dwelling.

Entering the property from the street through a slatted wooden gate, you get glimpses of the home through the foliage. It’s a mature garden that includes milkwoods and other species endemic to the Cape coastal thicket that makes up the area’s natural vegetation. The flashes of the facade offer hints of floor-to-ceiling glass, which somewhat unexpectedly turns out to be a sort of envelope or “external gallery”, as Chris puts it. The glass external passageway wraps around and forms a frame for the exterior wall of the pre-existing cottage, focusing attention on the beautiful old stone masonry.

“We decided to shift the movement space outside of the plan,” says Chris, “then added a new master suite on one side.” And movement between the home’s various spaces – which include an open-plan kitchen-dining-living area and two smaller bedrooms (both now en suite), as well as the new master bedroom and bathroom – is certainly facilitated by this “outside corridor”. But there are other evocative effects of this unique, glassed-in part of the house: it is a sort of transitional space and also forms a “second skin” for the building. Whichever descriptive terminology is most apt, however, the results remain both aesthetically pleasing and very practical.

Careful attention has been paid to the renovation of the interiors, too: above-eye-level clerestory windows in the open-plan living area further amplify its levels of natural light, and the compact kitchen has plenty of storage space, integrated major appliances and a discreet side scullery. The two bedrooms situated within the original building now both sport striking picture windows within extra-wide, custom-designed wooden windowsills, which function as window seats and create a suitably bold frame for the arresting vista beyond.

The pleasingly eco- and site-sensitive ethos of this resolutely unpretentious project is encapsulated in the new master bedroom suite, which is placed to “float” slightly above the ground and is reached via a similarly suspended passageway. Taken together, all of this rejuvenated home’s “quiet but contemporary additions”, as Chris describes them, constitute a respectful design approach that is a compelling aesthetic model for coastal renovation.

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WORDS Kerryn Fischer PHOTOS Elsa Young PRODUCTION Luanne Toms, Frank Features

There are 360 degrees. Why stick to one?” said the late starchitect Zaha Hadid – and this philosophy could well describe Mica and Marcel Angel’s Llandudno home. At its entrance, concrete slabs suspended over a body of water deliver you to a pair of angular, concrete planes that defy gravity as they slant casually skywards. The entrance is straddled by two linear concrete boxes, one of which is home to an outsized sculptural staircase that runs the full height of the double-volume space. It’s an astonishing first impression.

But then this home is designed to marry not just the disparate aesthetic predilections of its owners – an aspiring clinical psychologist and a racing driver – but also the splendour of its setting. Set on giant granite boulders between Llandudno and Sandy Bay, it was designed by M&B Architects’ Christo Botha in response to its spectacular surrounds. United by a passion for fast cars – and having worked together previously on commercial projects – Christo had

a good idea of Marcel’s love for contemporary, modern architecture. However, his challenge lay in incorporating that with Mica’s preference for a more sculptural, eclectic, lived-in feel, as well as her brief for a space that could accommodate the five children (from 28 to 11 years old) they share between them. And of course, their three dogs, Sishi, Valentino and Paris.

Inspired by the likes of Santiago Calatrava and the aforementioned Zaha Hadid, Christo immediately saw the opportunity to create a sculptural building that could play to Mica’s sensibilities while satisfying Marcel’s penchant for modernism. “My starting point was to mould the house into the rocky landscape so as to create a strong, stable construction, much like an amphitheatre, that could open up to the ocean,” he explains. This allowed the house to adapt easily to the dramatic and changeable microclimate that occurs on the coastline, where the sea can go from gentle lapping waves to giant swell in a matter of hours. “The house definitely moves with the climate – barriers such as the sliding doors on the seafront can disappear into the walls on warm summer days to create a seamless flow between indoors and out, and then act as both insulation and a contained aperture to the elements on Cape Town’s wild, wet winter days,” he adds.

Laid out over three levels with just four bedrooms, the 1 000m2 house is surprisingly intimate given its size and the drama of its entrance façade at street level. To accommodate the varying architectural elements, Christo proposed off-shutter concrete – an easy material to shape to create the kind of cantilevers that were required, but also because it’s honest and grounded, and would provide a consistent materiality throughout.

The subterranean lower level is home to Marcel’s study, as well as the ample parking, laundry and storage areas. The ground level is where the extensive living, dining, kitchen and entertainment areas are located. A guest suite on this level leads out onto the pool and terrace too, while the guest loo is located in an arc of asymmetrical offshutter concrete walls. Upstairs, the main bedroom sits in the centre of the house, flanked by two more bedrooms and Mica’s study. At the back of this level, a pyjama lounge and playroom lead off the main staircase.

“Our Sunday family lunches, when all five children – some with partners – converge, are a highlight, while our Christmas table seems to increase in size every year. And we wouldn’t have it any other way,” Mica says. For Marcel, who is collaborating on the launch of a new international racing series in South Africa, the house offers a respite from a busy working life, and an opportunity to watch the Grand Prix in his soundproof man cave with friends. “It’s a home that caters to our differing needs perfectly,” says Mica. “Marcel is a social animal while I’m more solitary – yet the house allows space for both our personalities with effortless ease.”

Looking for more architectural inspiration? Take a look at this Keurbooms Lagoon home or this Swartberg holiday home.

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This redesign by local interior design studio ARRCC sees a ground-floor apartment on Cape Town’s coast transformed into an elegant seaside home.

The design of this spacious double-storey apartment intended to reflect the client’s unwavering love for exploring. The interiors offer up a neutral colour palette that allows the oceanic hues of sea and sky to be the stars of the show.

A slatted timber pergola casts cool shadows on the panoramic terrace where low-slung furniture dressed in simple white and Ralph Lauren drapery bask in the sun. Splashes of indigo on printed throws add an element of colour that harmonise with the surrounding natural blues. A five-metre outdoor Iroko custom timber table offers the ideal spot for enjoying summer refreshments.

A harmony between polished and matte mahogany, white walls and raised panelling create a textured interior that is understated, yet rich in detail. Light-filled with a seamless connection to the beckoning beaches outside, the living area boasts smokey grey, mirror-clad columns that reflect light, creating depth and dimension. Sophistication at its finest, the showcase kitchen is visible through a porthole that halos an enigmatic sculpture by the revered Anton Momberg. The space boasts a Corian top cooking island while a Pierre Cronje dining table and chairs sit before glass stacked doors.

See more projects by ARRCC here.

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Located on the sunny shores of South Africa’s Whale Coast, Romans Villa is a luxurious seaside getaway spot inside an eco-friendly estate.

Romansbaai is a fynbos and beach estate between Danger Point and Gansbaai. Each home on the estate boasts sweeping ocean views and access to three kilometres of private, unspoiled beach.

Spanning three-levels over 700 square-metres, this villa, designed by Kevid Gadd Architects, with interiors by Dale Dennis of Ballito-based Ground Floor Interiors, offers up calming interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful. Energy-efficient Miele appliances are contrasted by timeless Hansgrohe, Duravit and Geberit sanware. Solar geysers are cleverly concealed amid lush roof-top gardens that are purposefully designed to provide natural heating and cooling effects for the bedrooms and garages below.

During whale season, you can ogle over frolicking pods of whales and dolphins from every room. The rare and protected Oystercatcher bird can also be seen in abundance, swooping along the shores of the beach below.

Fancy a stay at this 5-Star property? Visit romansvilla.com for more information.

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*Rates per night are approximate, as rates are date and season specific

The Beach House

Location: Saint Helena Bay

Bedrooms: 6 / Bathrooms: 5

Host Description: The beach house is luxury villa up the west coast, 90 minutes from Cape Town. The property is right on the beach. Next to Shelley Point (with its spa and golf course) it is surrounded by 3 beaches. The area is weather protected so dolphins, seals and whales visit regularly and play in the bay.

Rate: R8 502 per night

Betty’s Bay Dune House

Location: Betty’s Bay

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 2

Host Description: Located in the countryside of South Africa, between the sea and mountains of the Western Cape. This idyllic, secluded cottage with garden plot is located in close proximity to Cape Town. Suitable for families, couples or solo travellers.

Rate: R2 030 per night

VAME Beach Front Bungalow

Location: Yzerfontein

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 3

Host Description: Star architect Stefan Antoni designed this amazing house in harmony with its surroundings.

Rate: R6 006 per night

West Coast Dream Villa

Location: Saint Helena Bay

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 3

Host Description: The house is beautifully positioned at the Shelley Point Estate on the waters edge and offers incredible views of the bay. Elegantly furnished with only the best finishes. There is an indoor pool and sauna. The estate has a golf course and spa.

Rate: R6 163 per night

Modern House Right On The Beach

Location: Betty’s Bay

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 3.5

Host Description: Architecturally designed modern beach house located on the beach with own beach path. You will find it very hard to leave.

Rate: R5 503 per night

Paternoster Self-Catering

Location: Paternoster

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 2.5

Host Description: Beautiful and newly renovated self catering cottage, 60 meters from the very private Bekbaai beach in Paternoster. Paternoster is 140km scenic drive along the West Coast from Cape Town. The cottage offers purified water on tap and is fully equipped.

Rate: R1 403 per night

Lily House

Location: Betty’s Bay

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 2

Host Description: A beautiful holiday house in tones of pale grey. Beautiful mountain views, a few hundred meters from the rocky coast and the penguin colony at Betty’s Bay. A 5 minute drive to the unspoiled beaches.

Rate: R1 403 per night

Our Hermanus House at 56 Mitchell Street

Location: Hermanus

Bedrooms: 5 / Bathrooms: 5.5

Host Description: Our Hermanus House is ideally situated in the heart of the village. It is casually but elegantly furnished to give you a holiday that is both relaxed and exceptional.

Rate: R6 502 per night

Yzerfontein Breakaway

Location: Yzerfontein

Bedrooms: 4 / Bathrooms: 4.5

Host Description: My place is close to the beach, restaurants and dining, with great views. You’ll love my place because of the ambiance, the outdoor space, and the comfy bed.

Rate: R18 508 per night

Sea Castle

Location: Paternoster

Bedrooms: 1 / Bathrooms: 1

Host Description: One bedroom open plan modern loft with sea views.

Rate: R940 per night

Silver Bay Villa

Location: Saint Helena Bay

Bedrooms: 4 / Bathrooms: 5.5

Host Description: A beautiful self-catering villa managed and serviced daily. East facing, with a rim-flow pool in a secluded courtyard protected from summer’s prevailing South Easter. Enjoy the spectacular views of St.Helena and Stompneus Bay and its beaches.

Rate: R8 358 per night

No.24

Location: Betty’s Bay

Bedrooms: 2 / Bathrooms: 1

Host Description: No. 24 is a study in style and simplicity. Almost off the grid… Candle light, solar lights, a fire place. Tranquillity, serenity and peace.

Rate: R1 003 per night

View more coastal listings at airbnb.com.

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A psychiatrist with no architectural expertise thoughtfully restored a small wooden house near Plettenberg Bay – a reminder of the importance of our surroundings to the wellbeing of our spirit.

Any visit to the Cape coast, I must confess, is always accompanied by a sense of apprehension. I doubt I will ever be able to identify with the relentless, stylistically suspect large-scale developments that squat in one of the most unique and ecologically sensitive biospheres in the world. Instead, I’m left speechless at the copious design opportunities being passed up to make way for conventional, up-country architectural schemes. 

So, I was pleasantly surprised to happen on a modest beach house in a Robberg hamlet, a stone’s throw from Plettenberg Bay. Not only is it a manifestation of its seaside setting but, more unexpectedly, it represents the design flair of psychiatrist Dr Pieter Cilliers in the form of a little wooden house! Perhaps his occupation has given him greater insight? 

The history of this sunken little bungalow, Houthuisie (wooden cabin), literally just a few strides from the snow-white beach, dates back to the 50s. Along with its neighbours, a few unobtrusive holiday units, it forms part of an agriculturally zoned property of five hectares, right next to the sea. Over the years their various owners – and their children and grandchildren – have resisted the temptation to either plough or develop the land. 

Coincidentally, I spent a Christmas holiday with my own family, some 40 years previously, in this same Robberg hamlet, in another little house that, I remember, was held together with spit and God’s grace. Now, four decades on, resisting wind and weather, it still looks almost exactly the same! Around here, you see, renovation means replacing a plank or two each year, or perhaps applying a lick of paint when the swollen wooden doors just cannot open or close anymore, or possibly installing another rainwater tank.

Over time Houthuisie’s wooden construction, like most things, became worse for wear and, just like the fable of The Three Little Pigs, structurally dangerous. So much so that a year or three ago, Pieter finally decided to fix things up once and for all, and replace the “shack” under the existing roof. And, in line with the modus operandi of ’n boer maak ’n plan (a farmer makes a plan), this psychiatrist did not obtain expert – read: professional architectural – advice. Instead, he contemplated the way the wind blew and the position of the sea, and thought about the lifestyle and needs of his family of four (and relations) and their annual Christmas holiday, with sand between their toes, and damp costumes and wet spots on the rugs and furniture. 

All this mulling and musing finally led to establishing a central room, as wide as the roof span allowed, for preparing food, washing dishes, eating, sleeping, lazing about, chatting and more eating. This spacious area, like three of the five bedrooms, opens onto the broadest stoep that the rafters could cover. 

The tiny bedrooms are kept simple, with a loose cupboard and double bed as the only furniture. But they all have the added luxury of en-suite bathrooms (although not much larger than the inside of an airplane cabin), kitted out with a warm shower and a just-above-chest sea view. There’s also an extra bathroom with a bath, just next to the multipurpose living area, for when granny visits, as well as a low-slung loft space for the grandchildren – one day. 

Do not, however, assume that the seeming informality was not planned or isn’t tasteful. Quite the contrary. Well-considered graphic artworks adorn the walls and comfortable, stylish furnishings fill the interior.

Apart from this careful and innovative holiday planning, Houthuisie’s architectural merit lies in its pragmatic, honest structure, without pretence, frills and formalities. Low-key is the mantra as, along with its minimal carbon footprint, this sustainably ecofriendly cabin disappears in the lush, pristine beauty of its natural surrounds.

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