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A palette of natural tones and organic textures runs throughout the estate buildings and accommodation, while painted walls and joinery, along with new stucco finishes on the fireplaces, reinforce a cohesive, timeless aesthetic. -
A palette of natural tones and organic textures runs throughout the estate buildings and accommodation, while painted walls and joinery, along with new stucco finishes on the fireplaces, reinforce a cohesive, timeless aesthetic. -
A palette of natural tones and organic textures runs throughout the estate buildings and accommodation, while painted walls and joinery, along with new stucco finishes on the fireplaces, reinforce a cohesive, timeless aesthetic. -
A palette of natural tones and organic textures runs throughout the estate buildings and accommodation, while painted walls and joinery, along with new stucco finishes on the fireplaces, reinforce a cohesive, timeless aesthetic. -
A palette of natural tones and organic textures runs throughout the estate buildings and accommodation, while painted walls and joinery, along with new stucco finishes on the fireplaces, reinforce a cohesive, timeless aesthetic. -
A palette of natural tones and organic textures runs throughout the estate buildings and accommodation, while painted walls and joinery, along with new stucco finishes on the fireplaces, reinforce a cohesive, timeless aesthetic.
With interiors by SA-born interior designer Sophie Ashby, the renovated Tamodi Estate & Polo Reserve near Plettenberg Bay recently welcomed guests to its new-look hotel.
WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Supplied
Set on the slopess of the rolling hills above Keurbooms Beach, Tamodi Estate & Polo Reserve offers visitors beautiful vistas, ocean air and restorative natural calm. And with the recent renovation, it also offers them gorgeous new interiors.
The estate is organised around a private club-like central building that features shared spaces for its guests, including a library and reading room, serene terraces and a pool. Beyond that are lodges and villas with large suites, each with a fireplace, a soaking tub and spectacular views.
The boutique hotel describes itself as “a sanctuary of natural elegance, where polo culture, soulful retreat and untamed beauty come together” – and tasked with conveying those sensibilities was Studio Ashby, led by its South African-born founder Sophie Ashby. Based in London, but with an office in Cape Town, the studio weaves together culture, craftsmanship and a contemporary approach to living. At Tamodi, this sensibility has translated into refined, warm spaces, where the architecture’s organic textures – local stone, timber and clay – coexist with a palette that draws directly from the surrounding environment – olive green, terracotta, golden yellow, soft blue and deep brown. These are evident in the fabric choices, painted walls and joinery, as well as the new stucco finishes for fireplaces, all of which create an aesthetic that’s both timeless and deeply rooted in its surroundings.
Sophie and her team designed bespoke pieces for all guest rooms and shared spaces – chairs and sofas, hand-carved tables, throws and custom ceramics – and sourced local vintage pieces to layer patina and warmth into the overall ambience. Add to this the careful choice of vintage lighting, everyday objects and accessories, and the result in an atmosphere that feels closer to that of a lived-in family home than a conventional hotel.
Studio Ashby’s commitment to local sourcing is further reflected in the large handwoven rugs, produced in Cape Town specifically for the project. Sophie also worked in collaboration with Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe of Reservoir Projects to curate a collection of contemporary artworks by South African artists.
The overall aim of the reno was to establish a distinct identity that was aligned with the climate and rhythm of the place. It’s safe to say the team achieved exactly that. tamodi.com | @tamodiestate | studioashby.com
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