A Monochromatic Mood

A modern take on country living, this property is defined by its striking simplicity

- Diana Wemyss

When the owners bought this property, wedged into a corner of one of Constantia’s prettiest streets, they realised that the long plot could be far better utilised and the views maximised. They decided to demolish the old house and build a brand-new one. “We moved from a very small house in Claremont on a mere 170m 2 . While we rented in Bishopscourt, we discovered that we liked having more space,” explains the owner.

“Originally the garages on this property were on the street, facing north,” he says, “so we swung things around and put a long driveway down the east side with the garages at the back.”

The entrance is dominated by a stunning scrap-metal sculpture of a horse by Antonia Cronje, daughter of the more famous Pierre, that the owner presented to his wife as an anniversary gift. Charcoal aluminium-framed windows and doors, and high-pitched roofs with exposed wooden rafters set the tone for this modern take on country living.