THE GRAND GESTURE

A bold mélange of marble, mirrors and botanical motifs transforms this Constantia home into a glamorous summer retreat

- text SHAI RAMA photographs INGE PRINS

Situated within the verdant contours of Constantia, this Georgian-style villa has been given new life, bursting with exuberance. The vision was to completely reimagine the home by improving the flow, creating spacious guest suites and incorporating luxurious flair.

Helmed by South African interior designer Marie-Louise Koen, in collaboration with Austrian designer Julia Strobl from Just Livin' in Salzburg, the home became a cross-cultural exchange that ultimately shaped it into something distinctive with great éclat. 'The home's Georgian character is still very present,' Marie-Louise says. 'Architectural details such as coffered ceilings in the living areas, wainscoting in the upstairs bathrooms and window seats tucked into dormer windows gave us a strong framework to layer in more contemporary elements.' For her, this balance is essential in any renovation.