DREAM come true

When searching for a home that would be a suitable place for all his family to gather, Boyd Ferguson found this magical property

- KERRYN FISCHER/FRANK

In his search for a multigenerational retreat for his family, Boyd Ferguson wanted no one to be left out. 'My vision was to create a place of happiness, love and wellbeing for our extended family,' says Boyd, founder of Cécile & Boyd. Located in Scarborough, a rural hamlet at the southwestern tip of Africa near Cape Point, Abraça — the weekend home Boyd shares with his sister Geordi De Sousa Costa, brother Guy Ferguson and their respective families, as well as his parents, Frankie and Boyke Ferguson, certainly lives up to his vision.

'Scarborough may be just 45 minutes from Cape Town but it feels like the end of civilisation,' says Boyd, in reference to the area's rugged beauty and bounty of beaches, mountains, wetlands and reserve. The family bought the property in 2018 for its generous plot and its inherent potential. Despite its awkward flow and a subterranean lower level with little light, Boyd saw potential. 'The house didn't feel anywhere as special as its surroundings,' recalls Boyd. 'But it was solid, spacious and well planned and positioned close to the boundary along the southern border, thus protecting the substantial garden from the prevailing southeastern winds.'

Boyd's major consideration in reworking the spaces was to open the house out to the garden while accommodating three generations (comprising the nine family members who would use it most) and cater for the activities they prefer. This called for plenty of reading and fireside spaces, work desks and outdoor areas for relaxation and entertaining. With this in mind, he set out to create two distinct areas. 'We created a double living room upstairs, with a TV area and a fire,' he says. 'The second centre is the kitchen and dining area downstairs that leads to the entertainment area, garden and pool.'