Something From Nothing
Home Yard|2020
What do a bare backyard, a dusty sidewalk and leftover building material have in common? Hidden potential, according to these homeowners!
Something From Nothing

# 1 FRENCH-STYLE CAFÉ

By Marlene Malan

Photographs Francois Oberholster

Styling Shelly Bergh

When Anneme Venter noticed a ‘For Sale’ sign in front of an old Victorian house in Strand almost nine years ago, she wasn’t keen to buy it based on what she saw in front of her – but rather for the potential it held.

“I was specifically looking for an unrestored house because I love doing refurbishments!” says this hands-on renovator who runs her own interior business, Geroes Vintage Interiors, just a stone’s throw away.

The Victorian architectural style of the house was just what she was looking for but since it’s 111 years old and has accommodated several generations and families, it was ripe for a revamp – from front to back.

One of Anneme’s biggest headaches was the low roof of the built-on living room and kitchen. “And it was made of asbestos, so I removed it completely.”

Then there was the boring, run-down backyard. “Since it is adjacent to the kitchen, it is conveniently located. Unfortunately, this space had nothing going for it – it wasn’t inviting at all.

“I couldn’t wait to get started on the project but with tenants in the house, work could only begin two years ago, in August 2018. Six months later, the entire house was completed – including the back garden which now has a wonderful courtyard feel. This area is a focal point reminiscent of a French street café – perfect for guests who now rent this space on Airbnb.

This story is from the 2020 edition of Home Yard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 2020 edition of Home Yard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HOME YARDView All
A Perfect Contrast
Home Yard

A Perfect Contrast

The Grovés’ distinctly different front and back gardens – one veld, the other formal – are the result of meticulous planning and heaps of creativity.

time-read
4 mins  |
2020
‘This Is My Happy Place'
Home Yard

‘This Is My Happy Place'

Helen Muir designed her own beautiful outdoor entertainment nook – and also assisted with the construction.

time-read
4 mins  |
2020
More Structure, Less Hassle
Home Yard

More Structure, Less Hassle

A formal design and waterwise solutions have resulted in a beautiful garden that requires little upkeep.

time-read
2 mins  |
2020
The Birds & The Bees (And Other Creatures)
Home Yard

The Birds & The Bees (And Other Creatures)

When it comes to biodiversity in your garden – the more wildlife, the merrier!

time-read
6 mins  |
2020
A Crowd-Pleaser
Home Yard

A Crowd-Pleaser

Thanks to the vision of its new owners, a neglected garden was turned into an outdoor oasis ideal for entertaining.

time-read
3 mins  |
2020
The Sweet And The Sour
Home Yard

The Sweet And The Sour

Sometimes, when hard work fails to bear fruit, you just have to look at things differently, says Wicus Pretorius.

time-read
3 mins  |
2020
Something From Nothing
Home Yard

Something From Nothing

What do a bare backyard, a dusty sidewalk and leftover building material have in common? Hidden potential, according to these homeowners!

time-read
6 mins  |
2020
The lay of the lawn
Home Yard

The lay of the lawn

Whether you use artificial grass to create a low maintenance chill spot or the real deal to soften some steps, go green and elevate your space!

time-read
3 mins  |
2020
In the shade
Home Yard

In the shade

Does the summer sun create too much heat in your home office? Provide shelter with a neat awing above the door.

time-read
2 mins  |
2020
Home Yard

Dive in!

A cool plunge pool for a hot day or a natural pool that attracts an abundance of birds to your garden – here’s how Home readers have reimagined the traditional water feature.

time-read
10+ mins  |
2020