Between Ann and a well-known artist and original owner, a magical oasis was created on Upper Waterfall Farm, backing onto the dramatic slopes of the Drakenstein Mountain Range.
Montpellier’s timeless aesthetic echoes that of French or Italian-style manor houses built in hand-hewn stone with classic shutters. Naturally aged walls successfully blend into the mountainside, bringing carefully curated views into focus – both from the terraced garden and the unusual windows of the house itself.
From every angle, including the pool, dramatic views of the rugged cliffs open up, while quaint walkways lead to little nooks and secret gardens. The mix of indigenous grasses, succulents, aloes and natural fynbos that contrast so effortlessly with French-style topiary and cypress trees, never ceases to inspire visitors to Open Gardens each year.
The front garden, recently ‘softened’ a little by landscape designer Leon Kluge, is gentler as it’s framed by hedges and walkways but a pathway beyond the mature fever trees ascends steeply via a stone staircase to a rocky outcrop and enormous overhang ‘cave’. This is a spectacular look-out, particularly at sunset, with expansive views.
Inside, the newly renovated kitchen and breakfast room is the heart of the house. In keeping with a farm-style kitchen, the green tiles are artisanal and floors set with klompie bricks.
Living areas feature generous French Country hearths and high-ceilings with beams on shuttered concrete, but the patio remains a key focus, with a thumbnail-shaped arch framing a magnificent view – a unique part of the house.
The bedrooms, with their four-poster beds, are heavenly retreats. Each one provides an added opportunity for styled furniture or linen shoots with softened light, especially when the cicadas begin to buzz in the sizzling heat of midsummer.