Imagine a home that architecturally, would be perfect for a city sophisticate’s escape to the Australian Outback. Steep pitch of storm-grey iron roof; high rafters for cool, natural airflow and the beautifully restrained use of stone, reed, steel and polished screed. La Grange River House has been skilfully and sensitively designed to be as at home in a hot climate, as it is in the bite of winter. But sweep away the image of gum trees and outback scrub and instead, place this Franschhoek home on a farm between the borders of two of the most prestigious properties in the wine valley.
With fruit orchards, a river at the property’s feet and willow trees that droop their boughs over a garden bench. Everything about this home invites you to relax and explore. Sturdy bicycles lean against a wall and coax you into the nearby village, while the lap pool is there for a cool plunge in the sizzle of summer. A wide green lawn hemmed by a white garden wall speaks of space designed with symmetry, harmony and privacy in mind.
Inside the home, the use of raw, natural elements is offset by luxurious woven fabrics with settees that demand a deep, comfortable sprawl. This is where ‘you time’ was born. Or imagine the broad, Long dining room table spread with fresh fare from local markets and your booty from a local wine boutique. But then again, no further than the garden, raised vegetable beds are brim-full of crisp fresh greens while just beyond the back door, a vertical herb garden will yield a sprig of thyme to tint the taste of that ripe tomato pesto you have whipped up for a pasta supper.
Slow, serene countryside bliss
This is a house that embraces all seasons for your stay. On cooler nights, a large interior fireplace invites a gathering for lively board games, a laptop binge of a favourite TV series or simply, conversation. A broad shaded verandah with cool, screeded cement for bare feet and an outdoor barbecue area is the setting for a summer stage.
La Grange River House is cleverly designed to offer up to eight guests, privacy and space. To relay the sense of a calm, uncluttered life. With Franschhoek and its restaurants, its wine, art and decor shops, being only a few hundred metres from the gates. It is a lifestyle ‘trompe l’oeil’ of a residence. At first glance a home along the lines of an elegant barn-inspired structure with so much space, greenery and sky that it could be on a remote farm. But in real life, it is a retreat in the heart of sophistication.
Written by Les Aupiais
Edited by Colleen Ogilvie