Walking through the spaces of Perla House is like stepping onto a page of Architectural Digest. Taking your time to flip onto the next. Admiring and absorbing the essence of distinguished design. Seduced by all of its subtle statements on style.
Tucked discreetly behind citrus trees, nestled within the voguish village of Franschhoek lies a home that lends itself as an exceptional backdrop, for film and photography shoots in South Africa. Where the surrounding nature adds the romance and tailors the mood to suit the story. Perla House is a masterclass in minimalist modern design, reimagined by architect Jan Desseyn. Framed with the burgeoning fynbos and vegetable garden, created by the award-winning green genius, Leon Kluge. Yes, the international landscape designer and botanist, who’s repeatedly awarded Gold, at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The home’s interiors are cloaked in natural light. Courtesy of the wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling glass, that blurs the invisible lines between inside and out. The living spaces are open and elegant, with sculptural furnishings, layered textures, and just enough quirk to embellish your narrative in all of the right ways. The library adds colour, depth and intrigue to your storyboard. A bold, serpentine staircase escorts you to a lofted sanctuary. The primary suite rests upstairs, with a freestanding bath tub, and a private patio that catches the morning sun. Great for lifestyle and retail shoots. The second bedroom has its own sitting area and balcony, and a view that incites those scenes from a certain eighties movie.
Outside, the garden is a sensory escape in one whimsical shot. Flourishing herb and vegetable patches, trickling water features, and a waterfall pool that glistens and gleams like a photographer’s dream. There’s a dining area beneath a pergola that can be arranged for lifestyle shoots, loungers for languid swimwear shoots, and citrus trees scenting the air for inspiration.
The earthy tones are muted, the materials modest, yet sophisticated. For filmmakers and photographers seeking a completely unique and versatile setting, every element of Perla House offers a curious frame. With a beautiful display of light, centred around the views of the mountains. It’s a place where you can shape the direction of your brief around all the pockets of surprise. The little nooks and historical features that weave in a wonderful understory to your production. Whatever the brief, irrespective of the audience, the neutral canvas of Perla House is the hidden provocation.
This shoot location works for:
Any brief requiring an elegant cottage in the countryside, with a romantic swimming pool. Its private location is perfect for both film productions and photo shoots – seamlessly balancing raw natural beauty with refined design. Hardwood herringbone floors, refined furnishings, marble features, indigenous flora, and thoughtful, minimalist décor ensure nothing detracts from the visual you’re ambitious about capturing.
Specific briefs – effortlessly catering to both contemporary and laidback cottage-style requirements.
The pool and the garden are ideal spots for any swim or resort wear shoots.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie