I met my dear friend Frank in 2003 when we started our chef’s training in Stellenbosch. We hit it off instantly, and I was soon introduced to his wonderful family. Since then we’ve had many wonderful times at their home in Caledon, as well as their beautiful beach house in Kleinmond.
Frank, his brother Danie and dad Nico bought the home in 2006. I still remember walking through the uninspiring grey face-brick house. As Danie describes it, “a box with two windows and a door”. The site of the property however was great, bordering the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, set in fynbos with both mountain and sea views.
They were up for the challenge and their mission was to turn the cramped house into a four bedroom home with ample space for entertaining family and friends. This home was truly a family project, with Danie, an architect, in charge of the renovations. And with mom Junianna’s great sense of style, the new space was soon transformed into home with heart.
Back in 2006 the decor was very clean and modern, which earned the beach house the nickname “white on white”. However it now has a more eclectic feel with a strong African influence, as Frank -a chef in Singita Grumeti Tanzania- regularly brings home little treasures from his travels.
Images: Christine Meintjes
5 Minutes with Danie
Our style is best described as relaxed/casual with beauty wrapped around us.
We are inspired by all things pretty our friends as well as our surroundings. We are
very fortunate working in and with beautiful spaces everyday which in itself is a
huge inspiration.
We love our home because inside and outside merges so well together.
It is a place where we as a family can relax and just have a good time!
Our home DIY projects included staining the timber floors to the colour,
planting the grass on the front lawn and giving many old things piecs new life.
We splurged on a good coffee machine, food (lots of food) and linen.
Our advice for other home decor enthusiasts would be to stay true to yourself. You
must be comfortable with the things surrounding you; otherwise what’s the point
of decorating or having your own space. Don’t just blindly follow a fashion trends. The pieces have in your home should have meaning.
What do you love most about your home? Sitting on our stoep with good friends and family overlooking the fynbos with the sun setting on the sea…and that first glass of wine after a long week.
Our favourite shops are old vintage stores and markets. We picked up a few great pieces at local Bric n Brac shops.
Our style heroes are Boyd Ferguson and Karen Roos.
We’ve included some before pictures. What an unbelievable transformation.
