Coastal Creative

It’s all about breezy spaces and family fun in this easy-going yet artful home.

- Biddi Rorke

Having lived in nearby Clovelly and Kalk Bay, award-winning musician and fine artist Arno Carstens and his wife and manager Melanie were already familiar with the lowkey vibe of the Southern Peninsula when they bought their expansive coastal property three years ago.

“The location is amazing because we’re directly across from the Glencairn tidal pool and beach,” says Melanie. “The area is very laid-back and still fairly undeveloped. It’s heavenly if you consider that it’s just a 30-minute drive from the Cape Town CBD.”

Interestingly, it wasn’t just the sensational sea views that sealed the deal. “We were also struck by the dome-shaped ceiling in the living room,” Melanie recalls. “It was specifically designed by the original owner for his pianist wife and it gives the cavernous room superb acoustic and visual appeal.”

However, the Carstens were in for a fairly extensive renovation. The four-bedroom, one-bathroom house was in bad shape when they bought it and the kitchen was poorly designed.