Tranquil By The Sea

A home built to blend into its majestic natural surroundings is the ideal spot for creative contemplation.

- Kim Arendse

Because of her husband’s many different jobs over the years, home maker and mom-of-four Diana Steward has had homes in a variety of locations around the world – from England and New York to Malawi and Johannesburg.

After spending years in the British Army and then becoming vice president of a large corporation, with a few different titles in-between, Simon Steward decided it was time to try his hand at farming; subsequently, he bought Towers livestock farm in Darling and the family relocated. They lived there for 20 years.

In 2012, after the couple divorced, Diana decided to move to an “empty nest” with an ocean view – a 2 684m² plot the Stewards bought in Yzerfontein years ago.

“Staying in so many different homes over the years, I accumulated something of a wish list of what I’d like all under one roof,” Diana explains. At the top of her list was a home that blends into its natural surroundings. “I love organic architecture and I wanted a home that wouldn’t dominate the landscape.”

Diana considered several ecofriendly building methods, such as rammed earth and straw bales, but realised these materials are costly if they aren’t already on site, so she opted for raw brick for the home’s external and some internal walls. She also had rooftop gardens created to complete the natural aesthetic.

Designed for life

Armed with a rough sketch of her home’s layout and a comprehensive wish list, Diana enlisted the help of architect Vernon Collis of Collis & Associates. Inspired by Mediterranean and South African West Coast architecture, they spent two years configuring the space and creating a “village of buildings knitted together with protected courtyards and a walkway”.