Farm Fusion

 An old farmhouse near Cape Town is transformed into a unique country bolthole that playfully combines rustic charm with Victorian elegance

- LORI COHEN

The work on this house was more of a resurrection than a renovation. We live in a throwaway culture where new and fashionable designer stuff is desirable. I wanted to do the opposite, without being confined by trends, reflects the homeowner of the 160-year-old house in the hamlet of Philadelphia, near Cape Town, Dapper De Wet. The house, part of which was being operated as a general store, was bought on a whim five years ago. The pandemic propelled his plans to relocate from Singapore, presenting an opportunity to transform the building while living in it and plenty of time on his hands.

First converting a tractor shed into a rustic, barn-like wing, he drew out the house's full potential, replacing and repairing heritage features and infusing it with décor inspiration and pieces collected while travelling.