A Fresh Start

Vicki Bell converted a charming labourer’s cottage next to her antiques and collectibles store into the home of her dreams.

- Elna Van Der Merwe

In 1932, Sophie Beyers built a giant barn on her father’s farm Tonisfontein between Franschhoek and Paarl, and inscribed the date and her initials on the gable. In later years, the town folk of Simondium held debate evenings and dances there but the floorboards couldn’t quite cope with the latter, which meant they were a bit of a creaky affair.

Nearly 84 years later, Vicki Bell walked into the barn and declared: yes, yes, yes! “That gable with the initials SB... It stole my heart instantaneously,” she says.

Vicki sold her home in Cape Town and invested everything she had in the property. “For the first time in my life, at the age of 57, I started my own business.” She converted Sophie’s barn into Barn & Werf, a store that stocks antiques and new collectibles – from furniture to chandeliers and textiles. Vicki had gained a wealth of experience in the industry during the years she was involved in Onsite Gallery in Woodstock, a shop specialising in architectural artefacts, lighting and furniture imported from around the world.

And it seems she purchased a property in this farming region at just the right time, since people have started referring to the R45 to Franschhoek – a road that runs right past her door – as Millionaire’s Mile with all the prestigious farms and wine-tasting venues being developed there.

A unique mustard-coloured rug ties the colours in the living room together. “A client gave it to me to sell in the store,” says Vicki. “One night I woke up and realised I had to have it in my own home. The colours show that I don’t take things too seriously around here!”

Green vase from Beeswood Decor; round mirrors from a junk store

Shabby chic