A Home Away From Home

An abandoned Karoo farmstead has gently crept into the hearts of this KwaZulu-Natal family.

- By Dina Venter

WHO LIVES HERE?

Jeanine and Loubser Theron with their three sons, Tobias (6), Joshua (4) and Simon (9 months)

WHERE Britskraal Guest Farm, 10km outside Strydenburg, Northern Cape Karoo

SIZE 290m²

Britskraal's solitary rooster likes to socialise with guests.

Although the Therons wanted to refurbish, they deliberately retained the old-world character of the homestead. Previously, the stoep was completely enclosed, but during the renovation it was opened up to form a traditional farm veranda once again. Here, a combination of wooden and cane furniture creates an earthy atmosphere.

Lantern and round side table from Mr Price Home; Ruti Kikoi from Mungo

Limestone from the veld was used to transform the alcove in which the stove stands into a focal point ; Loubser's mom, like an adept stonemason, helped the builders to pack the stones. Loubser and the builders constructed the concrete counter. Moving the original Aga stove from the old to the new kitchen was a huge undertaking; Loubser had to bring in a specialist from Springs to connect and service it. It now provides plenty of warmth in winter and serves as a reminder of the home's history.

When you're accustomed to KwaZulu-Natal's lush green hills, the dusty plains of the Karoo hold little charm. Initially, this is how Jeanine Theron felt about the farm outside Strydenburg that she inherited from her father Pieter Claassen in 2011.

Pieter, originally a cattle farmer from Vryheid, bought this sheep farm as an investment more than 20 years ago. He mostly managed it from afar, which is why Jeanine had never formed an emotional attachment to it. When asked to keep an eye on the farm as students, my hubby Loubser and I stayed in the barn - complete with bats flying over our heads at night. It was definitely not my idea of fun! she says.