A farm feel in the city

This 100-year-old house in Johannesburg is a tranquil haven for the De Wets.

- Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel

Many people who grew up on a farm will tell you they have huge respect for where things come from. And this holds true for Lee de Wet too, even though she has lived most of her life in an urban environment.

This ethos is clearly evident in Lee and hubby Hanko’s 100-year-old house in Auckland Park. “I appreciate imperfections; those things that add character,” says Lee.

“The simplicity and tranquillity of the farm, as well as the natural surroundings, have stayed with me all these years and I try to recreate the same atmosphere here.”

The De Wets’ house is artistic but unfussy, with clever solutions and a number of repurposed items. Since moving in 12 years ago, they have painstakingly renovated their home to improve flow and let in more light.

“Hanko has a brilliant engineering mind and a sharp eye for what works and what doesn’t,” explains Lee, a fashion design lecturer. “He is well versed in technical planning and managing a building project. If it weren’t for him and Americo Macamo, a local handyman, we would never have been able to undertake an ambitious project such as this!”

Let there be light

As is typical of older homes, the rooms were quite dark. Consequently, some of the interior walls were broken out to create a light, airy feel, as well as to improve the flow of the house.