Heaven On Earth

Earthy, Art Deco, modernist – this eclectic farmhouse can’t be boxed, and it suits its residents perfectly.

- Maryke Roberts

A visit to Dieter Odendaal and André Lambrechts’ home in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley always feels like an occasion. It’s little wonder, since the pair are the owners of Fabulous Events, a company that ensures that weddings and other special events around the country are memorable.

Not only do they create beauty for other people, but their own home is also a testament to their boundless creativity.

Dieter is a décor fundi, a collector of a little bit of everything. He is also a former journalist who worked in the wine industry for many years. André is a florist and the mastermind behind the lovely arrangements created by their other business, The Flower Boyz. There’s no shortage of ideas here.

It was the breathtaking scenery and tranquillity that attracted the couple to this 3ha property in a farming community known as Solitaire about seven years ago. And even though it is secluded, the locality is ideal with three Overberg towns close by: Hermanus, Bot River and Caledon. Slipping away to Cape Town is also no big deal. “We often drive there and back in one day,” says Dieter.

Timeless style

This house is Dieter and André’s third home together. “Our previous places mostly reflected the trends of a specific period,” says Dieter. “This house is more earthy and it’s built to suit our lifestyle.”

Its style is timeless. All the doors, window frames and many of the couple’s collectibles are second-hand or recycled. The giant wooden frames of the door leading to the stoep were salvaged from a shop that was due to be demolished –they were originally part of a display window.