A Highveld Classic

This family home in Irene offsets its generous scale with a sense of intimacy and comfort

- Tess Paterson

Set on a large stand in Irene, near Pretoria, this spacious new build evokes a serene, Ralph Lauren feel in the heart of the Highveld. The owners envisaged their long-term dream house right from the start – a double-storey with generous, elegant proportions. A professional couple who love entertaining, they pictured a home suited to gatherings of friends and family. Insistent on the very best quality, they dedicated a full year to working on the interior architecture and detailing.

“This project was the antithesis of fast and last minute,” says interior designer David Muirhead, who collaborated with the owners. “There’s a tendency to rush things and, on any build, that’s seldom a good idea. Good design takes time, as does manufacturing, procurement and finishing. It was very rewarding to approach each aspect in a measured, considered way.”