African Roots

Matt Bresler’s contemporary garden is a botanical treasure trove of rare plants from the Cape Floral Kingdom and continental Africa

- Catherine De Villiers

After a decade of work and travel abroad, Victoria and Matt Bresler wanted a place to settle down with their three young children. What sealed the deal on this property was the ocean of vines on its doorstep and sweeping mountain views.

 ‘The triangular shape of the acre-sized plot is oriented in such a way that it opens up generously towards the wide expanse of Groot Constantia’s vineyards, which lie to our North,’ Matt notes. This is prime terroir that would tame even the most avid traveller’s wanderlust.

To maximise these potential views, the existing home was replaced with a super-modern build that seems to hover above the plot. ‘By bringing in many truckloads of fill, we substantially raised the home’s aspect level and also created a wide platform of flat lawn that opens up to the swathe of undulating vines,’ says Matt.

While an orderly, contemporary garden would seem a natural fit, the owners dreamed of an expansive fynbos garden with a naturalistic, almost wild underpinning. Landscape designer Mary Maurel was tasked with creating a garden that would complement the home’s clean-lined aesthetic and surrounding landscape.