After his first viewing of an old semi-detached house situated on the top of Melville Ridge in Johannesburg, James Diack knew that despite its dilapidated appearance, it could be transformed into something special. The stand has such glorious views of the Melville Koppies that it’s hard to believe the bright lights of a vibrant suburb are just a stone’s throw away.
“I loved the idea that I would be able to walk to the local bakery and our favourite restaurant or pub down the road – Melville has such an international feel,” muses James.
Not keen on an overlarge home requiring a lot of upkeep, James was nonetheless drawn to the size of the property. “I wanted something between a house and a loft; not too big but with room for my dogs and enough space in which to entertain.”
With his sights set on this little gem, James took the leap and made the purchase towards the end of 2009.
Luckily, he knew someone who would be able to turn the rabbit warren of separate rooms into an open and inviting home: his mother Janet has a knack for decorating without breaking the bank. James grew up in the beautiful spaces she created – the family home in Northcliff, their beach house in Annerley on the South Coast and Brightside Farm in Magaliesberg – and had no doubt that she was up to the challenge.
Opening up
Denne historien er fra August 2020-utgaven av Home South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2020-utgaven av Home South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Pestilence Domestica
We usually call them dirty, dangerous and utterly gross. But what if we looked at domestic pests through a different lens, asks Karin Brynard.
Quick as a flash!
These 15 dinners can be whipped up in a jiffy - before the power goes out!
The gift that keeps on giving
By taking cuttings and dividing existing plants and those from friends, Anne Turner and her son David have created a stunning garden that takes on a whole new personality as the seasons change.
Upcycle it!
Tuis Home food editor Johané Neilson and her husband Allister revamped a second-hand melamine wall unit to create a bespoke wall-to-wall display cabinet, for less than R3 500!
Little house in the forest
Thanks to her capable father, Neilke Pretorius and her partner enjoy an idyllic lifestyle in a custom-made home hidden in the trees.
Living large, inside and out
South Africans love a space where indoors and outdoors come together.
Modern CLASSIC
With authenticity as a guiding design principle, a young family has created their happy space in a 105-year-old house in the heart of vibrant Sea Point.
Peace & quiet...
A cinematographer and a set designer found the perfect bolt-hole in the Eastern Cape Karoo where they can truly relax and unwind.
ART AND SOUL
Five years ago, the Krugers transformed a tired city bungalow into a unique and modern family home.
Group therapy
Add impact and create rhythm using repetition and collections, as these Home readers have done.
