GREENHOUSE EFFECT

When this modern cottage dominated by glass and zesty pops of green isn't playing home to discerning global travellers, it serves as a location for unique foodie get togethers conceptualised by one of Cape Town's most exciting creative talents

- MANDY ALLEN

Stylist and design consultant Doreen de Waal - along with husband Meyer - has lived in and lovingly restored her historic villa in the heart of Cape Town's City Bowl for several decades, raising a family of three while contributing to style bibles including Elle Decoration. Though still passionate about interiors, Doreen's professional focus has morphed from the glossy pages of magazines to a portfolio of Cape Town cottages and loft apartments she designed and decorated. Available for short or extended holiday and work trips, three of these including this space, the most recently completed - are set on the grounds of the family residence: a homestead dating to the late 1800s that was originally the rectory for the Anglican church next door.

While each of the compact cottages has its own distinctive design signature, they are connected by the hallmarks of Doreen's personal aesthetic identity: minimal clutter, pops of bright colour, an abundance of natural light, a focus on functionality and always a sense of playfulness and personality.

The birth of this cottage was prompted by, of all things, a leaking roof. As Doreen explains it, 'our en suite bathroom ceiling had some water damage. When we climbed up to inspect the problem, we realised there was the potential to build a structure here that could harness the views of Table Mountain, which are incredible. Calling in the assistance of Architect Mike Scurr of Rennie Scurr Adendorff, a practice specialising in conserving and restoring historic buildings, the pair conceptualised what Doreen describes as a 'modern intervention into an old building. I felt strongly that the cottage had to have a specific character very different from the existing house.