An eye for design and colour
Home South Africa|October/November 2021
Marilouise van der Merwe has lovingly revamped a farmhouse at the foot of the Langeberg mountains that now glows with the same rich jewel tones as its surroundings.
Marie Opperman
An eye for design and colour
Along the winding road from Swellendam through the Hermitage Valley to the Langeberg mountains stands a house with an interior that’s just as beautiful as its surroundings. Here, you can relax on the enclosed stoep for ages, drinking in the scenery. Four years ago, Marilouise and Jacques van der Merwe undertook the enormous task of renovating this dilapidated farmhouse to suit their needs. Today, Marilouise says happily: “Everything in my home brings me joy.”

When the pair bought Fazenda farm, the land, an abundance of water and the locality were key selling points. The house, which didn’t even have a proper front door, was ‘incidental’. Undeterred by the challenge, Marilouise undertook to make their new home liveable for her family.

“I enjoy projects like this,” she says. “Maybe I have more courage than common sense. I regarded it as a clean slate; I could make the house exactly how I wanted it to be.”

It has been transformed into an eclectic mix of heirloom pieces, modern elements, antique treasures and rich colours.

Beauty all around

Marilouise says the path that she and Jacques walked to get to this place outside Swellendam began in Kuruman. “We were at school together there. After we got married, we lived on the family farm until aland claim was granted on it. Nine years ago, I moved to Swellendam first, followed by Jacques a few years later.”

Bu hikaye Home South Africa dergisinin October/November 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Home South Africa dergisinin October/November 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

HOME SOUTH AFRICA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Pestilence Domestica
Home South Africa

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.

time-read
3 dak  |
May/June 2023
Quick as a flash!
Home South Africa

Quick as a flash!

These 15 dinners can be whipped up in a jiffy - before the power goes out!

time-read
10+ dak  |
May/June 2023
The gift that keeps on giving
Home South Africa

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.

time-read
6 dak  |
May/June 2023
Upcycle it!
Home South Africa

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!

time-read
3 dak  |
May/June 2023
Little house in the forest
Home South Africa

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.

time-read
4 dak  |
May/June 2023
Living large, inside and out
Home South Africa

Living large, inside and out

South Africans love a space where indoors and outdoors come together.

time-read
8 dak  |
May/June 2023
Modern CLASSIC
Home South Africa

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.

time-read
3 dak  |
May/June 2023
Peace & quiet...
Home South Africa

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.

time-read
3 dak  |
May/June 2023
ART AND SOUL
Home South Africa

ART AND SOUL

Five years ago, the Krugers transformed a tired city bungalow into a unique and modern family home.

time-read
3 dak  |
May/June 2023
Group therapy
Home South Africa

Group therapy

Add impact and create rhythm using repetition and collections, as these Home readers have done.

time-read
1 min  |
May/June 2023