From one generation to the next…

This holiday cottage on the Vaal Dam has been the setting for many memorable occasions and good times with family and friends.

- Mary Jane Harris

WHO LIVES HERE?

Tanja and Bruce Beyers with their children, Lloyd (19) and Isabella (17).

WHERE Stilbaai Yacht Club, Vaal Dam, Gauteng

SIZE 145m2 (excluding outdoor areas)

The kitchen, manufactured by Three Sixty Designs, was painted a grey-green (156-4) by Duram. “The colour was inspired by the wild olive trees in the courtyard,” says Tanja, who chose honed Caesarstone Cloudburst for the countertops and splashback above the sink. Close friend and neighbour Ben Mienie built the floating shelves from old planks. Building in the fridge and microwave has streamlined the design. “The secret is to have separate drinks fridges; we housed these below the shelf that acts as the bar in the living room,” says Bruce. “This way, people aren’t constantly popping into the kitchen when they’re thirsty.”

When we were growing up, my sister Lara and I enjoyed so many happy weekends and holidays in this house, and I’m so grateful that my children are now able to share the same experiences we had,” says Tanja Beyers.

Tanja and Lara’s parents, Lionel and Gi Alston, were founder members of the Stilbaai Yacht Club on the Gauteng shore of the Vaal Dam. Initially, they camped in a caravan, but when the club set aside plots for houses, they selected a site close to the water with a wonderful view.

“We enjoyed more than 30 years of good times here with Tanja and Lara,” says Lionel. Holidays revolved around all the water sports the location has to offer: yachting, water-skiing, kayaking and fishing.