African Beauty

In the historic heart of Cape Town’s Newlands suburb, this tranquil, contemporary home fosters a relaxed family life and a carefully considered appreciation of African heritage

- Sally Rutherford

When they were hunting for a new family home in Cape Town,Kate and Michael Lorentz were dragged reluctantly to view a house in Newlands. From looking at the brochure, Kate felt it was absolutely not right for them. Despite the property including one of the oldest buildings in the area – a historic labourer’s cottage that dates from the early 19th century – the main home itself was way too small for their family, with a university-student daughter and three boisterous young boys. In addition, the style of the existing home didn’t tick a single of the Lorentz’s boxes. But as soon as they saw the property, they were smitten. ‘I think it was the tranquility of the river that runs through the garden, from Table Mountain into the Liesbeeck River, that sealed the deal for us. The trees that line the banks are so cool and serene, and the river itself was irresistible for our three boys – a timeless playground,’ says Kate.

The Lorentz’s are uncompromising in their commitment to artistic integrity and heritage. Michael, who runs a bespoke safari company called Passage to Africa, and Kate, a botanist who has put her PhD in biological science temporarily on ice while their sons are still young, have sourced a powerful collection of contemporary African art and artefacts from all over the continent. In search of an architectural solution for their new home, they engaged architect Karen Newman to transform their dated new acquisition into a family home with heart. It was a match made in heaven.