Capturing Beauty

When we saw the house in Bonnievale for the first time in January 1991 it was a house in desperate need of rescuing. The first glimpse of it was from across the canal and the 60’s steel frame windows did not give much away of the age of the house. The house was a mess inside and the “sunroom” added in the 60’s was just that; a space capturing the dusty rays of sunlight falling through threadbare curtains.

The Start of a Dream 1991

Walking through the front door our hearts skipped a beat looking at the cow dung floors covered with threadbare linoleum, the reeded ceilings and wall cupboards.  We saw glimpses of a former beauty and the potential just waiting to be restored.

We sacrificed a lot to realise our dream but we were rewarded time and time again by the property and we still stand amazed at how our dream to capture a lifestyle came true.

We wanted to restore more than just a Cape vernacular house we wanted to restore a true vernacular lifestyle with a holistic approach to the restoration of the fruit, vegetable, herb and flower gardens.

Realising the Dream 2013

We collected Cape country furniture to compliment the house and capture the art of historical craftsmen.  We managed to introduce most of the elements of Cape country furniture back in the house and the rooms came alive with authenticity.

Old Front 1991

We introduced all the fruit and elements of a historical Cape farm garden and the Muscat de Alexandrie grapes, borrie quinces, pomegranates, black figs and other fruit names do not only fall like poetry on the ear but grace the tables  in the house like still-lifes waiting for Luis Melendez to capture them in oil.

Old Front 2013

We love our country and are proud of what our country has to offer and that is why we embrace the South African vernacular in building, furniture, food, art and writing. We have tried to capture all this in the restoration of Towerwater Aan De Breede. Our reward was a lifestyle offering the best of the local life informed by experiences during local and overseas travels.

Cottage 1991

We never wanted to capture a lifestyle suspended in a moment in time but a lifestyle informed by the excellence from different periods and experiences creating an ever evolving lifestyle.

Cottage 2013

Our reward for our sacrifice of time, dedication and passion is the privilege to share this with family and friends who have stood by us over the years, supporting and helping in so many ways.

When we were nominated for a CAPTRUST award for the restoration of Towerwater Aan De Breede it was already an honour but to receive it on Saturday 22 November 2014 was more than we expected. We dedicate this award to our family and friends who have shared our passion and life.

We also dedicate the award to family and friends who are no longer with us but whose spirit will always be part of Towerwater Aan De Breede.

We were able to capture the beauty of true friendship through capturing the beauty of an authentic life.


Towerwater Aan De Breede