ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE INTEGRATES SEAMLESSLY WITH NATURE

When Matt and Victoria Bresler first saw an image of the Constantia property that would become their home for almost five years, there was nothing more than a view of the garden showing three palm trees and a hint of the vineyard behind. But the Breslers had a vision of a home that would integrate seamlessly with the landscape they loved and they looked beyond the bricks and mortar of the existing structure to buy the property. Working with architects Jan-Heyn Vorster and Tiaan Meyer, as well as landscape architect Mary Maurel, the couple have created a contemporary architectural masterpiece that is both inviting and modern in design. The clever use of space, including the introduction of vast quantities of soil to create the right aspect, ensures that this home remains sensitive to its environment.

The arresting vista of the vineyards of Groot Constantia, and the mountains behind it, are really the focal point of this unique family home, listed by Pam Golding Properties for R45 million. From the vineyards, it appears as if the home is floating above the earth. The architects have ensured that the north-facing aspects of the house are mainly glass, to maximise the 360-degree view. But this ethereal quality is just one of the many features that make this a rare find. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, the property provides valuable tranquility and privacy in the Constantia Valley. From the roadside, the house appears deceptively ordinary, even modular with its two mono-pitch flip-up roofs. But as one enters via a glass-encased staircase, which offers an unexpected view of the False Bay coastline and surrounding gardens, one realises that this structure is anything but standard.

The materials used for the construction of the home provide a warm, bright, but relatively neutral canvas that will be a delight for a homeowner with a flair for design and décor – Cedar-wood cladding for the exterior and living area ceilings, meticulously cast off-shutter concrete feature walls, beams and ceilings, solid oak floors and cabinetry. Souvenirs from the couple’s travels currently adorn the walls and cabinets adding colour and character. A focal point in the living area is a custom-designed, 1 000-litre marine reef fish tank within the custom cabinetry dividing the kitchen and lounge. Tucked beneath the living areas in the natural space created by the slope of the ground, is a bespoke wine cellar. Built by Matt, who painstakingly sourced the materials for the cabling and stainless steel rods required for his minimalist design, the air-conditioned cellar can house 1 000 bottles.

The bedroom wing, with four rooms, is stepped to offer each room both a Northern and Western aspect and to blend in with the garden. This symbiosis is perhaps best appreciated in the master suite, where a freestanding bath-tub enjoys pride of place on a plinth overlooking the garden and vineyards. Stackable glass doors ensure that, when the cedar screens and curtains are opened, there is nothing between you and the outdoors to impede this al fresco indulgence.

The acre of land, with 130 metres of North–facing frontage right onto Groot Constantia’s vineyards and the mountains beyond, is unique in this established residential area. Matt has introduced more than 300 trees into the garden, which has been laid out to subtly mirror the linear design of the house. They have created a truly unique fynbos garden with several hundred, different species of Proteas, Ericas, Leucodendrons and many other rarer fynbos genuses. There’s a beautiful wooden play-house and slide tucked away amongst the trees but the garden itself, abuzz with sunbirds and other creatures, is a pleasure for the whole family to enjoy. A private gate allows for easy access to the adjacent vineyards. The outside entertainment area boasts a pizza oven, stainless steel built-in braai and a climbing wall that leads up to the rooftop deck with uninterrupted 360-degree views. Additional features include a sizable salt/chlorinated swimming pool with a cover, a treehouse and a trampoline, as well as two outside showers. There is also a veggie patch where one can source fresh ingredients for those homemade pizzas.

A triple garage, staff accommodation, study and a guest suite make up part of the ground floor. The owners have made good use of space beneath the home and included a sauna room. An electric fence, outside beams and the perimeter ClearVu fence ensures peace of mind without compromising the breathtaking views.

For more information, contact Pam Golding Properties agent Arie Kade: 083 448 0488

Posted by Niki Jackson