Some places speak to us in a unique language of wisdom. A discernment in design, style, taste and expertise. Through its layout and little touches, its views and vernacular, its open spaces and cozy reading nooks, it expresses itself like a wise old sage would. It makes sense with the use of both bold and simple statements about a home, a lifestyle and a passion. About what matters most to us, and how we should go about attaining it. Such a place exists on the beautiful West Coast, within the burgeoning town of Yzerfontein. Where the white-washed brick walls, the three and a half metre steel and glass doors, the polished cement screed floors and old factory steel roof with pine timber rafters open up an insightful conversation on creativity.
Just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, settled high on the hills above the rolling dunes that mark the new developments of the old town of Yzerfontein, The Barn beckons you in to an expansive space of inspiration, comfort and utter romance. Spanning one voluminous level of an open-plan living, dining and entertaining space, its two ensuite bedrooms either side and a long sundeck unfolding over the landscape, this hideaway displays its attributes generously and declares its intentions affectionately. Leaving little to the imagination, it’s all about the spectacular views of the ocean, the abounding nature and the town below that unravel from the tall glass doors and clever tranquil window seats. Coming from architectural, design and property development backgrounds, the owners have honed their skills and fine-tuned their creative ingenuity with finesse, and created a home where passion marries prosperity without a hint of pretension. A canvas of white is embellished by soft hues of brown and blue, stone, gold and green. Natural textures like leather, animal hides, linen and hemp adorn the furnishings, the floors and the comfy beds. More wisdom seeps in from the way in which the bespoke pieces of furniture and age-old collectables have been curated around The Barn. Each telling their stories about what they once were and how versatile they can be.
With it’s perfect positioning at the top of the hill, surrounded by thick fynbos vegetation, overlooking the ocean below, you’ll spend hours basking in the sunlight. Either on the sundeck or on the sofa beneath the gorgeous glass ceiling windows. In the little courtyard beside the animal trough that’s wide enough for a dip, or perched beside one of those genius windows, with a good book and hot brew. A five-minute walk down to the beach, you’ll pass some ostriches on the way. Into the little town to stock up on supplies at the local deli or fish market. Back to The Barn in time for the sun to set behind Dassen Island as the fish pie bakes in the wood oven, the pinotage breathes and the fireplace incites a very competitive game of Jenga. When the stars come out, they dance their ways through the ceiling window and into the living space. Lighting the pathway to bed. Out go the candles, off goes the music and goodnight to the games. It’s time to climb into one of those heavenly beds and drift off with the changing tide. Echoing the sentiment of wisdom, over an old land, that feels ever so new and exciting.
What we love!
- The whole design aspect of The Barn, the quality of the linens, the delicious (non-edible) bathroom products, the eucalyptus hanging from the shower head, and the carefully considered little touches that subtly add to the luxury of your stay.
- Spending time together around the long dining table, feasting for hours on end until the candles burn themselves out.
- The choice of fun boardgames that are available.
- The amazing Rosemead Artisan bakery in the town, with its yummy olive breadsticks and sourdoughs, pastéis de nata, sandwiches and baked snacks.
What you need to know…
- Yzerfontein is a small town with only a few cafés, a Spar and a couple of convenience stores. It’s best to stock up on all of your favourite ingredients before arriving.
- Yzerfontein fish market and Dassen Seafoods are great local sources of regional fish for cooking on the weber braai or in the wood oven. There is also a convection oven.
- The property is about a five-minute walk to the ocean.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie