Modern Holiday Retreat Blends Luxury, Comfort And Magnificent Views
This magnificent holiday retreat in Cape Town is one of our recent discoveries and it may very well be one of the most wonderful projects we ever came across. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s cover the basics. The residence is situated in Bantry Bay and was designed by ARRCC, a studio that always manages to impress with projects and designs that exceed their clients’ original expectations and that reflect both the nature of the inhabitants and the location. Interior designers Michele Rhoda and Mark Rielly teamed up with Chad Brander, AnnaLisa Cunningham-Cooper and Karen Stanek to turn this originally bland structure into a life-changing space that makes the most of its surroundings.
The modern holiday retreat that resulted from the process is defined by openness and a very unusual harmony between luxury and comfort. The interior is organized on three levels and into two wings. Most of the floor plan is an open space with no solid dividers between the various separate functions.
There are several lounge spaces throughout the residence. They’re each comfortable and inviting in their own way. One is framed by an L-shaped gray sectional and a set of cube-shaped side tables with glossy polished surfaces and metallic colors. This area also features a grand piano that softens its decors and adds a touch of romance to the floor plan.
Another lounge space is defined by warm textures, layered fabrics and colors and pleasant cove lighting
The main living space has tinted mirror walls and sliding doors that connect it to an outdoor space that captures the magnificent views of the bay. The wood on the ceiling is beautifully framed by the cove lighting and it coordinates nicely with the area rug and its worn pattern. the color palette in here is centered around warm and earthy tones with an emphasis on browns and yellows.
The kitchen is also part of an open floor plan but it can be screened off with sliding tinted bronze panels. That leaves the bar and dining area which open to a terrace. The dining table has a round glass top which exposes the sculptural wooden base that supports. It coordinates with the round light fixture above it. The bar brings a nice industrial flair with its ridged edges and simple bar stools.
Wood paneling with soft curved edges unifies the upper floor and conceals the guest bedroom. At the same time, it frames the wine cellar with features glass doors that expose the shelves and the owners’ wine collection.
The stairway hall links the two wings and all three levels. It’s lit up but a particularly interesting light fixtures. It’s a bespoke design with a sculptural structure of juxtaposed glass panels with an aqua color tint. Their textured surface mimics the water of the bay.
In addition to the oversized and eye-catching light fixture, the stairway also features another unusual detail: a glass bridge on the upper floor, aligned with the railing. It offers a dramatic and unique view of the lower levels and of the staircase and entrance.
The staircase stands at the core of the residence, linking its three floors. Its design is simple, modern and elegant. Solid timber threads are secured to a stainless steel frame and glass railings maintain a lightweight and open look while also exposing the views, the spaces and the decors around them.
The middle level houses a private lounge and the master bedroom suite which has an open bathroom and panoramic views of the sea. The bedroom also has access to a private viewing deck. A freestanding marble tub doubles as a divider between the bedroom and the rest of the bathroom, being framed by golden screens.
The private viewing deck is a magnificent space with glass guardrails that allow uninterrupted views, its own water feature, a green lawn and wooden islands with comfortable outdoor furniture.