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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The retreat is organized on three floors, each with its own unique focal points and classy features
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
There are several inviting lounge spaces throughout the residence, each based on a separate idea of comfort and beauty
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
A central hallway links all three floors through a modern staircase that connects the volumes

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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The main living area features tinted mirror walls which allow the space to appear larger, brighter and more luxurious
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
Beautiful modern sculptures and artwork adorn the walls and corners of every room
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The top floor lounge features a gray sectional complemented by five cube side tables in different colors, all with glossy finishes

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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
Another lounge space is defined by warm textures, layered fabrics and colors and pleasant cove lighting

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The indoor and outdoor spaces are separated by sliding glass doors that ensure a seamless transition
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The sliding door system is meant to be simple, practical and easy to integrate in a modern and glamorous decor

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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The dining space is centered around a sculptural table with a round glass top complemented by a matching pendant light
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
A bar doubles as a divider between the functions of the open floor plan social zone
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The bar’s design is particularly eye-catching, especially the geometric pattern and zig-zag texture

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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
A wine cellar occupies one of the walls on the central hallway
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
Glass doors expose the shelves and the wine collection, transforming this into a decorative feature

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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The entrance hall has a huge ceiling and connects all the three floors
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The unusual light fixture at the core of the top floor can be seen from the lower level hallway
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
There’s a glass bridge that runs along the staircase railing on the top floor

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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The bridge offers a unique view of the lower levels and lets more light enter the staircase hall
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The glass panels that make up the ceiling lights above the stairs look more like a sculpture than a light fixture
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The staircase combines wood and glass and its design is solid, sturdy but also lightweight and refined

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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The glass railings and the lack of any frame of columns emphasize the staircases’ lightness and elegance
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The wooden treads are thick and solid but they somehow manage to look sleek and refined
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The glass railings are transparent but also very strong and secure

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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
There’s eye-catching artwork from the client’s collection everywhere in the residence
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The master bedroom suite has an open bathroom and access to a private viewing deck

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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The master bathroom is spacious and open, with a freestanding marble tub that doubles as a divider
Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
Sliding glass doors offer access to a private terrace that has its own water feature

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.

Bantry Bay retreat viewing deck with water feature
The terrace is perhaps the most amazing space, with extraordinary views of the sea and a design that makes it look like an oasis