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An eclectic mix , Simons Town.
An eclectic mix , Simons Town.
'An eclectic mix' is how Brian Searle-Tripp describes his Hillside home with its magnificent view over Simon's towns naval base, which is only a short distance from Cape Town. Simon's town is a historic town steeped in navel history and tradition.
Given his fascination with the sea, it is perhaps more surprising that although the house is decked out with 19th and 20th century naval memorabilia its concept owes more to the cotton mills of England than any nautical theme. It is in fact a Victorian industrial structure that looks as if it has been converted into a house. This also fits into the Victorian feel of the town.
Construction, on two levels is a mixture of selected run-of-kiln red brick using dark mortar and laid in English bond with decorative corbelling, and painted pine tongue-and-groove clap-board, all reinforced by steel I-beams.
Large industrial multi-pained steel windows add to the effect which is powerfully echoed inside by unplastered walls, surface mounted electrical conduits, bulkhead-style light fittings and custom made roof trusses lined with pine boarding.
The starkness of the setting has been successfully offset by the décor. Soft cream Italian linen blinds contrast with kilims and comfortable sofas on the flag stoned lower floor which accommodates the living areas and two of the three bedrooms, on the polished pine-floored upper level, the double-space gallery leads to an open-plan study and balcony with a commanding view of Simons Bay, the double-doored entrance hall and the third bedroom; the Nelson room with its Trafalgar prints and Napoleon bed.
Furnishings have been equally carefully arranged. Both the main and guest bathrooms are luxuriously appointed in black granite and white marble, with Victorian baths and gleaming brass fittings. The open-plan kitchen on the lower level with its barrel-vaulted brick ceiling, deep-green granite tops and slate floor laid herringbone-style, is lined with customized Oregon cupboards. A small offset scullery-come-larder and separate laundry and similarly finished.
The concept, architecturally and decoratively is followed faithfully in the small but equally equipped guest cottage in the grounds of the house which also enjoys beautiful views of Simons Bay and the Mountains beyond.
Says Brian, 'Both Marina and I are stimulated by the visual. To us, the somewhat exposed constructional honesty inside the house enriches the décor. Wherever you look there is something beautiful to savour'.
The house comprises three double bedrooms, open plan double volume kitchen/living room and sitting room (gallery area) The guest cottage has a further double bedroom and a kitchen/living room.
The house or the cottage, together or individually are available for long term rental throughtout the year or for holiday lets.
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