One of the oldest remaining houses in Fresnaye, bought site unseen by empty nesters looking for a retirement home.

Within strict planning restrictions, new staircases, balconies and terraces now connect the three storeys, and a proper entrance hall leads in from the garage.

The plan is built around two people who entertain. At garage level, his study and private retreat open onto their own courtyard. On the middle level, she parks, unloads the shopping and walks through the service courtyard straight into the kitchen, and the kitchen, dining room and lounge all open onto the garden.

On the top floor, her study sits at the head of the stairs and her yoga studio opens onto a private balcony. In the main bedroom, the old ceiling was removed, exposing the original timber trusses. The French doors with small step-out balconies face the mountain on one side and the ocean on the other. Even the bathtub looks out at the view.

The garden was designed as part of the architecture: a pool with an electric cover, a stone vegetable garden, al fresco dining under newly planted olive trees, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with gas and traditional BBQs.

Solar panels on the roof, rainwater collected for washing and watering, and fireplaces for Cape winters were installed. The furnishing and decorative fit-out afterwards went to a local interior specialist.