A complete renovation and turnkey transformation, On the Rocks was designed as a forever home for our Swiss clients settling into South Africa.

Rooted in serenity with expressive moments of colour, the home strikes a considered balance between calm and character, with every space carefully considered to reflect both the landscape and the way the clients live.

Kitchen & Dining

At the heart of the home, a striking stone island anchors a one-of-a-kind kitchen designed as a modern cook’s dream. High-end appliances, Blum internal systems and carefully considered storage solutions ensure the space is as functional as it is beautiful. Muted greens and soft neutrals draw the outdoors in, creating a calm, organic palette that connects the kitchen to the surrounding landscape and ocean views.

A double-sided fireplace gently separates the kitchen and dining area from the downstairs living room, becoming both a functional element and a visual focal point. It allows both spaces to share warmth and atmosphere while subtly defining each area without the need for solid walls, reinforcing the home’s open yet intimate layout.

Upstairs Living Space

The upstairs living area serves as the clients’ personal retreat. A coffee station clad in beautiful stone creates a convenient and elegant spot for morning coffee or light meals, complemented by a fireplace that makes the space especially inviting during cold winter days.

A built-in window seat and a custom comfortable sofa create relaxed seating areas positioned to enjoy the panoramic mountain and sea views. The adjoining deck is generous in size, designed for entertaining, outdoor dining and long evenings watching the sunset over the ocean.

The primary suite leads off this living space, with hidden pocket doors allowing the owners to close off their bedroom for privacy when needed. Pocket doors have been strategically placed throughout the home, allowing spaces to be closed off quickly and easily without the visual interruption or space requirements of traditional doors. This allows the home to feel open and connected when desired, yet private and intimate when required.

Primary Bedroom

The primary bedroom features a full wall finished in 100% natural grass cloth, adding warmth, texture and softness to the space. This choice ties in beautifully with the clients’ love of natural materials and organic textures, reinforcing the overall design language of the home.

The primary en suite continues the green hues with custom square tiles and offers the luxury of a large walk-in shower and freestanding bath, creating a space that feels both indulgent and connected to nature.

Special mention needs to be given to the built-in cupboards throughout the home. Custom oak door fronts with reeded detailing add texture and craftsmanship to otherwise simple forms.

The primary walk-in wardrobe incorporates convenient sliding doors, easing the space and making it highly functional while maintaining a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. The wardrobe design language continues into the guest suite, but in a more simplified and understated way.

This once well-loved coastal home was honoured rather than stripped away - the original vernacular plaster was retained and celebrated, giving the house soul and authenticity. Timber accents play a significant role both inside and outside, adding warmth and grounding the architecture.

The transformation is unmistakable. What was once an ageing coastal house is now a timeless, textural home that will continue to shine for many years to come - deeply personal, calm and beautifully connected to its surroundings.