A Transformation By Mint Designer Renovations

“Set on two levels alongside the meandering Liesbeek River lined with Poplar trees and with Table Mountain as a backdrop, Newlands River Lodge is a magnificently tranquil and private setting beautifully transformed by Sue Lloyd Roberts from Mint Designer Renovations. The biggest challenge was to open it up and invite the light, the trees and mountain in.

The design brief was to transform this property into a luxurious Gentleman’s home that offered generous entertainment areas with an easy flow between these spaces both internally and externally. Set on two levels, both of which were entirely disjointed, the team needed to focus attention on bringing it all together. The house ran the full extent of the width of the property so the space needed to work extremely efficiently.

Height and light remained a vital factor throughout the design phase with big sections of glass to perform both an exceptional aesthetic together with functionality. The client favoured natural materials, so these featured high on the agenda when sourcing all the fine finishes of this project. A critical part of the brief was to have the master bedroom en suite on the upper level and two guest en suite bedrooms on the lower level for visiting family and guests. The challenge on the lower level was that the existing space housed a large yoga studio with a small flatlet. A spiral staircase linked the two balconies above and below both with sharp angles.

Lounge time

There was no existing third bedroom. There was however, an old long and thin disused outside patio next to the studio with a curved wall supporting the garden above. This curved wall served as the inspiration for the beautiful curve and extension of the new balcony and for the inclusion of a third guest bedroom with en suite bathroom. Sue and her team loved what it offered in architecture – a soft repeat of the natural curve that the river below followed, so being able to create a better connection between the two and to allow for a natural extension of the outside into the interior flow of the house. This drove the entire inspiration for this magnificent metamorphosis.

The downstairs studio became the new informal lounge with the two bedrooms leading off on either side offering privacy and a lovely connection with a long galley kitchen to service the entertaining and living for the guests on the lower level. On the upper level the entire floor was gutted to reveal the desired affect of glassed areas, new mazista slate roofing, stacking doors which lead out onto the newly created balcony. A newly designed garage with generous proportions was essential to comfortably house the cars.

Entrances and exits

As always it is essential to ‘make an entrance’. This needed to be a statement as did the entirely new staircase and stairwell that housed a dramatic skylight and the suspension of the three tiered chandelier.  

The finishes

Lighting was key and the team opted for an eclectic feel when sourcing the fittings. The client loved the Murano chandeliers from Italy. Designers worked hard to combine all the elements of  glass (the river) with wood (trees) and copper (earth/ mountain) to obtain an unusual mix of the exterior within these carefully curated finishes. This naturally extended into the sourcing of the tiles, the bespoke cabinetry and wooden herringbone flooring.  

Luxury Living

Entertainment was certainly an integral factor to this brief. Constant consideration was given to this. Every area of the home was put together with careful consideration, from the living spaces to the bold finishes in the luxurious bathrooms.

Contact: Sue Lloyd Roberts of Mint Designer Renovations

More about Mint:

Mint Designer Renovations has helped countless individuals redesign their homes and find purpose and new meaning again. If you want to breathe fresh life into your home or commercial space, for yourself or for a future buyer, then the team can make it happen.

Whether your style is classical or contemporary, understated or bold and edgy, Sue and her team will work with you and your resources so that your living space reflects your lifestyle. It’s not only a place to relax and play and entertain; it’s a space to kick back in and retreat.

Mint is your go-to team, no matter whether you want a comprehensive décor update, a top-to-toe rebuild, or just a revamp of your guest loo.