Perfect Hideaways: The Kitchen Garden

Surrounded by lush vegetation, the contemporary “Kitchen Garden” hideaway seems in stark contrast with its ancient location in the Cradle of Humankind.

Yet, the modern property blends seamlessly into its surroundings, with its simple, clean-lined single-storey design unobtrusively sitting among giant trees and the home’s natural finishes rooting it to the place.

Dubbed “The Kitchen Garden”, for the beautiful organic gardens that surround it, the property was designed by the owner architect Lee de Wit, who wanted to “reimagine an existing farmhouse into a better, more modern version of itself”.

“It was an ecological exercise on a grand scale,” says de Wit of the project. “We tried to make do with what we had, albeit slow and painstaking. I wanted the house to feel more rooted to the earth and to the provenance of this place. Bringing the rocks inside, like giant pieces of memorabilia, immediately felt right.”

The rocks de Wit refers enjoy pride of place in the showstopper kitchen, which features giant A-frame windows on either side for spectacular views over the garden, on either side of the island. Further tying the interiors to the outdoors, is the use of wood and natural stone for walls and floors, blurring the line between nature, landscape and architecture.

“It was in keeping with the ecological philosophy of the house and ensures that our commitment to less waste is carried through in every way,’ explains de Wit. “I wanted to create a place where guests could escape and understand the huge privilege it is to be here.” The property features a roof terrace, an outdoor shower and one bedroom and can accommodate three guests.