Nestled into the rocky coastline, Rocamar Villa shares its view of aqua waters and pristine white sands with the area’s iconic African penguin colony. Concealed from the curious eyes of beachgoers by indigenous trees and shrubs, the house is nevertheless just steps from the sand.
Currently some 50 years old, Rocamar was built to mirror the original owner’s Sardinian retreat after they put down roots in South Africa following WWII. The property was full of nostalgic charm, but new owners Grant and Amelia Sutton wanted to open the house up to suit a lifestyle that included entertaining guests and hosting family visits. The Suttons entrusted the structural changes to architect Wynand Wilsenach, who created a calm, light-filled space and an atmosphere of timeless style by raising the ceilings and replacing doors and windows to give rooms choreographed views of Boulders Bay.
In turn, the challenge for interior designer Andrea Graff was to strike a balance between Old World elegance and creating a beach house that was comfortable, practical and relaxed. Taking her lead from the high-beamed ceilings and terrazzo floors, she chose a simple but dramatic all-white palette for the kitchen and casual dining space, which is open to the living area. A striking, custom-made Formica table and chairs with clean lines hold court in the dining space, while a subtle touch of whimsy comes in the form of a kitchen wall covered with handmade, curved tiles.
“I chose off-white to dominate the house, but I also wanted to use soft shades throughout to reference the sea and surrounding greens without relying on the blues typically used in beach houses,” explains Graff, whose studio custom-designed the furnishings to complement the original arched doorways and pay homage to the building’s heritage.
With two guesthouses for family and friends set apart from the main house, the Suttons will also be able to share this memorable spot with visitors aplenty. “Everyone on this project was committed to respecting its integrity and unique location. We were also given creative freedom to exploit its potential. It’s going to age gracefully and timelessly,” declares Graff.
Photography by Greg Cox.
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