T ucked into the farthest corner of the Franschhoek Valley, just an hour outside of Cape Town, lies Boekenhoutskloof House, one of the most authentic surviving examples of early Cape pioneer architecture. The Boekenhoutskloof farm dates back to 1776 and has long been home to some of South Africa’s most celebrated wines, including The Wolftrap, Porcupine Ridge and The Chocolate Block.
The name Boekenhoutskloof means “ravine of the Boekenhout,” after the indigenous Cape beech tree. On this historic property sits a modest T-shaped farmhouse with a distinctive wolfsneus gable, a rare surviving detail of early settler craftsmanship.
In 2024, a devastating fire swept through the property, leaving only the thick outer walls and the newer kitchen wing standing. The rebuilding of Boekenhoutskloof House became an exercise in collective precision, a collaboration between Malherbe Rust Architects, JJ Dempers and AB Design. The architects re-established the structure with accuracy, using traces of the original building to guide the reconstruction. As the damaged plaster was removed, old openings, gable lines and beam positions revealed themselves, informing a careful rebuild that respected the farmhouse’s simple proportions. Much of the original ironmongery was recovered, restored and reused, while new yellowwood doors, windows and ceilings were crafted to complement the old.
The Interior Direction
I was brought in by Marc Kent, Managing Partner of Boekenhoutskloof, to reimagine the interiors. Marc’s brief was clear: the space should feel modern and distinctly South African, it needed to be calm, timeless and functional. His vision to use Corkoleum flooring became central to this direction. Running the full length of the house, it creates a seamless flow between rooms, reinforcing the simplicity of the design while adding a quiet warmth to the palette. Because the restored timber ceilings were integral to the architecture’s character, I made the decision not to use any lighting fixtures that would visually interrupt them. Instead, I introduced wall lights in a soft warm white to provide even, indirect illumination. The only suspended fitting is a Bolichwerke pendant light above the dining table, a restrained focal point that complements rather than competes. From there, I collaborated with Andrew Dominic and James Mudge to anchor the rooms with bespoke furniture pieces that reflected the same ethos of simplicity and craft while allowing the architecture to remain the focus. A few well-placed accent pieces from Tonic and bespoke headboards by Carlos La, bring gentle rhythm and warmth. I also designed a custom steel server for the dining area, known as the Finger Table. Its turned and threaded round-bar legs echo the joints of the human body, giving it an industrial precision softened by craft. The blueing chemical finish gives it a depth of tone that ties beautifully to the house’s muted palette.
Art, Authenticity and Atmosphere
Marc added the final layer with a thoughtful curation of artworks by renowned South African artists, including a two-part diptych by William Kentridge, Table with Sparrow, which hangs between the dining and lounge spaces, and pieces by Zakkie Eloff. These works bring life and movement into the rooms, their presence subtle yet defining.
A Collaborative Restoration
For me, Boekenhoutskloof House is a study in restraint, an exploration of how much can be achieved by allowing materials, light and proportion to lead the way. The work was completed exactly one year to the day after the fire, a testament to the alignment and dedication of everyone involved.
Photography:
David Ross Photographer
Instagram: @davidross
Email: davidrossphotog@gmail.com
Architects:
Melherbe Rust Architects
Architects: Johan Malherbe, Christelle de Klerk
Website: www.mrarch.co.za
Facebook: Malherbe Rust Architects
Instagram: @malherberustarchitects
Contractors:
J J Dempers (Pty) Ltd
Website: www.dempers.co.za
Furnishings & Finishes:
Andrew Dominic
Website: www.andrewdominicfurniture.com
Instagram: @andrewdominicfurniture
Facebook: Andrew Dominic Furniture
James Mudge
Website: www.jamesmudge.com
Instagram: @jamesmudgefurniturestudio
Facebook: James Mudge Furniture Studio
Carlos La
Website: www.carlosla.com
Instagram: @carlos_la_
Facebook: Carlos La Woodworks
Tonic
Website: www.tonicdesign.co.za
Instagram: @tonic.design
Facebook: Tonic Design
Bolichwerke
Website: www.bolichwerke.de
Instagram: @bolichwerke
Facebook: BolichwerkeGmbH
Art
William Kentridge
Website: www.kentridge.studio
Instagram: @williamkentridgestudio
Zakkie Eloff
Boekenhoutskloof
Website: www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za
Instagram: @boekenhoutskloof
Facebook: Boekenhoutskloof
