
Carefully considered and evolved over time, this extraordinary architectural home in South Africa’s Wilderness is both an inspiring work headquarters for its design-loving owners, and a happy hideaway for their family of seven.


Soho, the friendly family pooch, takes a breather in the open-plan kitchen. Informal café-style dining tables – there are two of them – look out over the sea and are a favourite breakfast spot for the family.


With glass walls on three sides, and spectacular ocean views, the new living room offers an experience akin to being on a ship. The McGowan’s designed the 4×4-metre nude leather button-back sofa to serve as an ‘island’ where the whole family can hang out together. The stone sculpture, ‘Toyboy’, by Dario Matter is set against the poured concrete feature wall with floating fireplace.


The pool and deck were added to the house during an epic renovation that lasted for most of 2011. The renovation also saw the addition of a new triple-level, glass-encased tower, seen here, that accommodates, a roof garden, living room, office and combined gym and guest bedroom.






