Set in a secluded location, this family home’s discreet architectural charms connect its occupants with a unique beachfront setting.
“You’re there, but you’re not visible,” says Nele Vermaak with a smile, describing the uniquely private position of her recently renovated family home. Secluded, peaceful, and tucked away from the world, it’s exactly how Nele, her husband Kevin, and their children, prefer to live. The neighbourhood is intimate and close-knit — the kind of place where families settle in for decades.
Their home was originally the first built structure on the site, dating back to a small farm that stood here over a century ago. When it came time to renovate, Nele understood that careful planning – and plenty of patience – would be essential.
The Vermaaks enlisted architects, whose expertise in heritage-sensitive projects proved invaluable. The brief was simple: transform their compact single-storey cottage into a double-storey family home, add light and space, and retain the relaxed warmth of a beachside bungalow.
Two years of meticulous planning followed, ensuring the design satisfied neighbours, authorities, and the family themselves.
Once construction began, the Vermaaks moved out, and the vision was brought to life over nearly two more years.
Nele, acting as project manager, used her intimate understanding of the sun, shade, and wind to guide countless decisions. The home’s construction relies heavily on wood – even the roof – anchored by concrete floors and essential structural walls, with specialist carpenters and craftsmen shaping every detail.
The spacious, light-filled kitchen (left) has been designed for everyday usability. Combining wooden cabinetry and including glass-fronted storage cupboards that make locating what’s needed at any time a cinch – with cream stone countertops the kitchen is a model of warm minimalism.
Large sliding and folding glass doors open the spacious indoor living area to the front deck. The choice of a low daybed that doesn’t interrupt the views in front of the glass doors here is inspired as was the large and comfortable couch. Bespoke built-in storage (above) is deployed as a drinks cabinet, and in the right-hand corner of the room is the stairway access to their daughter’s bedroom, which like her mother’s childhood bedroom before her, is tucked into a cleverly designed mezzanine space that affords it both privacy and a unique, ship’s cabin-style charm.
The renovated home now opens beautifully in all directions. Situated behind the main living space is an informal lounge (left) that also multitasks as a reading room and a play area for the Vermaaks’ children.
An indoor dining area (above), is open plan to the main living space, is furnished with a custom-made furniture.
Inside, every centimetre has been designed with purpose. With a sailor for a father, Nele appreciates the “boat-like cleverness” of storage and layout, ensuring that nothing is wasted and everything has its place. The main bedroom is simple, tranquil and with subtle touches of colour and texture.
With a place for everything and everything in its place, the main bathroom is sleek yet laid-back, with a built-in vanity and wooden storage drawers.
For interiors, Nele aimed for simplicity, warmth, and a sense of home. Natural wood connects indoors to outdoors. The result is relaxed, beachy, and comfortable, with bold accents – from oversized sofas to textured rugs – adding personality.
A classic wooden porthole window (right) gives a glimpse of the outdoor shower.
Described by a close friend as an “oasis,” the home balances sensitive architecture with laid-back charm. The house reflects the Vermaaks’ desire to stay connected with nature while embracing a design aesthetic that feels thoughtful, timeless, and deeply personal.
PHOTOGRAPHY: GREG COX
