IN PICS | A chic mix of new and old makes this Cape home timeless

The town of Stellenbosch is the second oldest in SA and it is unusual to still find purely residential properties in the heart of the oak-lined central historical district, where some buildings are centuries old.

But when Peet and Mary-Jane (MJ) Hunt discovered their neighbouring property was on the market, it was sold to them with a particular proviso from the original owner of 40 years.

"The owner was only willing to sell it to us if we promised not to develop it or resell it to the commercial developers in town. This suited us perfectly since we also wanted to keep the street strictly residential and, of course, because we're right next door.

She was happy about our plan to construct a cottage for guests or my folks when they come to visit," says MJ, who met Peet while they were students at the town's university.

"We love living here. We both have offices nearby so walking to work is a pleasure and meeting up with friends after work is also great. Stellenbosch also welcomes a ton of tourists every year and this makes for a very vibrant, fun atmosphere," she says.

While the couple commissioned an architect to design and maximise the 100m² space, it was interiors whizz Charlotte Collins who brought the cottage in line with their vision.

"We wanted it to be a place of relaxation for my parents, somewhere special that made them feel welcome and happy but also slightly spoiled, like they were on holiday," says MJ.

The couple gave Collins free rein for the décor, although there was a clear understanding between them.

"We wanted a style that would mix new and old but would remain timeless; we love Charlotte's style so we were confident she'd produce something special and she did, she absolutely nailed it," says MJ.

MJ agrees that the cottage, with its two bedrooms and en suite bathrooms, open-plan kitchen and dining area, is a little like a modern barn — albeit with a slew of super-styled details and delightfully modern retro elements too.

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"What I love is how Charlotte managed to make a relatively small cottage seem spacious and luxurious, but also familiar, comfortable and welcoming and in a style that is totally unpredictable but not jarring," says MJ.

"I think our whole family will continue to be pleased with the outcome for many years to come. It's absolutely timeless." - Bureaux