The idea of being whisked away to an island retreat with nothing but blue skies, clear waters and balmy sunshine is the stuff of summertime dreams and, while Plettenberg Bay is certainly not an island, it provides the perfect opportunity for an easy weekend getaway to unwind and embrace the new season ahead. With a picturesque view of the ocean from its second floor and a salty sea breeze to transport you to the nearby beach, this holiday home not only feeds the senses but the soul.
Interior designer Yvonne O’Brien of The Private House Company teamed up with interior architect Petrus Maree to create a coastal bolthole for the homeowners of this five-bedroom, five-bathroom property. They kept the architecture effortless, down-to-earth and understated, but still full of personality with charming details. The design of the home was greatly influenced by Mediterranean architecture – the Ibizan finca, to be more exact – with its imperfect white walls, beautifully curved corners and wooden pergolas along the wraparound balconies that provide ample shade on sunnier days. Yvonne and Petrus were very particular with this drastic transformation, removing every trace of the original, dated house that stood before.
Given the style’s specificity, the challenge ahead was adhering to the correct detailing of proportions, internally and externally, to authentically reflect the design vernacular of the Spanish island. Playing with a limited colour palette of neutral shades, including splashes of blue and hints of green, made it easier to create a more natural and restful space. Yvonne weaved an array of textures and materials, from wood to linen, ceramics and glass, creating visual interest throughout, which was also carried out onto the expansive terrace, cementing the home’s dynamic indoor-outdoor flow. Known for her subtle yet rich interiors, this beachside villa is no exception to Yvonne’s signature style – and here, bathed in natural light, she has achieved a picture-perfect escape from city life.
