Where we stay can make all the difference to our vacation, and with so many choices, it is becoming increasingly difficult to decide where in the world to go, let alone the type of accommodation to select. Whereas a hotel may seem the easier option, a private escape with everything you need to make your trip run smoothly can be very appealing.
The Barn, located in the charming coastal town of Yzerfontein on South Africa’s west coast, renowned for its rugged coastline, exquisite beaches, and breathtaking sunsets, delivers on this. The property is delightful, and its unspoiled coastal location is the perfect place to escape the stresses of our ever-chaotic lives. Being beside the sea, however fleeting, immediately relaxes. Breathing in all the positive ions, the sound of the ocean lapping on the shore, the warmth of the sun, and the gentle embrace of the breeze create a sense of peace and joy that lingers long after you have left the shore. It reinvigorates, restores and re-inspires. If only you could stay!
With all these appealing attributes, the decision for Jochem and Evi Elsner to relocate to Yzerfontein was a natural one. Originally from Germany and having resided in South Africa’s Somerset West for a considerable period, the Eisner’s found the increasing urban bustle of their previous location less appealing over time. Desiring a change, they sought a tranquil and uncrowded setting and were promptly captivated by Yzerfontein, a place recommended by friends for its idyllic natural beauty.
Evi recalls, “We cherished our time in Somerset West, but as it grew busier, we felt the need for a quieter lifestyle. Approximately seven years ago, we discovered Yzerfontein and were immediately enchanted.” They built their home on a greenbelt of coastal fynbos on a ridge overlooking the beach, with uninterrupted views over the Atlantic Ocean. Happily ensconced in their new beach life, Evi dreamed of having a greenhouse, growing her own vegetables, and chickens roaming freely. Serendipitously, the plot next to them became available, and they snapped it up.
However, their dream was not to be, as the council blocked their initial greenhouse plan. Unthwarted, they decided to build a house they would sell, ensuring that “We would have a good view.” However, “We fell in love with the building and decided to keep it and rent it out rather than sell it.” They named the house The Barn, which fully defines the understated exterior that gives away none of its interior beauty.
Until that is, you step through the fabulous wooden barn doors to the lobby, where a clear glass door allows views of the voluminous space beyond. Light floods through a pitched glass roof and floor-to-ceiling industrial-style crittal door [metal framed glass doors] along one entire wall, revealing mesmerising views over the ocean. It’s completely stunning.
Immediately, you feel at home; the view draws your eyes outside to the sea, and the coastal fynbos (a type of vegetation unique to South Africa), but a bubbling excitement compels you to turn around and explore the vast double-height room that could feel rather austere, cold and impersonal in the wrong hands is completely cocooning thanks to Evi’s carefully considered interiors. “I like to call it ‘curated, not decorated”, Evi says.
The interiors are a mix of old and new, but mostly old. “I am a collector and a hoarder —— I started to collect special pieces way before we started building from antique shops, in the marketplace, at auctions and flea markets — our garage was full of my treasures of beautiful salvaged and previously loved items, old linens, rugs, to the old roof sheets that clad the inside of the ceiling — and all have a wonderful history and a story to tell. Much of which has found its perfect home at The Barn”. Everywhere, there is something special for the eye to delight in.
Evi says, “I’ve always loved old buildings – I once lived in a former monastery – and I love repurposing pieces with history. At The Barn, we wanted to create a space where others can experience the beauty we experience daily. There’s no TV for a reason – it’s not necessary. Here, you come to relax, unwind, take in nature, laugh, cook up a storm with friends in the kitchen, use the pizza oven, play board games, drink too much wine, and enjoy. It’s all about the kitchen and a long dining table. That’s the space we love. Cooking up a storm while chatting with friends. The Barn also works in any weather. All seasons here have unique benefits. I especially love the Barn in winter. It’s cosy and warm even in big storms. We’ve got a big open fireplace, a pizza oven, electric blankets, panel heaters, and solar-powered air-conditioning for hot summers”.
More so, they have established themselves as sought-after dream-house developers. Combining their architectural, interior design and building skills, the husband-and-wife team founded Home Concepts. They find a unique piece of land, plan and design the structure, maximise the space and the views and fully furnish the space in Evi’s style. Only then do they look for a buyer. They immediately had a waiting list of clients by word of mouth. Not only do they live their dream rather wonderfully, they pass it on to others. Evi’s natural style is loose, unstructured, and anything but formulaic; she creates lived-in houses, ready to move into and, most importantly, that you want to “live in”.
“Home is my haven—I feel sheltered, enjoy calmness, and be outdoors and near the ocean with my husband and friends. My husband is my rock. I can always rely on him. We’ve been together 26 Years, married for 22 years, and my pets. Emma is a golden retriever, Luca is a mixed breed, and Oscar is a fat, red tabby. Waking up to the sound of the ocean and birds singing is undeniably very close to heaven”.
Jochen and Evi love living in their home next door but also love having The Barn to themselves during any gaps in rentals — this, I feel sure, is not very often, and for those of us seeking a holiday haven, The Barn is a little piece of magic.
An internationally recognised interior architect and landscape designer, she has worked on numerous projects around the world. An eye for detail and love of all things art, architecture, travel and design have led to a nomadic lifestyle resulting in a greater focus on travel and lifestyle feature writing. She is a contributor for a range of international print publications. Living between Hong Kong, Cape Town, and London, traveling anywhere.
