Anyone who spent time on a verandah during the 70s will remember the term “waffle bum”. This affliction ailed us all at some stage and was acquired from sitting on latticed metal stoep furniture. Cushions were often an afterthought and the crisscrossed metal bars left a pattern similar to that of a waffle iron. The chairs that did feature cushions would, in today’s world, be regarded as a health hazard. Left out in the sun, these little plastic gems would heat up to approximately 1 000 degrees Celsius, causing third-degree burns to the derrières of all who forgot to cover their seats with a towel.
Thankfully, we have come a long way since then and furniture designers have at long last realised that a verandah is an extension of the home, and are designing furniture that while practical, is very attractive and perhaps most importantly of all, comfortable.
Win A Home
South Africa enjoys fantastic weather and a verandah is an important asset to any home. On tonight’s episode of Win A Home, we take a look at homes that boast enviable indoor-outdoor rooms.
Living large in KZN
The first property doesn’t only have one patio. Approximately 75% of the property’s 930sqm is in the form of decks, both covered and uncovered. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home, which is situated on the Zimbali Estate in KZN and priced at R28.5-million, enjoys spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. However, if the idea of swimming in the sea isn’t really your cup of tea, you can choose to do a couple of laps in one of the three swimming pools dotted around the property.
The next home is set in a secluded area of the Brettenwood Coastal Estate (also in KZN) and is priced at R12.8-million. This beautifully designed home measures a staggering 4 000sqm and features five en-suite bedrooms, which all open up on to private balconies. The designer outdid himself when it came to conceptualising the outside areas and created an outdoor lounge and dining “room” that flows onto a raised deck and rim-flow swimming pool.
The third home, on the Simbithi Eco Estate (again, in KZN – are you sensing a trend here?), is priced at R8.5-million. A home that virtually begs to be entertained in, it not only features a large covered verandah, but also has generous leisure areas that lead out to an enormous wooden deck via fold-away stack-doors.
And also in Gauteng
Our next port of call is a R25.5-million property in Bryanston. This five-bedroom, five-bathroom masterpiece measures a staggering 1 200sqm and comes complete with a glass-encased lift. The home boasts a gourmet Scavolini kitchen, ideal for those who wish to entertain on a grand scale. The covered verandah is large enough to accommodate a lounge and dining area.
The final property featured in this week's show features one of the most sophisticated verandahs we have ever seen. Situated in Melrose Arch in Gauteng, this gorgeous penthouse measures 959sqm and features an undercover braai room that opens up on to an expansive deck that not only enjoys spectacular views, but also features a pool, sun-deck and sauna.
Visit Private Property to see more exquisite homes with impressive outdoor living spaces. Who knows, if one in particular catches your eye (and matches your budget), you could soon be relaxing on your very own verandah.