In Cape Town, South Africa, Lion’s View is a spectacular home with breathtaking views of the ocean. ARRCC Interiors was brought on board to renovate the original two-story home into an expansive three-level residence that would accommodate wellness amenities for the family. The extra floor also enhances the stature of the contemporary abode, giving it a magnificent rear aspect. The façade gives away little detail of the extensive rear terrace and fabulous interior, keeping them a beautiful secret that unfolds beyond the entrance. Once inside, we discover a series of living spaces and bedrooms with understated opulence, a walk-in wine cellar, a private gym, and an elegant study.
The two wings of the house hinge on a central, cylindrical foyer. The rounded volume holds a remarkable spiral staircase that winds all the way up to the third-floor addition. First-floor living spaces spill out onto a broad terrace with a swimming pool, outdoor lounge areas, a wide sundeck, an alfresco dining area with barbecue, and a sweeping lawn that’s perfect for games.
Retractable glass doors achieve an easy indoor-outdoor flow that brings family life into the sunshine and makes an ideal stage for entertaining. Large outdoor sofas accommodate many guests, while plenty of tables are on hand to hold drinks and snacks. Modern outdoor chaise lounges pull up poolside to while away the weekend.
Inside, decorative panels are utilized on ceilings and walls, with many panels stylistically echoing the screens that shroud the home façade. Contemporary furniture was sourced from international brands to complement the clean lines of the architecture.
White marble and granite elements create sleek moments across the interior, along with brushed stainless steel and bronze accents. Fresh white walls reflect the influx of sunlight from the vast windows. Perimeter lighting glows warmly through the ceiling perforations to create an artistic display. Electronic equipment in the home is largely automated and centrally controlled.
Navy blue decor accents color the predominantly neutral living room. Navy scatter cushions transform a plain gray modular sofa. Blue glass accent tables add a splash of coordinating color at either end.
A bronze backdrop frames the flames from a long modern fireplace design. A white TV mount cleanly cuts across the wood-paneled focal wall to construct interesting layering.
In the center of the room, a mirrored square coffee table reflects the large area rug. The reflective decor theme translates into fluid-form mercury light fittings, designed by Artemide Skydro Soffitto, in the adjoining coffee lounge.
Moving into the coffee lounge, we’re hit with a hot red accent palette from Knoll Platner Side Chairs. A round rug creates a sunburst pattern underneath.
On the opposite side of the house, a double-height living room features the stainless steel and glass spiral staircase that snakes around a triple-volume glass elevator. The attached minimalist kitchen design leaves all focus on the architectural triumph.
The modern sofa curves around a set of nesting coffee tables. Blue accent cushions carry on the color theme from the neighboring living space.
Glass treads and open risers allow sunlight to pass through the staircase unobstructed. The modern staircase and cylindrical glass elevator shaft are complemented by a cascading circle chandelier by Quasar Citadel.
A white, bookmatched marble feature wall hangs above a letterbox fireplace, instilling natural opulence into the airy living room. Two modern armchairs make a cozy conversational area nearby.
A cozy pajama lounge is located on the second floor, as well as the two children’s bedrooms, a kid’s playroom, and an ensuite guest bedroom.
Just off the coffee lounge and open-plan kitchen, a large formal dining area seats up to 12 people. Sliding glass doors smoothly adjoin this room with the outdoor eating area for larger events. A walk-in wine cellar makes a convenient addition.
Panoramic ocean views wash into the dining room. A large, sculptural ceiling light illuminates the huge, black dining table.
A white slatted ceiling is threaded with metallic gold intervals, which gives the simple space a sense of understated luxury.
In the hallway, the same gold-slatted design is used to clad curvaceous walls. The organically shaped boundary promotes a feeling of effortless flow.
The curved hallway leads to the master bedroom on the second floor. Dual-aspect windows give the master suite a wraparound coastal view. A chaise lounge is pulled up to the glass for soaking up the sights.
Timber paneling climbs the headboard feature wall and the ceiling, building a cozy ambiance despite the room's large proportions.
Modern wall sconces light each minimalist, gray bedside unit. A huge gray and gold bedroom rug softens the wooden floor.
The second double bedroom has the same serene gray palette but with an enlivening bold red womb chair and matching footstool, designed by Eero Saarinen.
The en-suite master bathroom has a uniquely situated bathtub. The tub projects from its fitting platform to offer a 180º view of the ocean.
Twisted panels create light interest across the black bathroom wall.
The children’s playroom is an explosion of playful color. A striped area rug offers a comfortable play space while a modern couch is on hand for parents to hang out.
Up on the third-floor addition, the home office has a commanding view. A glass wall connects the workspace with the home gym.
Retractable doors make the private gym and outdoor experience. Marble floor tiles and baseboard LEDs deliver a luxurious essence.
The third-floor wellness zone is completed with a spa bathroom, chiller bath, and sauna.