Emma Becque and Inge Prins delve into the layered charm of a South African home, where eclectic heirlooms, bold colors and collected curiosities create a vibrant family space always ready for entertaining. The traditional residence brims with personal treasures, and plays host to lively gatherings and a mix of African and European influences.
BY EMMA BECQUE | ROOMS & GARDENS | 26 OCTOBER 2024
In contrast to the rest of her vibrant home, Elene's bedroom is a neutral retreat, a serene space overlooking the city © Inge Prins.
"When I walked inside, it was love at first sight," says Elene Groenewald, recalling the moment she first laid eyes on her South African home. Wrapped in a grand veranda and boasting four original fireplaces, the house is a tapestry of color, personal history, and cherished collections - and, she says, "meant to be." From childhood, Elene had dreamed of owning a Cape Town house with historic chimneys.
Over two decades, Elene and her husband Richard have transformed the house, painting it warm shades of gold, deep red and lively pink. Elene, who is "known for my red room", has created a color-saturated home where each room celebrates the people and places that have shaped her life. "Every corner tells a story," she notes. Be it a cherished gift, thrift store find or restored heirloom, each object is considered.
The journey into the home begins in the entryway, where original Victorian monochrome tiles create a striking first impression. Small windows offer glimpses of the verdant gardens and imposing mountain views. Traditional mouldings are painted in unexpected shades of pink, yellow, and gold, while antique brass and crystal chandeliers, purchased from Onsite Gallery and Buenos Aires hang gracefully.
A rich "pinkish-red" sets the scene for gatherings in the dining room, with a shimmering golden ceiling catching the candlelight. The centrepiece in the kitchen is a 100-year-old wooden table carved with the names of friends and family who have dined there, it has become a tradition in the house. "If you dine here often enough, you must carve your name," Elene says. Meanwhile, shelves overflow with Waterford glassware; "I'm obsessed with collecting glass," she admits, revealing her extensive coveted selects from local thrift shops and Babylonstoren.
Opposite is a "dessert corner," where a marble-topped console from local emporium, Masquerade Antiques, overflows with seasonal fruit and delicacies. "It may look staged, but this is how we live," Elene assures. "Our bar is always stocked, and our fruit bowls are always filled. We're ready to host at any moment." Elsewhere, a bespoke bar is draped with an antique tapestry - an ode to craftsmanship.
The couple's love of color, particularly red, nods to Elene's upbringing in rural South Africa. "The deep red soil of the bush has always stayed with me, " she says, referring to the warm mustard tones that cover the sitting room walls. An heirloom sofa, reupholstered in Venetian fabric from Mario Bevilacqua featuring dragons and jaguars, provides a dramatic focal point, while planters full of wild orchids and Italian busts lend an eclectic touch. "I wanted this space to feel full of life."
Open doorways welcome Cape Town's changing seasons, making nature an integral part of the home. Growing up in the bush, Elene learned to be resourceful and imaginative. "My parents taught me to create with what we had," she reflects. This sense of ingenuity and appreciation for beauty has influenced her home.
Elene Groenewald's colorful house in Cape Town. All images @ Inge Prins.
One corner of the house holds Elene's "cabinet of memories"—a custom shelving unit filled with an assortment of ceramics, copper jugs, and milk churners from her family's farm. A statue of Jesus, sourced from a Greek Orthodox church, stands watch nearby. "I find religious pieces beautiful," she says. The kitchen continues the eclectic theme, where iconography mingles with everyday objects, and handmade baskets by her grandfather, are filled with fresh vegetables.
Even the smallest rooms are given careful attention. The powder room is painted a striking pink, while a collection of coral Ewe dolls from West Africa adds a playful touch. In contrast to the vibrant palette elsewhere, Elene's bedroom is a neutral retreat, quietly accented with religious iconography - a gentle nod to tradition.
Elene Groenewald's home is a celebration of life, love and memory. "This house is built for entertainment; 60 people could arrive any day, and we're ready to perform," she smiles. Unlike other homes, where antiques are confined to display cabinets, here they are lived with and enjoyed—an essential part of daily life.
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