living even mongooses are frequent visitors to Soul Arch’s gardens). Opposite these glass doors are another set that also opens up – onto another huge living area that, while covered overhead, is open to the elements along one entire side, overlooking the timber-decked pool. The family spends most of their time outdoors, and when entertaining, remain true to the philosophy of simple, natural living. No television or other screens dominate Soul Arch. The focal point of the sitting room is the wood-burning stove (the winter hub of the home), and in the large, relaxed ground-level family room, a wall of books bears testimony to what the family members do in their spare time. The cushions totally fit Frances’s ‘simple, uncluttered’ interiors philosophy, and easily work alongside everything from the custom-made wooden furniture pieces, to the beloved paintings Frances recently inherited from her uncle, to the brightly-coloured surfboards on their customised rack next to the outdoor shower. Simple and uncluttered though Soul Arch may be, the fine attention paid to small details like these means it’s not only stylish, warm and welcoming, but it’s also tremendously practical and works hard in its seaside setting.
FROM TOP An untreated pine seat and table make comfortable sitting areas in the outdoor living space adjacent to the pool. The cushions are from indigenous fabrics collected on family trips to Madagascar, Malawi, Botswana and Mozambique. The outdoor living area is Frances’s favourite part of the house. It features three walls, making it a truly indoor-outdoor space. In the background is the main living area and Kitchen area, separated by glass doors that can be entirely opened up. The main bedroom can be accessed from inside the main house, or from the garden pool area. The untreated South African pine used for walls, decking and steps has all weathered very differently, creating an interesting palette.
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