Homes & Styles International Magazine - Issue 52, Feb 2020 - May 2020

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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Contents Cover picture courtesy of Nicola Holden Designs

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50

66

H&SINTERIORS Choosing artwork for your home to match or not to match Interior design for well being

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H&SHOMEFEATURE A Fresh Start

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H&SINTERNATIONALTRENDS Spice Lounge

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H&SPROPERTYNEWS Property News

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H&SGARDENFEATURE A little bit of paradise

H&SARCHITECTURALINSPIRATION

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Sustainability Design H&SGREENIDEAS Water Harvesting

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H&SHOMETECH Techorating

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H&SPROPERTYTIPS Looking to buy an investment property

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H&STRAVEL 66 Linyanti Bush Camp 70 A Zambezi River Lodge 72 Travel and Tours in the heart of Zimbabwe 74

H&SHEALTH,FITNESS&BEAUTY 58 Can what i eat really boost my energy, mood and outlook on life

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H&SFOOD Loadshedding Inspired Recipes REAL FOODS - Fresh on the plate

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H&SARCHITECTURALTOURISM Sawanga Mall H&SASSCENE Homes and Styles International Launch at Zimfest

AGRICULTURE • DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • TOURISM • TELECOM • TRANSPORT • MARINE

s l a i c e p S In Store

MAKE

Light OF IT

08677 300 400 | osszim.com 534 POMONA BUSINESS PARK, HARARE DRIVE, POMONA HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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PUBLISHER Exclusive Media (Pvt) Ltd UK DISTRIBUTION

by Homes & Styles Magazine Newsstand Magazine - www.newsstand.co.uk UK OFFICE CONTACTS Agnes Zengeya on email: diaspora-uk@homesnstyles.com MANAGING EDITOR Shaana Puwai OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE Takunda Rusere SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE Tinotenda Chiri DIGITAL MARKETING EXECUTIVE Audrey Shamuyarira CONTRIBUTORS Sales – H&S Team Taurai Murimbika ( Infinite Travel) Michael Nott Balraj Thethi Design Nicola Holden Designs Alice Bennet (Bureaux) Telnet Business KCVISART Architectural Design Carl Ncube Real Food Emmah Makurira PHOTOGRAPHERS Graham Wood (Bureaux) Andrew Puwai Prashant Bhat Trust Multimedia Center A.Zen.productions Limited (UK) DESIGN & LAYOUT Elmie Miller (EM Designs) EXCLUSIVE MEDIA CONTACTS Call: +263783670679/+263773226301/+263-242-448343/4 Email: sales@homesnstyles.com, editor@homesnstyles.com Facebook Page: Homes & Styles Zimbabwe Magazine Website: www.homesnstyles.com TERMS & CONDITIONS All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole of this publication without written permission is prohibited. The Editor welcomes contributions which, if accepted at our normal rates and all rights (unless initially specifed otherwise) remain with the publisher. Integrated Marketing Private Limited is not liable for any damages that arise from any advertisement placed in this publication by the advertisers.

The advertiser is liable for all damages that are caused either by the advertisement or listings and relieves Integrated Marketing Private Limited.

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Editor’s Note

Dear esteemed reader

W

elcome to our fabulous 52nd issue as we continue to grow from strength to strength.

Our theme for this issue is “Fresh Start” as we move into the New Year. We’ve put together loads of interesting and inspiring articles with fresh ideas for your home and your lifestyle.

Our home décor section has several exciting articles. You can learn about the surprising effects home décor has on your health and your outlook on life in our article entitled Interior Design for Wellbeing on Page 10 We also have some interesting information from Kcvisart Architectural Design about truly sustainable buildings that are not just good for you but good for the environment too!

In our Health Section on Page 58 we explore the important link between diet, mood and energy levels. There’s some great advice from nutritional therapist Laura Mussell to help you make a fresh start in 2020.

Have a look at the report back on the launch of our brand new International Edition which was held in August this year in the UK. The launch was an outstanding success and means Homes and Styles can now reach out to our local readers as well as to Zimbabweans in the diaspora across the world.

Whether you’re living in Zimbabwe or in the diaspora many people are still investing in property as a great way to keep your money safe from the ravages of inflation. The property market still offers excellent returns on your investment. Our section Property News gives you good advice about all aspects of property development and property management. If you’re buying, selling, renting or building we can help steer you in the right direction.

If you’re planning to travel over the Festive Season think about treating yourself and your loved ones to a stay at the amazing A’Zambezi River Lodge in Victoria Falls. The lodge is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

tranquillity. There are 87 en suite rooms ranging from the most luxurious King suites to standard double rooms. There are two wonderful restaurants on site as well as a bar on the viewing deck and extensive conference facilities.

If you’re thinking of travelling a little further afield, without going too far from home, consider Linyanti Bush Camp in neighbouring Botswana. Linyanti is an intimate 12-bed luxury tented camp on the banks of the Linyanti Marsh, within a Private Concession bordering the western boundary of the Chobe Enclave.

The wow factor in the rooms is the ‘star suite’.

Each tent has a gazebo extension, where beds can be moved at night to give the experience of sleeping beneath a blanket of glimmering stars, immersing yourself in the wonders of the wilderness while still staying in the security of a mesh-enclosed area. It’s a truly unique experience.

To show how special our readers are to us Homes and Styles is pleased to announce not just one but two amazing getaways for our lucky readers.

Linyanti Bush Camp is giving away two nights for two people including accommodation, all meals, and tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, game viewing activities per day. The offer is valid until the end of 2020.

Antelope Park is offering two nights full board inclusive of dinner and breakfast in a River Tent – activities not included. Does not apply over public holidays and special dates. Pre- booking only. Valid until December 2020.

To enter the competition, simply send your comments and input to editor@homesnstyles. co.zw. Your feedback will help us improve the quality of your magazine and make sure you can read about what really interests you.

Enjoy!

Shaana

H&S INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE UK Launch in pics...

...for more information read pages 78 & 79.

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H&SINTERIORS

A complimentary wall colour allows the art to stand out.

CHOOSING ARTWORK

For Your Home

– TO MATCH OR NOT TO MATCH? TEXT & DESIGN by NiCola HolDEN PHOTOGRAPHS DESiGNS FioNa WalkEr-arNoTT

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HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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f any question is designed to polarise opinions, it is the question of art matching your interior design scheme. Artists don’t like the idea of people buying art only to match a scheme, and I couldn’t agree with them more. Choosing art is an incredibly personal thing, and it is so important, if you’re investing in art, to choose a piece that truly moves you. You want that piece of art to feel homely, to mean something to you and to have a story behind it. As Oscar Wilde said, “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known”. Art does things that are unexpected, and goes places that are sometimes uncomfortable. And that doesn’t always match your decor.

However, as an interior designer, it is important that the art works with your furnishings, and doesn’t clash wildly. Having said that, if you are buying a piece of art that feels homely, chances are it is something that reflects your style and personality, and therefore it should sit comfortably with the style and personality that your home is reflecting.

If you really want to make sure that the art you love looks fabulous in your home then it is a good idea to start with the art, without worrying about what it goes with, and then plan the décor around the art. Regardless of whether your art matches your scheme or not, it will always have a greater impact on the space if your decor supports your pieces.

If your art makes a particularly colourful statement you might want to choose a more neutral scheme to give your eye some place to rest. You can then introduce the vibrant colours evident in the painting as accents, such as cushions, rugs and accessories.

It is important to consider the colour of your walls. Choose a colour that doesn’t contrast too strongly but is still neutral enough to allow the colours in the painting to speak for themselves.

Choosing a colour that complements the art

The colours in this tapestry are a strong hue than the colours in the cushions, but they all sit comfortably together.

The soft, subtle colours in this scheme pull everything together.

H&SINTERIORS

Placing these three paintings on the same wall creates a far greater impact than a painting on its own.

The saturated blues and greens in this painting are repeated in the cushion and chair fabric.

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H&SINTERIORS

Choosing a bright green for the wall allows these monochrome pictures to pop.

The subtle touches of yellow in this painting are highlighted in the cushion.

The vibrant colours and lined shapes in the art are picked out in the rug, curtains and cushions.

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HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

without specifically matching it will help create a more unified scheme.

Another aspect to consider is the shapes used in the image. Subtly repeating the colours and shapes in the artwork though the furnishings enhances the influence of the painting, increasing its impact in the room and ensuring that the painting is the standout feature.

When planning your interior think about where you might hang your art and position spotlights accordingly. Highlighting your art with lighting allows it to be the standout feature in a room.

If you have a few smaller pieces of art consider hanging them in a group on one wall. This creates a stronger look than each would have on its own. The pictures don’t all have to be framed identically as long as they sit well together. Consider the symmetry of your arrangement to give it balance.

Using a combination of these techniques, including the colour choice of your walls, repetition of colour and shape through your furnishing, and positioning of lighting, will enable you to emphasise your art and create a strong design feature in your room without specifically having them ‘matching’ the decor. I hope that these ideas will help you to make your art the centre of your attention.

H&S

H&SINTERIORS

sales@interfloors.co.zw sales@interfloors.co.zw Interfloors Interfloors

www.interfloors.co.zw www.interfloors.co.zw InterFloors ZW InterFloors ZW

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H&SINTERIORS

Elements of nature have been layered into this bedroom through the wallpaper and fabric choices and the texture and shape of the bedside tables.

INTERIOR DESIGN For Well-Being TEXT & DESIGN by NiCola HolDEN PHOTOGRAPHS DESiGNS FioNa WalkEr-arNoTT

Adding in your own personal stories brings joy to a space.

A landscape painting and a lampshade depicting flying birds brings nature into this otherwise windowless space.

Circles have long been regarded as symbols of harmony. They encourage the flow of energy within a space and are often found in nature.

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D

esigning your interior spaces well is incredibly powerful tool. Get it right and you’ll end up with a home that not only looks beautiful but one that nurtures your wellness at the same time.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in awareness of how our well-being is inherently linked to many different aspects – what we eat, how much we exercise, how we factor relaxation into our daily routines and how much sleep we get. Yet how often do we give any thought to our home or work environments?

Humans are increasingly spending up to 90% of their lives indoors and there is now a growing body of scientific evidence showing that how we design our spaces has a direct impact on us psychologically and physically and therefore on our overall health, happiness and well-being.

So how can we design our homes to improve our feeling of wellness?

1. Eliminate Clutter Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up has climbed bestseller lists all over the world as people have embraced the awareness that clutter has a negative effect on our state of mind. In fact, it is said that being surrounded by clutter is as stressful to us as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder! So, it goes without saying that the first thing we should do when it comes to making improvements to our homes is to de-clutter.

2. Introduce Elements of Nature Have you ever thought about why crackling fires and crashing waves captivate us, why a garden view can enhance our creativity, why shadows instil fascination and fear and why animal companionship has restorative, healing effects.

This innate biological connection that we have with nature is known as Biophilia.

As we become more urbanised and depend more on technology we are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature. We exist in highly controlled spaces, with uniform lighting, a constant temperature and straight lines everywhere. But if you think about it this is not how nature operates. In the natural world the light levels change throughout the day. Shadows move around. There are breezes and birdsong and not a straight line in sight!

For our health and well-being, biophilic design is not a luxury, it is a necessity. If we want to create homes that are inspirational, restorative and healthy, this needs to be considered during the planning stages of building or renovating our homes, not as an added after thought once everything is complete.

3. Use Colour Colour is an incredibly powerful tool to use in our homes. As Karen Haller, author of The Little Book of Colour says, colour “… communicates feeling, creates a mood, affects our energy, our appetites, our sleep, and has a profound effect on our emotional well-being and on the behaviours of everyone we live with.”

H&SINTERIORS

Texture, curved shapes and floral patterns invoke a connection with nature.

Having a place for everything and everything in its place eliminates the stress caused by clutter.

A bright floral rug adds colour and texture.

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H&SINTERIORS

This leafy wallpaper transforms a clinical cloakroom into a cosy space.

This bright patchwork quilt injects a shot of cheerful colour into this otherwise neutral bedroom.

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Colour has the power to positively support us emotionally, yet so often we chose to decorate with neutral colours on behalf of the future buyer of our home or because of what our friends and family will think if we don’t. As a result we live in spaces we don’t really like in the hope that others will.

However, it’s important to note that when choosing our colours we need to consider the right colour for how we want the space to feel.

Every colour has positive or adverse effects on us so it is important to consider balance and harmony in our colour selections. For example, the so called neutral beige and grey that so many of us surround ourselves with can become heavy and draining, and make us feel stuck, apathetic and sluggish!

4. Add Personality Bringing personality into our homes involves layering in patterns and textures, adding sparkle with metallic objects and displaying art, decorative items and collections. It’s about choosing furnishings that play with scale or proportion and adding items with quirky, offbeat designs. Stamping our own mark on our space restores our equilibrium in this world, reminds us of our journey through life and inspires us.

It’s the little things that bring you joy and make you smile!

Implementing these four tips will help you to transform you space into one that nurtures your mind, body and soul thereby contributing to your overall health, happiness and well-being.

H&S

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H&SARCHITECTURALINSPIRATION

SUSTAINABILITY Design TEXT kCViSarT arCHiTECTUral DESiGN STUDio & PHOTOGRAPHS VarioUS

Solar and wind terbines

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ecently we received an email that went like this: “I am a Zimbabwean based in Norway and I have a residential property in Borrowdale. I would like to confirm and ask your capabilities in doing a low energy consuming building. In short that’s a green and sustainable residential house. If you have the capacity and know how I will be glad to give you some work to do” We all want work, don’t we? That’s why we get into business, but what is sustainable design.

Sustainable architecture, also known as green architecture, is a school of thought that focuses on reducing the negative environmental impact from a built environment. Architects take the site landscape, energy management, and stormwater management into consideration when planning, and then use environmentally friendly systems and building materials during construction.

The main aim of this design strategy is to ensure good health for the building’s inhabitants as well

as reducing the negative effects of the buildings to the environment.

The United Nations Environment Program says buildings are responsible for almost half of all global energy use. They also produce 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, consume 25% of all drinkable water, and account for 20% of all solid waste produced in developed countries.

Architects are now faced with a task to respond to the situation with sustainable design strategies that reduce energy consumption and minimise damage to the environment.

Passive design is the major key to unlocking sustainability and the starting point to any sustainable design, but what is it? Passive design is design that takes advantage of the climate to maintain a comfortable temperature range in the home. Passive design reduces or eliminates the need for additional electrical heating or cooling which in turn will significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Passive design uses natural heating and cooling from the sun and the natural breezes. This then means the positioning of the building on site becomes critical as it should be done in such a way to catch the winter sun and cut out the hot summer sun. The positioning of windows

and shade becomes of utmost importance as well as knowing when to open, close or adjust these facilities.

The sketch breaks down simple passive design ideas. Roof overhangs provide shade in the summer while allowing the lower winter sun into the house. The allowed sun then heats up the floors, which in turn release the heat at night. All this ensures reduced use of electricity for heating and cooling.

Active sustainable design involves the use of high efficiency electrical systems which generate electricity from renewable resources like solar or wind turbine generated electricity. Here in Zimbabwe we have recently moved away from using the traditional Incandescent light bulbs and have started using LED light bulbs. This subsequently means electricity consumption is reduced, which in turn means the environmental pollution footprint is reduced.

By prioritising to purchase building materials from companies that use environmentally responsible manufacturing techniques or recycled materials, architects up the ante on sustainability. Right selection of materials will better the sustainability of any building, for instance, there is a recent trend of using

LED Lighting

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H&SARCHITECTURALINSPIRATION

Roof overhangs

Succulent Garden

low-flow plumbing fixtures

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HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

Botswana or South African face brick as a finish, the layman does not understand the implications.

The bricks are going to be put on a truck all the way from Botswana, that truck will be running on diesel, which happens to be a non-renewable energy and will be furnishing our atmosphere with unneeded greenhouse gases. If buildings would strive to use locally available bricks and material, which would definitely help the case of sustainability by lowering fuel greenhouse emissions which arise from transporting the material.

Landscaping choices play a huge role in water consumption. By making the right foliage choices for a specific area, irrigation requirements can be greatly reduced. Landscaping can also be used as part of a passive energy strategy. By planting trees that shade the roof and windows during the hottest time of the day, solar heat gain inside the building can be reduced.

When rain falls on virgin land, the water is absorbed back into the ground thereby the natural water table gets continuous refilling.

This changes when that piece of land is built on. The building along with the hard paved areas usually built for parking and pathways will ensure that water does not get absorbed into the ground but will flow on top of the surfaces and end up in a stormwater drain somewhere.

By ensuring use of permeable pavements we aid in the replenishing of the water table and thereby reducing the negative effects of our built environment.

In a bid to minimize water wastage, there has been a move recently, that has been pushing for the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures. Water closets are now being designed in a way that enables them to use half of the water required by a traditional system. The innovation has not stopped at water closets alone but now includes showers, and faucets (sink taps or mixers). This is a game changer to those who are geared towards building sustainable structures. Rather than have the grey-water (waste water from all plumbing fixtures excluding the toilet) run to the septic tank and soakaway, systems have been invented that now enable reuse of this water as irrigation water for the landscape.

Maybe a hanging question that we have to deal with last, before we part, is cost. It’s always critical to stay within budget when building and most people worry that sustainable buildings are costly. If you were to consider most of the interventions made when designing a building, that have been noted in this article, you will notice that most do not come at an additional cost.

Annual operation costs are reduced when a building uses solar compared to one using electricity. The upfront investment might be a bit uncomfortable but it will pay itself off in the immediate lifespan of the building.

There is much to talk about on this topic, but we’ll sign off for now. Direct any questions on sustainability to rodney@kcvisart.com. We’ll be happy to assist in any way we can. H&S

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H&SGREENIDEAS

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WATER HARVESTING TEXT kENNaN propErTiES & PHOTOGRAPHS VarioUS

n Zimbabwean cities at the moment our unreliable municipal water supply and a very low water table has made water a particularly precious commodity and a constant talking point amongst property sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants!

Estate Agents are finding it very difficult to interest buyers in houses without a reliable borehole and consequently more and more boreholes are being sunk in the cities and the holes are getting drilled deeper and deeper as everyone tries to access the same underground water table.

Some buyers have been disappointed when they have bought a house with a “reliable” borehole only to find that it becomes a “seasonal” borehole and most “seasonal” boreholes have dried up completely!

The problem has been exacerbated by the bad rainy season of 2016/17. Even with a very good rainy season which is predicted by the experts and optimists for 2016/17, the water table is unlikely to rise enough to provide enough water for all the boreholes in the urban areas of Zimbabwe.

The solution to this problem is WATER HARVESTING. Look to the skies and attempt to capture every drop of rain from the available surfaces around your home. This includes the roof, your driveway, a tennis court if you have one and even the road next to your house if you can catch the run off.

To build catchment boxes and lay underground 18

pipes that will channel the water to your storage point will involve an certain outlay of capital, but in the long term you will save on the drilling of new boreholes or the purchase of water. Your water harvesting project should pay for itself within a year!

Ideally the water will flow by gravity into your storage unit, either tanks or a reservoir or a plastic line dam.

An added bonus to practicing water harvesting is the contribution you are making to an eco friendly environment. Capturing, storing and using rainwater will help alleviate the pressure on underground water and Zimbabwe’s dwindling secondary water sources.

Commenting on his recent rain water harvesting project , a client said “ I am delighted that I now

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

own my water, I can measure it and depend on it. I no longer am constantly worrying about by neighbor drilling a deeper borehole and stealing my supply by tapping into the same underground water!” H&S

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H&SHOMETECH

TECHORATING The art of balancing home decor with technology WE WISH WE HAD, BUT NO, WE DIDN’T MAKE UP THE WORD!

“

TEXT TElNET BUSiNESS & PHOTOGRAPHS by VarioUS

Techorating” is a catchy term coined back in 2008 by interior designer, Doug Wilson, as a concept for the emergence of integrating home technology and home decor in balance with one another. Doug hosted Trading Spaces on TLC (DSTV Channel 135) and created the system as sort of feng shui for home tech, primarily outlining the importance of pre-planning and placement of tech elements brought into the home with visual harmony in mind, something your average Interior Designer is likely to overlook when 20

helping you put together the perfect home entertainment room.

The techorating philosophy is a departure from the previous era of “bigger is better”, where homeowners would sometimes try to fit gargantuan projection screen televisions and furniture-sized home audio systems into living rooms without much consideration about the rest of their home decor. With so many designer-styled components readily available, there’s no reason to decorate in yesterday’s style with today’s technologies.

Here are some examples of how to techorate

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

your own space.

Measure for Viewing Pleasure!

The center of any home entertainment and media setup will likely be your HDTV, the 21st century digital “hearth of the home”. Hopefully you’ve upgraded to a flat screen HDTV model by now. But if not, or if you plan to upgrade, make sure you purchase the right size for the right space.

Size does matter.

Too big of a set in a smaller space can tire the eyes and actually degrade the quality of the image (if seated too close, you can see individual

pixels), while too small of a screen in a large space can detract from the immersive effects we all seek while watching movies, sports and television.

Maintain Eye Level: Conventionally, HDTV screens are positioned over the mantel, but we disagree with this outdated method, not due to a difference of aesthetic requirement, but because of the ensuring ergonomic complications of long term viewing at a non-optimal angle. We strongly suggest the best position is at eye level or even slightly lower, than positioning above your eyes.

Anyway, the mantel and fireplace area often has competing design elements, like large mirrors, décor elements, and framed items that will create too much of a cluttered effect unless expertly handled. Consider finding an empty wall, free from too many distracting elements or using a swing arm wall mount to isolate your set. You want to focus on the screen, not decorations, while watching your favorite TV show.

Complement and Collage: This doesn’t mean you have to leave the HDTV as the only thing on the wall. You can add a few complementary elements in the surrounding space using symmetrical design and equal proportions which help accentuate and complement your set. The idea is to create a collage which incorporates the flat panel as a decor element, not an intrusive piece.

Design Considerations:

Consider the color, finish, size and shape of your home technology components in relation to the decor of the rest of your home (can you believe those three rectangles in the photo above are actually (in-wall) speakers?). There are plenty of options for hiding away these elements with some careful organizational tools and component options because often, the best place for tech is hidden away, but accessible at the touch of a button. Giving everything a designated space will make techorating a lot easier.

Use the Space Below Your Screen: Adding a credenza or other wide, low piece of furniture underneath the set will aid in anchoring the presence of your television into the decor while giving you place to hide away all your cables, media devices and components.

Also shown above is an illustration of the idea of horizontal furniture in parallel with the image being watched.

Keep Lighting Indirect and Dimmable: Overhead lighting, like recessed or track lighting can affect picture quality. Using dimmable lamps and indirect lighting sources near/around the television can help reduce glare. LED backlighting is popular right now, but we prefer a neutral background and dimmable lighting away from the set, as shown with this minimal modern setup.

Dark and Lovely: Painting or wallpapering the wall behind the HDTV a darker shade than normal will help

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make the surrounding area disappear while viewing. Choose the right color for your home entertainment setup’s surrounding walls to help increase contrast and reduce reflected light.

Flatter is Better: Super flat televisions, wall mountable speakers, even flat A/V cables…thin is in when it comes to techorating. And if all else fails, give the impression of slimming presence by using Wiremold or enclosing audio/video elements directly into the wall.

Get more techorating tips from Zimbabwe’s Techorator, Telnet Smart Home Automation.

But also head on over to Doug Wilson’s LG site, dedicated to the art of techorating. We’re hoping to come back in the next H&S edition with smart security tools and tips that work in harmony with your automated home. H&S

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Contact Us Today www.telnetbusiness.co.zw info@telnetbusiness.co.zw +263 77 434 0815 | +263 77 502 4743 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020 Facebook: TelnetSmartHomeAutomation

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H&SPROPERTYTIPS

LOOKING TO BUY an investment property

R

eal Estate has produced many of the world’s wealthy people, so there are plenty of reasons why property is a sound Investment.

For every dollar you invest, you need to calculate what your return on that dollar will be, 10% is considered an excellent return on your investment, but working on 6 to 8% may be more realistic.

Take note of the tips below before considering becoming a property tycoon.

Top prize for an investment, if your budget will allow it is a FACTORY, industrial premises is a low maintenance investment and although a factory does not necessarily have the best capital growth, rentals are likely to be more reliable.

If budget is a too small to afford to buy a factory, a FLAT in a good area with a decent home owners association is your next best option.

A well appointed garden flat in Avondale for example, which would sell for approximately USD130 000 could be rented out at between $700 to $800 a month which would give you a 22

TEXT kENNaN propErTiES & PHOTOGRAPHS VarioUS

good return on your relatively small investment.

At the moment, flats in good areas with a good home owners association are quite difficult to find for sale, so your next option would be to look for a TOWNHOUSE in a secure complex, you will have to be prepared to outlay a little more capital to buy a townhouse in a good area.

The big plus is the security aspect and in the regard it is easy to get a tenant who will pay a higher rent in return for security.

A HOUSE in the right location with a borehole is your next option and if it has a cottage, this is an added bonus because you can maximize your investment by getting rental income for the house and cottage. Ensure that you vet your tenants very carefully and ask for proof of a good salary, this will help ensure that they will be able to keep up regular rental payments.

In our current difficult economic climate, some people have found that they can benefit from renting out the property they currently own and renting something cheaper for themselves, so that they can use the balance on living expenses.

Another consideration is to use your home to

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

run your business from which saves you the rent on a house and a business property.

Lastly, many clients are now considering the Air B&B option of maximizing the value of their homes by offering a cottage or an en suite bedroom out for holiday rental. This has taken RSA by storm and it is not unusual for some homeowners to have give up their jobs and make a better income from exclusively running a B&B for short term lets or taking advantage of the Air B&B short term holiday stays.

H&S

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Park Street Office Sabi House 18 Park Street, Harare Tel: 024 2796694-7

www.nyaradzo.co.zw

Service • Strength • Solutions HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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H&SPROPERTYTIPS H&SHOMEFEATURE

A Fresh Start A creative couple’s playful spirit and sense of uniqueness finds expression in a renovated Victorian cottage

Oranjezicht, Western Cape, South Africa HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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Although it’s not hard to find a house with charm in Cape Town, especially in the City Bowl suburbs where pretty cottages, picturesque terrace houses and promising fixer-uppers are the rule rather than the exception, it still took Craig, a footwear importer and his partner Riekus Raaths, a graphic designer for an advertising agency, two years to find the right one. And even then at first glance they weren’t quite convinced. ‘From the street I thought it was going to be tiny, but once we were through the front gate it opened up into a real oasis,’ comments Craig of their first impressions of the Victorian in a quiet one-way in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after suburbs.

Although it needed some work, it ticked enough boxes to convince them. ‘We wanted the character of an old house, with the conveniences of a contemporary one,’ explains Craig, of the couple’s choice to buy the Victorian and renovate it, despite having looked for so long for the ‘perfect’ home. And while a few changes were made to the structure, it was really through fresh combinations of finishes and furniture that they turned it from traditional to timeless.

It still retains certain elements of its heritage, but these have been cleverly combined with contemporary touches and a cool up-to-date colour palette.

Previously enclosed, the front verandah is now open on one side to the garden from which a slice of Table Mountain is visible above the trees. Simple cone-shaped glass pendants from Weylandts hanging above repurposed wine-barrel café chairs and table from Trudeau are the first introduction to the combination of old and new throughout the house. The vintage bicycle was restored at Woodstock Cycle Works

The transition from the living to dining area is marked by a change in wall colour – Rhine Castle Architectural Grey from Plason, to white for the living room and then on to the outdoor and pool area.

The living areas, initially divided by a folding door, are now more open plan. Sleek simple furniture here - Orbit chairs from Weylandts and a metal-legged table - enhances the sense of flow One side of the previously enclosed verandah remained sheltered from the elements, and after a bit of a clean-up offers a covered area to sit in during the rainy windy winter months Their friend Clair Drier came on board to help with the areas that needed major work – like the bathroom and kitchen – as well with décor sourcing, and a plumbing and lighting plan. ‘We had an idea of what we wanted but Clair helped to steer us in the right direction,’ says Craig.

It was on her insistence that the old farm style kitchen be redone. ‘We were originally just going to freshen it up – but we ended up ripping it out and redoing it because we wanted a more open space for entertaining.’

She also was adamant that the wraparound enclosed porch remained on one side to provide a sheltered spot in winter. Beyond the major decisions, Clair also made some small suggestions that ended up making quite a dramatic difference – like the dark stain on the floor and paint-colour choices that give the whole effect a fresh, crisp and contemporary feel. She also chose varying shades of white for the walls to compensate for the different types of light during the day, sparking the only disagreement the couple had during the whole process. ‘I really didn’t like the colour,’ says Riekus. ‘It was the only thing we butted heads on.’

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Other than that the couple saw eye to eye, and changes such as removing a partial wall between the living and dining areas or opening the spare room up to the back garden were unanimously agreed upon. The back garden, like the front, had been sorely neglected and the pair was keen to make sure that both lived up to their potential. The back garden was turned into an easy-access entertainment zone, with views to Table Mountain with pool and braai zones in perfect proximity. At the front, they neatened up pathways and reintroduced planting to play up the traditional romance of the house’s history.

The eclecticism of Riki and Craig’s home is perhaps most visible in the living room, but an affinity for South African design is also clear - above the fireplace hangs a Paul Senyol artwork, while the bookshelf to the right is by master carpenter and designer James Mudge and the leaf-print cushion is from Clinton Friedman

Hanging above the L-shaped anthracite-leather sofa from Klooftique in the living room are Jacques Cronje pendant lights from the ‘Minima’ range, their contemporary interpretation of a classic a perfect metaphor for the house’s design aesthetic

Once the shell and the surrounds were just so, they set about filling out the space. Here Craig’s perfectionism played a vital role - fittings were all custom designed to fit the spaces and every detail was weighed up and assessed. ‘I’m obsessive compulsive,’ jokes Craig. So the details had to be perfect. You can see how seriously he took these decisions in small but telling features, like the rounded-edge mirror in the master bathroom, or the absence of any visible wiring on the walls. ‘The builders were actually done plastering when I realized the wiring needed to be hidden,’ admits Craig. But so determined was he to get a clean finish that he got them to redo it.

But while certain details were taken seriously, the couple brought a very lighthearted sense of fun to the décor itself. Boutique hotels were a major source of inspiration. ‘I travel so much for work – to Europe mainly – and I’m always enchanted by the bespoke quality of the rooms, how much personality they have.’ This has filtered into their own home, through one-off finds from around the world, unique artworks, and custom or vintage furniture. There’s a 50s flavour in the mix and this simplicity comes through in a lot of the pieces (both custom and store-bought) – the lines and lowness of the servers and armchairs, the sleek, typically modernist absence of detail. Young local designers also get their fair share of the spotlight though, their artisanal perfectly suited to the distinctive mix of era and origins where individuality is prized above all else.

H&SHOMEFEATURE

Above the front door, jewel-toned stained-glass offers a window into the house’s origins. On the server is a dog table lamp from Fleux in Paris

A detail of the living-room unit by James Mudge, where artworks and objects of interest are arranged on shelves. The phrenology heads by Michael Chandler share space with plates from Hong Kong, and a pair of wooden lasts originally from a Dutch shoe factory 28

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

The floors were stained dark, offering a pleasing complement to the clean white and grey on the walls, and an update to the original shell.

The oak server from Weylandts stands beneath prints from Habitat in London and French wall lights imported by Province Lighting

Under a cloche on the server in the living room, a sculpture from a concept store in Paris called Luka Luna, illustrates the couple’s love for anything original and out-of-the-box

H&SHOMEFEATURE

A pair of vintage Dutch shoe lasts are displayed under a glass cloche

Bronze decorative objects from Tom Dixon offer a warm counterpoint to the grey coffee table A low-hanging pendant light from Province Lighting and ‘UFO’ bedside tables from Weylandts are clues into the couple’s unpretentious and quirky approach to decorating. Above the bed is a Paul Senyol artwork

It’s the little details in the bathroom that set it apart – like the custom-designed marble-that hangs above it. The cupboards were already there, but were given new life with a chic coat of glossy grey paint HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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H&SHOMEFEATURE

The kitchen was totally redone by Spotlight Kitchens. Chamfered-edge countertops and handle-less cupboard doors contribute to the clean look. The wallpaper, designed by graphic designer Riekus, is his updated take on a Delft pattern and adds life and interest to the wall

As elsewhere in the house, the focus in the study is on personality-filled loose furniture. The black-stained floors and grey walls feel especially masculine here in combination with the standing lamp and office chair

In the second bathroom industrial materials and contemporary fixtures are countered by the existing, traditional freestanding tub. The contrasting grouting is an interesting feature in itself, and the rest of the bathroom was kept fairly simple A vintage chest in the dining room, from Vamp in Woodstock, is the perfect foil for funky original prints by Andrzej Urbanski In the dining room, the couple replaced the existing fireplace surround with something much simpler to align with their vision for a contemporary-cum-classic look. Simple furniture and a bronze light fitting take centre stage in the space Riekus Raaths and Craig Lahee gave their Victorian home a facelift while maintaining its charm and character Production Sven Alberding/bureaux.co.za Photographs Greg Cox/bureaux.co.za Text Alice Bennett/bureaux.co.za

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MØN€¥ TA£K$:

Get A Dealer On Your Side!

TEXT HEriTaGE pay TEam & PHOTOGRAPHS VarioUS

A

merican Airlines once calculated that they could save US$1.2 million per year in fuel costs by giving pilots iPads – rather than printed aircraft manuals.

Apparently, a typical flight manual, weighs almost 16kg! With a fleet size of 956 planes, and a combined annual mileage of 324 billion kilometres, the cost savings add up.

You don’t have to run the world’s largest airline to reap big benefits from small changes. These savings even apply to anyone buying a house abroad.

Many Zimbabwean exporters also have importation bills. So, they often face currency risks on both the export revenue and on the import costs. For now, let’s look at the costs of paying foreign suppliers.

This is where a specialist international payments company comes in. They will provide you with an experienced Currency Dealer who will take time to understand your business, budget, and overall requirements – and cut costs where possible.

Costs in international payments arise from:

Telegraphic Transfer Fees, Foreign Exchange Margin and currency fluctuations. Zimbabwean banks charge TT Fees between USD57 to USD589 – depending on transaction size. For a company making 20 monthly international payments this translates an average bill of USD12,000 annually. This can be cut by as much as USD6,000.

On the exchange rate margin, cost savings, of between 25% – 50% are also achievable. Costsavings will vary. However, the rule of thumb is: the larger the transaction size, the larger the saving.

The third cost-saving on currency fluctuations comes from risk management tools such as Forward Contracts (discussed below). For exporters, forward contracts help with “costpredictability” and “revenue-predictability”.

Furthermore, a good Currency Dealer, would have a working knowledge of the specific currencies used in your business: the economics of both domestic and foreign markets; appropriate risk management tools – and the expertise to apply this to your situation.

This GBP/USD chart illustrates recent market movements as percentages (dotted red

lines). From 18th to 30th July, a Zimbabwean exporter to the UK would have lost USD4,040 on £100,000 (rate dropped from 1.2553 to 1.2149). A Forward Contract would have protected against this. Conversely, a well-timed Market Order in the second week of October, would have generated a USD7,640 profit.

Finally, savings on exchange rate margins and TT Fees discussed earlier, would have more than mitigated the losses and augmented the gains – generating enough savings to buy a twin cab.

Here are some risk management tools and strategies your Currency Dealer can offer: 1.

Forward Contracts: Used for fixing current exchange rates for longer term foreign exchange requirements without paying the full cost. Ideal for buyers worried that their domestic currency may weaken before a payment is due. A deposit is usually required on Forward Contracts.

2.

Market Orders: Allow clients to target a specific exchange rate. Currency markets operate 24 hours a day (week days); reacting instantaneously to politics, data releases, macro-economic policy and news events. Heritage Pay employs cutting edge technology to allow clients to effectively choose what exchange rate they want to trade at – by monitoring currency markets 24 hours a day.

3.

Hedging: Reduces downside foreign exchange risks while maintaining the option of benefiting from the upside market movement.

Heritage Pay can help you design a hedging strategy for your specific circumstances, using a variety of risk management tools.

If you are an exporter; buying a house abroad, paying school fees or even an airline owner, contact Heritage Pay for further information.

Exclusive offer for readers of HomesNStyles Magazine: free transfer fees on their first 3 transactions. +44 203 858 7274 www.heritagepay.co.uk DISCLAIMER: None of the information contained in this article is, nor should be construed as financial advice. All foreign exchange transactions contain an element of risk and you should always seek your own independent financial advice before entering into any foreign exchange transaction.

Market data courtesy of Saxo Bank. Study and annotations by Heritage Pay Dealers 32

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

Money Transfer & International Payment Services Private Client Services Spot Contracts

Market Orders

Forward Contracts

Spot Contracts: for international payments with same day or next day delivery.

Forward Contracts: for locking in current exchange rates for future delivery – without paying full cost upfront.

Market Orders: for choosing your own exchange rate using Heritage Pay’s algorithms to monitor currency markets – 24 hours a day.

Corporate Client Services Hedging

Currency Custody

Procurement

Payment Guarantee

Hedging: reduce downside foreign exchange risks while maintaining the option of benefiting from upside movements. Heritage Pay’s risk management tools can help you design a hedging strategy for your specific circumstances.

Currency Custody: cost-saving and risk-reduction for companies that receive payments from abroad yet they also having purchases to make in foreign currency.

Procurement: cashflow assistance for pre-selected clients. Heritage Pay uses own funds to pay for urgent procurement. C lient repays, on pre-agreed terms.

Payment Guarantee: for time-critical services e.g. medical surgery requiring upfront payment.

heritagepay.co.uk +44 203 858 72 74 160 City Rd, London, EC1V 2NX, UK Heritage Pay Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company No. 11129859 Payment services for Heritage Pay Limited are provided by The Currency Cloud Limited. Registered in England No. 06323311. Registered Office: Stewardship Building 1st Floor, 12 Steward Street London E1 6FQ. The Currency Cloud Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 for the issuing of electronic money (FRN: 900199). ©Heritage Pay Limited, 2019, All rights reserved HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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H&SINTERNATIONALDESIGNTRENDS

SPICE LOUNGE ultra-modern contemporary hospitality TEXT Balraj THETHi DESiGN & PHOTOGRAPHS by praSHaNT BHaT

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arpet area: 3500 sq.ft.

Concept: Dia-gon (selfderived).

Brief: The brief was to design the first 24/7 restaurant in thane with a capacity of 120 people and presenting a casual dining experience. With multi-facilities like buffet live counters and a bar the restaurant is a part of a 3-star hotel. The floor plate is a 3500 sq.ft. rectangular layout with 2 enormous coloums right in the center of it.

Solution: The restaurant is made on very modern lines and revolves around the concept of dia-gon a self-evolved concept. The multiple facilities and experiences the restaurant had to offer inspired us to derive a concept from something multi-dimensional in structure. We dragged inspirational from a multi-faceted solitaire and closely observing its surfaces on its planes we developed the shapes.

The restaurant gets natural light from its west and north and we have treated the windows with triangular fragmented laser cut patterns that create interesting shadows throughout the space.

It was very necessary to treat the coloums in a way that they do not create visual disturbance in the aesthetic appeal. We camouflaged them in the design of the island buffet counter and the shape flowed up to the ceiling form.

The live counter has a very interesting fabricated wire mesh pattern. Its back lit helped to define the pattern with more detail.

A huge octagonal frame is the part of the facade and a miniature of the same created the mini-bar area.

In totality the restaurant has very modern and luxurious appeal with a seating capacity of 120 people and all its facilities in place we were able to give a lot of circulation space allowing the floor plate to look very spacious and manageable. The multi layered ceiling added a very different perspective to the entire space.

H&S

Designer Balraj Thethi

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Uplifting your home with great Stone ideas...

35A Shepperton Road, Graniteside Harare, Zimbabwe.

Susanne: +263 0783 610 800 / 719 610 800 Tendai: 0779 687 912 Rutendo: +263 718 784 608 Email: sales@konak.co.zw /schirikure� www.konak.com

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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H&SPROPERTYNEWS

Property News TEXT miCHaEl NoTT & DEVElopErS & PHOTOGRAPHS VarioUS

A

s if to prove just how resilient and resourceful we are the Zimbabwean property market has continued to be extremely active through the prevailing economic difficulties of recent years. The demand is increasing across the country, particularly in the major urban areas, for quality, affordable housing, as well as for commercial and retail space. Local Zimbabweans as well as people in the diaspora are looking at property as a good investment for their hard earned cash. When times are difficult property has always been regarded as the most secure asset.

The Hopeville Property Development is a good example of the vibrant property market showing optimism in Zimbabwe’s bright future. The development is set to dramatically transform the City of Bulawayo by providing around 15,000 housing units as well as shopping malls, schools, office parks, a medical centre, recreational areas and much more. To find out more about this amazing opportunity to invest in your future see our article on page 42.

FBC Holdings, in conjunction with FBC Building Society, continues to develop a variety of housing projects across Zimbabwe to create top quality and affordable housing options in all sectors of the market including high, medium and low density developments. One of their most recent developments is the 53 Alfred Heights Greendale Housing Project creating 24 upmarket units which are now ready for occupation. FBC Building Society has put in place special finance facilities for individuals and families in the diaspora looking to invest in the Zimbabwean market. To find out more about the facilities on offer, see their advert on page 40.

Zimre Properties – one of the largest property developers and real estate agents in Zimbabwe – has continued to show their optimism in Zimbabwe’s property market by 38

investing in a number of major projects across the country. They recently invested in Bulawayo, converting Nicoz House into purpose built student accommodation. In addition they have developed major extensions to Zimre Park near Ruwa to create more housing options for local residents. Their biggest recent investment of around US$15 million has been the Sawanga Mall in Victoria Falls which is set to change to change the face of the popular resort town.

Construction started towards the end of 2017 and was completed in June last year. The mall houses a major supermarket chain, retail stores, banks, restaurants, commercial offices and entertainment spaces. Zimre’s services include property management, property development, and project management as well as property

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

sales and investment advice.

Homelink also has a strategic business unit that provides affordable and reliable property solutions to all Zimbabweans. Its main thrust is property development and real estate business.

The unit prides itself in offering real estate needs for Zimbabweans in the Diaspora and locals.

The company also offers mortgage facilities for both the diaspora and local communities at favourable interest rates over a maximum tenure of 25 years depending on the retirement age.

One can identify a property in the open market and Homelink will assist with funding provided the property has title deeds. Alternatively one can identify a property from one of their housing projects. If one has a stand with title deeds and

needs assistance to build and complete a home, you can also apply for a construction loan facility. One can also obtain a loan to purchase a stand and build a home or obtain home improvement loans for residential properties to do renovations, maintenance or repairs.

There are also a variety of other property options available whether to buy or rent in Zimbabwe. Sadly, in recent years some prospective home owners have fallen prey to unscrupulous or shady dealers and have been disappointed or even lost their investment.

Always deal with a well-known, trustworthy Estate Agent whether you’re buying or selling or drawing up a rental agreement. It’ll save you lots of problems in the future.

Robert Root is one of the most reputable Estate Agents in Zimbabwe with a large number of properties for sale or to rent across the country.

The company was established in 1958 so they have many years of experience and they’re an accredited member of The Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe. They have an impressive sales portfolio and a large team of expert property negotiators so you can rest assured that your money is in safe hands.

Kennan Properties, launched in 2004, is one of the biggest Real Estate Agents in Zimbabwe.

Patrick Kennan, the current CEO has a career in property dating back to the early 1980s.

Incorporating around 40 professional staff members Kennan Properties are the experts in property sales and acquisitions, commercial and industrial property letting and management, valuations of all forms of property as well as property development.

If you are building your home yourself, Homes and Styles Magazine is well acquainted with a number of the best suppliers of building materials whom we can recommend as providing excellent products and great service.

We can recommend Homestyle Bricks for their wide range of products as well as for quality, value and customer service. Homes and Styles Magazine also endorses Beta Bricks

and Willdale Bricks as dependable suppliers of top quality bricks and related products as well as companies that promote and sustain staff and environmental welfare. Africa Steel and Steel Centre are our preferred suppliers for all your steel requirements including roof sheeting and ancillary products. For all your hardware requirements and premium brands we can safely advise customers to deal with Nongerai Hardware for solar and gas products, building materials, electrical and lighting, as well as kitchen and bathroom fittings. We can also recommend Bhola Hardware for all your construction, home and garden needs, and they’re open 7 days a week for your convenience. PG Group can supply all your timber needs including roof trusses, ceilings and floors, structural

timber and veneered boards and glass. Redcliff based Diamond Cement manufacture cement locally of the highest quality – they’ve recently been certified by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe so can be sure you’re getting a great product at a great price. For all your contemporary kitchen, BIC and counter fittings, Calundike and Kitchen Link are the preferred choice while One Stop Solar is your one stop shop for all solar solutions. Planning to paint your house?, look no further than Splash Paints & Plastics, manufacturers and stockists of a wide range of quality paints, adhesives, varnishes, tinters, solvents, powders, primers and PVA’s.

Investing in property is probably the best decision you can make and right now is the right time! H&S

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H&SPROPERTYNEWS/ADVISORY

HOPEVILLE H TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHS by HopEVillE

opeville is an exciting property development project that will contribute US$2Billion of value to the future of Bulawayo – and it is happening now! Dubbed the City On The Rise, the development is being built on a geographical rise in the northern edge of the city. This incredible endeavour not only seeks to redefine the very landscape of Bulawayo, but also addresses the lack of adequate accommodation that has plagued the city in recent years.

Hopeville will provide housing for over 30 000 people in the form of beautiful stand-alone homes and townhouses. The development will also include The Hope Estate, comprising of an 18-hole golf course, a state of the art 42

shopping centre, corporate office blocks, parks and recreational spaces, hotel and conference centre, medical centre and many other amazing features.

The very first of its kind in Bulawayo, the Hopeville development will be a global village in every sense of the term as it will be technologically advanced, connected to Africa and the international community, with thoughtful environmental considerations, such as solar and other renewable, eco-friendly energy sources. The Bulawayo North development will drastically transform the region of Matabeleland and inevitably produce opportunities for growth on a nationwide scale.

Hopeville is only eight minutes away from Bulawayo’s central business district and a mere fifteen minutes away from the Joshua Mqabuko

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

Nkomo International Airport, making it an ideal location for a medium to low density housing project in line with the City of Bulawayo’s Master Plan.

The City On The Rise is more than just a housing development, but it is an incredible undertaking that will reignite economic growth, create employment opportunities and inspire hope to all. This is not a passive event – we want you to join us! Explore the opportunity to buy a house. Have your say in how schools are built and how shopping malls are furnished and the businesses that come to call Hopeville their home. The very best minds in the fields of urban development and finance in the country are working together to find the best solution for you. So don’t delay. Be a part of Hopeville today! #CityOnTheRise H&S

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HOME STYLE BRICKS

Home-style bricks was founded in 2010 and is now the largest player and leading manufacturer of cement products in the country. They are transforming the humble brick market by introducing new innovative products, creating new fashions and trends in the residential and commercial building markets.

The company now produces common bricks, load bearing bricks, hollow maxi bricks, face bricks, 4.5”; 6”; 9” Blocks, retaining d shape wall blocks, breeze blocks, 60mm, 80mm, interlocking and rectangle pavers, tiles, smooth and rock cobbles, slabs, 0.5M domestic curbs, industrial 1m curbs, 0.5M mountable curbs, 1m copings for 4.5” & 9” Walls, corner copings, durawall pillars and panels, window sills, drip stones, lintels, columns, zesa poles, crash barriers, saddles, sinks, benches, tables, bird baths, pots, concrete windows and concrete pipes.

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HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

60MM COLOUR RECTANGULAR PAVERS

60MM GREY RECTANGULAR PAVERS

80MM GREY INDUSTRIAL PAVERS

HOLLOW MAXI BRICKS

COMMON BRICKS

LOAD BEARING BRICKS

FACE BRICKS

4.5” CONCRETE BLOCKS

6’’ CONCRETE BLOCKS

9” CONCRETE BLOCKS

D SHAPE BLOCKS

OTHER PRODUCTS

CAST STONE PRODUCTS

WALLING PRODUCTS

CEMENT PRODUCTS

BLOCKS

BRICKS

PAVERS

SEASONSALE

CURBS

COPINGS

DRIP STONE

WINDOW SILL 0.5m

CORNER COPINGS

3m WALLING PILLAR

2.7m WALLING PILLAR

2.4m WALLING PILLAR

1.5m SMOOTH PANEL

1.5m 3 PLANK PANEL

ROUGH COBBLES

SMOOTH DOUBLE COBBLES

SLABS

TILES

POOL COPINGS

LINTELS 1 - 3.5 m

PIPES

8.55 - 12m ZESA POLES

COLUMS (SPIRAL, ROUND)

BREEZE BLOCKS

Contact Details a. Pomona Quarries, Alpes Road, Pomona, Harare t. +263 (4) 851996/851983 e. sales@hsbricks.co.zw w. www.hsbricks.co.zw

LIMITED TIME OFFER

buyonline www.hsbricks.co.zw

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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Roofing sheets | Roofing Ridges | Valley Gutters Q-Tiles | Roofing Nails | Alucushions

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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Our experience - your advantage...

ROBERT ROOT “Thinking of selling your property?�, come to the seasoned and over years experienced experts Robert Root and Company. Situated on the outskirts of the CBD of Harare, away from the busy life of CBD, you can find us at number 65 Central Avenue between 6th and 7th Streets.

Robert Root a member of The Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe, was founded in February 1958 by Mr Robert Lang Root. The company originally dealt exclusively with commercial and industrial property until October 1998 by which time it built up an enviable portfolio of properties under management. Robert Root also carries out market assessments for both rental and disposal purposes.

Robert Root will continue to grow and we have no doubt that we will offer new and exciting ventures in the future. We are positive that we are progressing with an optimistic attitude and we look forward to dealing with you.

(0242) 2250514/5, (0242) 2252357 (0242) 2252957/9 www.robertroot.com

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H&SGARDENFEATURE

A little bit

of Paradise

IN THE HEART OF ZIMBABWE TEXT miCHaEl NoTT & PHOTOGRAPHS TrUST mUlTimEDia CENTEr

STERN RINASHE AND HIS CHARMING WIFE EMMAH MAKURIRA-RINASHE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL HOME AND GARDEN WITHIN THE GOLDEN ACRES PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY OF KWEKWE, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF ZIMBABWE.

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heir stand is 5,600 sqm which they have lovingly cared for and developed since they first acquired the stand in 2006. Their property borders Triangle Farm and Msasa Park so it’s very tranquil and peaceful and they’re blessed with having lots of indigenous trees, grassland and unspoilt wilderness surrounding them. It’s a haven for birds and wildlife as well as being a great place for visitors to enjoy Zimbabwe’s unique environment.

The plot already had loads of Mupfuti and Msasa trees, both well established and new younger saplings, but unfortunately some of the bigger trees had to be removed as they were too close to the house or the boundary walls. Work on the garden started in 2008 but sadly, while the owners were away for a few years, a lot of the plants were neglected in their absence. When they returned in 2012 most of the plants had to be replaced so the majority of the garden is really only about 7 years old.

In just a few years they’ve managed to create an amazing garden with lush tropical areas, water features, plenty of outdoor entertaining spaces and a huge variety of palm trees. They’ve also selected aloes, cacti, succulents and other waterwise plants to create their own little bit of paradise. Just a few of the palm trees which they have nurtured and cared for include King

H&SGARDENFEATURE

H&SGARDENFEATURE

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HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

and Queen Palms, Cuban Royal Palms with their distinctive cigar shaped trunks, Traveller Palms, both Fan Leafed and Fish Tail Palms, Miniature Date Palms, Ponytail Palms, Chamaedorea and a rather unusual Jelly Palm. The couple love travelling and have sourced most of the palms from Chiredzi and Triangle. They’ve even brought in a Coconut Palm from Tanzania and other palms from Zambia which they acquired on their travels. Local bird life loves the palm trees and the yellow weaver birds feel quite at home building their nests among the palm fronds.

Although they are lucky to receive council water for their garden they also have a borehole to supplement the garden’s water needs. They have also chosen a selection of pots, baskets and containers that are easy to maintain and keep well watered. In fact Emmah is such a keen and passionate garden enthusiast that she’s

set a nursery supplying flowering plants, trees – mostly palms that she germinates – as well as a selection of beautiful locally made Gwaai pots. The nursery also helps to support the continuing development of the garden which seems like it will be an on-going project for many years to come.The very nature of gardens is that they are always changing and growing while some plants thrive and others need to be replaced or re-thought.

There are a number of different outdoor ‘rooms’ set up within the garden for the owners and their guests to enjoy. Stern and Emmah have a large circle of friends and family which they love to host and entertain so the garden works like an extension to their indoor living spaces. Kwekwe tends to be quite warm so outdoor living is ideal for the climate and the environment. Besides, Zimbabweans love the outdoor life and our climate is perfect for

H&SGARDENFEATURE

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enjoying what nature has to offer.

There’s a thatched gazebo at the back of the house which is an ideal quiet spot to hide away from the day to day stress of modern living. It’s perfect for a sundowner or a cocktail to relax after a hard day. The gazebo has a fridge as well as DStv access so it’s really comfortable and inviting. The thatched gazebo also has a fantastic view of the balancing rocks feature which they created by bringing in boulders from the nearby wilderness. A truly Zimbabwean feature.

There’s also a tiled area next to one of the water features which takes advantage of the cool shade provided by the surrounding trees.

In addition there’s a circular fire pit with seating all round for bigger groups to get together and enjoy the company. And there’s a smaller tented seating area which is great for afternoon tea and cake. The variety of outdoor seating options means people can move around the

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garden during the day either following the sun or seeking out the cooler shady spots. There are also braai facilities and a circular fire pit for guests to enjoy.

With their seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm for treating people to their little piece of Paradise Emmah and Stern have also set up facilities for guests wanting to stay a bit longer. Under the name of Palm and Rose Gardens they have two listings on Airbnb with different options for clients. The main option is a full four bedroomed house suitable for up to eight guests and there’s another option of a smaller bedsit with facilities for two people to enjoy. Both choices allow full access to the garden and entertainment facilities. Breakfast and dinner can be provided through consultations with Emmah who is also a great cook! Prices are extremely reasonable. Events and small parties can also be hosted. H&S

Owner: Emmah Makurira

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H&SHEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY

CAN WHAT I EAT really boost my energy mood and outlook on life?

TEXT laUra mUSSEll & PHOTOGRAPHS VarioUS & ©laUra mUSSEll

DO YOU WANT TO FEEL ALIVE AGAIN? IF YOU’RE FEELING ExHAUSTED, DEMOTIVATED OR OVERWHELMED AND WOULD LOVE TO FEEL HAPPIER, MORE ENERGETIC AND OPTIMISTIC AGAIN THEN IMPLEMENTING THESE NUTRITIONISTS SECRETS CAN MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A NEW PERSON.

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hat you eat affects how you feel Poor dietary choices can set you on the Blood Sugar Roller Coaster as shown by the red line in this diagram. When your blood sugar peaks you may feel a brief moment of pleasure and spike in energy, but when it drops too low you feel tired, irritable and crave sugary foods, carbohydrates, caffeine or cigarettes. Your mental acuity and tolerance for people and circumstances may also drop. This suggests you are feeling the effects of poorly controlled blood sugar and a release of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.

If you want to feel better and improve blood sugar control so it’s more like the green wave in the graph, then reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks, refined carbohydrates and stimulants and start giving your body the fuel and nutrition that it really needs. Once the nutrient value of your meals improves you’ll have less cravings, feel less hungry and cope better with stress because your body will be nutritionally satisfied and your blood sugar will be stable. A mood and energy-friendly meal or snack should include a healthy, lean protein or healthy fat with some non-starchy vegetables.

Healthy Fats Fats are so important that 60% of our brain is made up of it! Conventional anti-depressants don’t address the underlying cause of depression but eating a balanced diet that includes healthy fats can restore the balance you need. In fact Omega 3 fats have been shown in studies to be more effective than anti-depressants.

Healthy fats include olive oil, coconut oil, macadamia oil, avocado, oily fish, nuts and seeds.

Omega 3 sources include oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, kapenta, trout, bream, anchovies, sardines and also flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts.

Natural Mood lifters Tryptophan is needed for your body to make serotonin, the body’s natural anti-depressant.

Tryptophan is found in protein foods, particularly red meat, dairy, nuts, seeds, bananas, oily fish, shellfish, chicken and turkey. Note that oily fish, nuts and seeds contain tryptophan as well as healthy oils so these are a particularly beneficial addition to your eating plan.

Magnesium is a mineral needed to maintain our energy and to help us to be calm and relaxed.

It is quickly depleted in times of busyness, stress or physical exertion so we need to increase our intake during these times. Magnesium is found in nuts and seeds, leafy green vegetables, avocado and baobab fruit pulp.

Hydration.

Dehydration can have a big impact on your energy, mood and long-term health. It is important to optimize your hydration with clean, filtered water, herbal teas and other noncaffeinated, non-sugary drinks. You will know that you are optimally hydrated when your

The Blood Sugar Roller Coaster ©Laura Mussell urine is a pale straw colour.

Helpful Pointers: 1.

Eat a balanced breakfast that includes protein. Skipping breakfast will mean your blood sugar may dip too low and you’ll be tempted to have all the wrong things which will set you off on that blood sugar roller coaster!

2.

Balanced Meals: Focus on having half your meal made up of non-starchy vegetables and ¼ protein. Ideally obtain your carbohydrates from starchy vegetables and fruit.

3.

Listen to your body and learn to recognise the signs. You may only need a small snack between meals if you experience symptoms of low blood sugar.

4.

Fruit is rich in nutrients but can also be high in sugar. It is best to eat the whole fruit in order to benefit from the fibre and water content which slows the sugar release into your blood stream. Limit your intake of dried fruit and fruit juice as the sugars are intensified. I recommend limiting whole fruit to no more

Some Meal Ideas

than two portions a day 5.

Supplements. If your diet is suboptimal then supplement with a good quality Multivitamin and Mineral or B-Complex, Omega 3 and Magnesium Citrate or Glycinate. Personal favourites are super foods like Moringa, Barley grass and Baobab which contain a wide range of bioavailable nutrients.

So in summary eat a wholesome, balanced, low sugar, controlled carbohydrate diet rich in lean protein, healthy fats, a good variety of vegetables and plenty of water to ensure you have lots of energy, an elevated mood and bright outlook on life.

If you have a chronic illness or are on medication, please consult a qualified health practitioner before taking supplements or making changes to your diet and medication.

Laura Mussell Nutritional Therapist www.lauramussell.life Facebook page ‘Laura Mussell Nutrition’ 0777073586 H&S

Breakfast

Scrambled eggs, tomatoes and avocado

Morning Snack

35g biltong

Lunch

Fresh fish and vegetables

Afternoon Snack

A few apple slices dipped in peanut butter (1tbsp) Roast chicken with three portions of steamed vegetables

Dinner

Jungle oats porridge with a dollop of cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon and mixed seeds A small handful of fresh berries and about five almonds Beef stew with a small handful of brown or basmati rice and leafy greens Raw vegetable crudités (sticks) with hummus, guacamole or nut butter Lentil stew and salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar

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H&SFOOD

LOAD SHEDDING inspired recipes TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHS Carl joSHUa NCUBE

I LOVE BEING BACK HOME. YOU KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE WHEN YOU ARE BACK IN ZIMBABWE - WAKING UP TO THE SOUND OF THE BIRDS CHIRPING IN THE MORNING, THE WIND RUSTLING THROUGH THE TREES AND THE 5KVA GENERATORS STARTING UP. YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT KIND OF DAY YOU ARE ABOUT TO HAVE.

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hen, because I am a public personality and I have to look out for my image, I can’t be seen putting water to bath on a fire, so I normally recommend for those image conscious people that you may need to put a piece of meat on the fire to pretend you are having a braai. If anyone asks what the water is for just quickly say, “Marinade mdhara, marinade”.

Even for those ladies that want to take the famous Zimbabwean bucket bath you may want to put out some scented candles in the bathroom (not for the scent but to provide light) then add some Radox foam bath to your bucket to make your bath time that much more luxurious. Ok, now that I have given you these tips for free I should hasten to share with you a recipe inspired by our major sponsors on the Carl Can Cook franchise who are none other than ZESA Holdings.

When our elders came up with the expression “Chisi chako masimba mashoma” (loosely

translated, ZESA has all the power and you don’t) they didn’t realize that the public would lose the will to exercise their culinary skills because they had become too dependent on electricity, but not to worry, we can also go traditional and enjoy cooking on a fire using the old fashioned three legged pot.

My mother lives on an amazing property in Chisipite. She rears chickens has an incredible vegetable garden (yes, she sells to the public).

There’s a herb garden, guinea fowls, rabbits and every other thing that would go well with her selection of three legged pots.

I always find that using firewood makes the cooking process more exciting, although I must say that the smoke always seems to follow me whichever side of the pot I decide to stand at.

Yes I know the superstition says that if you are followed by smoke you have been bewitched… what a nasty thing to say to a stand-up comedian!

I know that when I finally buy my own property I will have a ZESA inspired cooking area so I have not only a braai stand but also a wood stove or one of those Dover stoves from the

pre-Independence era.

So here’s a list of things you are going to need to get your kitchen area going. A good supply of roadrunners, some cheap cuts of beef and most importantly a set of three legged pots. I am getting mine and I hope you will too.

Make a fire and place a three legged pot over it.

Wait until its hot (test heat by sprinkling some water on it) and pour in oil. Sweat off some onions until translucent. Add carrots and garlic and mix well for five minutes.

to toast the spices and release their flavour.

Keep stirring as you activate these wonderful aromas. Add the cherry tomatoes and stir for a further 30 minutes until tomatoes are well incorporated.

cordial and allow to simmer.

Make a paste using the curry powder, garam masala and chilli flakes with a bit of water. Add to the pot and mix well. This process will begin

Add the meat and mix well continuing to stir the mixture regularly for 10 minutes. Add your seasoning (salt and pepper) then the orange

Add coriander before serving for extra freshness. Serve with boiled potato or rice.

H&S

SOME IDEAS FOR WHEN ZESA IS GONE Please find below some first aid information on what to do when ZESA doesn’t show up or you haven’t paid your electricity bill.

Some tips on how to season, prepare and look after your outdoor cookware. www. livingthecountr ylife.com/countr y-life/food/ choosing-cast-iron-cookware Some really cool camping suggestions for breakfast, lunch and supper. The recipes are broken up into starter, main course and desert. www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/recipes There are some cool campfire foil recipes that you will enjoy on www.allrecipes.com/recipe/ campfire-foil-packs Some essential information on fires and how to start a fire and be safe www.campfiredude.com

A FIRE BEEF STEW ON Ingredients 500g Beef (get some cheap cuts like short rib, blade etc.)

3 onions roughly chopped 3 carrots chopped 300g cherry tomatoes 5 spring onions, chopped 1 bulb garlic cut in half 1 cup orange cordial 1 handful coriander, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 tablespoon chilli flakes 1 table spoon garam masala 2 litres water

Add water and close the pot for two hours adding more water as needed to keep the meat covered.

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H&SFOOD

Fresh on the

PLATE TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHS rEal FooD

TRIED THESE RECIPES? SEND US A PICTURE: jules@realfoodzim.com AND WE WILL FEATURE IT ON OUR PAGE! 62

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

D RED ONION AN ED APPLE ROAST PORK CHOPS Serves: 2 Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cooking Time: 40 Minutes Level of Difficulty: Medium From the store cupboard 1 tsp coconut oil 2 tbsp butter Salt and pepper to season.

Ingredients 2 pork chops 1 red onion 1 apple 1 small butternut 300g green beans 3 cloves garlic 1 sprig thyme 1.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Grease a baking tray with 1 tsp coconut oil and place the pork chops on the tray. Halve the red onion by slicing down the middle, keeping the top and root attached, then halve again lengthways to make quarters. Cut the apple the same way and scatter the onion and apple quarters around the chops, sprinkling with thyme. Place the tray in the oven to roast for 30 minutes. When the chops have browned on one side turn to allow the other side to brown.

2.

To make the mash, peel the butternut and cut into bite sized cubes. Peel the garlic and place the butternut and garlic into 2 inches boiling water. Cook until soft so the butternut is easily pierced by a knife and ready for mashing.

Top with water if need be. Drain the ingredients and mash together with 2 tbsp butter using the back of a fork, a potato masher or a blender.

Season with salt and pepper. Add a little milk if the mash is too thick and dry.

3.

Top the green beans but leave the tails for decoration. Place a pot on high heat and add 2 cm of boiling water. When boiling, add the beans and steam for 3 – 5 minutes, depending how you like your beans cooked. They retain more nutritional value when they are crunchy.

Drain the beans and set aside for plating.

4.

Remove the chops from the oven and divide together with mash and green beans between plates, seasoning with black pepper.

Make sure to include the apple and onion segments from the pork chop roast as they will be caramelized and will add extra flavour to the dish.

ZUCCHINI RAVIOLI BAKE Serves: 2 Prep Time: 40 Minutes Cooking Time: 45 Minutes Level of Difficulty: Medium From the store cupboard 1 tbsp coconut oil 2 tbsp butter 1 tsp honey Salt and pepper to season.

Ingredients 1 onion 4 tomatoes 1 tsp dried oregano 300g zucchini 1 bunch spinach 4 cloves garlic 100g cottage cheese 1 pack basil 200g cherry tomatoes 50g mozzarella 1.

First make the marinara sauce. Peel and dice the onion and garlic. Peel and dice the large tomatoes. Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a medium pan over medium heat and add the onion. Cook for 5 minutes and then add half of the garlic to cook for a further minute. Add the tomatoes and oregano and simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat. Pour the contents of the saucepan into a blender and blend until smooth. Spread out the marinara sauce across the bottom of a large/medium dish.

2.

Make your zucchini sheets using a vegetable peeler shaving the zucchini lengthways into thin strips, making sure to press a little harder than usual to get a thicker strip. Lay them out on a paper towel lined surface and sprinkle with salt to remove excess liquid. Set aside while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

3.

De-stalk and shred the spinach.

Add the olive oil to a medium sized skillet over

medium low heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted then remove from the pan. Add 2 tbsp butter to the pan with the remaining garlic and cook for a minute or two until fragrant, brown and crunchy - stirring the whole time to keep from burning. Turn off heat and remove the pan so the garlic doesn’t overcook.

4.

Add the spinach and the crunchy garlic to a bowl together with the cottage cheese and chopped basil (set aside a few basil leaves for garnish). Stir to combine.

5.

Preheat the oven to 220 degrees.

Return to your sliced zucchini and blot off the excess moisture. Take 4 strips of zucchini at a time and lay them out on a clean surface. Lay out the first strip vertically. Place the second in the middle at a horizontal angle on top of the first to form a cross. Line the third zucchini strip next to the vertical layer and on top of the horizontal layer leaving no space. Place your final strip alongside the third, horizontally and on top of your third layer to form the base of a flat woven basket. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the spinach mixture in the middle of the zucchini cross. Fold the extended ends of the strips over the spinach mixture (and each other) to create little ‘ravioli’ parcels. Continue with the rest of the zucchini.

6.

Carefully transfer the filled folded zucchini to the roasting dish and place on top of the marinara. Scatter the cherry tomatoes over the top and nestle them in between the ravioli.

Grate the mozzarella over top.

7.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Grill for an extra 2 minutes to blister the tomatoes and brown the mozzarella. Remove the parcels from the tray, divide between plates spooning the marinara and cherry tomatoes over the ravioli, garnish with basil leaves set aside earlier and serve.

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LINYANTI Bush Camp H&STRAVEL

an intimate safari experience TEXT aFriCa BUSH CampS & PHOTOGRAPHS aFriCa BUSH CampS WEBSiTE

LINYANTI BUSH CAMP IS SITUATED ON THE BANKS OF LINYANTI MARSH IN A PRIVATE RESERVE WHICH BORDERS THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF CHOBE IN THE CHOBE ENCLAVE IN BOTSWANA. THE MARSHES ARE THE ONLY WATER SOURCE FOR MILES AROUND AND ATTRACT WATER-ADAPTED AND DESERT-ADAPTED WILDLIFE, PLUS LARGE NUMBERS OF BIRDS.

GAME DRIVE

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comfortable amenities you would expect.

The elevated communal area offers a lounge, bar and dining area with a well- stocked book shelf – a welcome retreat after a day of activities.

Activities on Site Activities available at Linyanti camp are game drives, walking, night drives, mokoro safaris, boating and fishing as well as seasonal helicopter tours. Water activities are available only when water levels permit.

GAME DRIVE Lead by one of our experienced guides, you’ll see magnificent wildlife indigenous to the area.

Your guide will show you the hidden spots best for game viewing and give you an insider’s knowledge.

MOKORO Traditionally, the mokoro was the only form of transport through the waterways. Sail through the rivers and tributaries with our river guides in a dugout canoe made from fiberglass. Savoure those moments of peace, and encounter an incredible variety of wildlife along the way.

SCENIC FLIGHT A half-hour scenic helicopter flight is included when you stay 3 nights or more at Linyanti Bush Camp from April to November. Experience the pristine wilderness from a birds-eye view.

WALKING SAFARIS Awaken your senses and discover all that the bush has to offer on a walking safari.

Accompanied by one of our experienced walking guides, explore the wild for one to two hours. Since your safety is our first priority,

walking safaris are usually conducted when the bush is not too thick Things to Remember When travelling to Botswana INSURANCE Travel insurance is requirement and should be organized prior to departure. This should cover any medical situation such as hospitalization, as well as cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and baggage. When you travel with African Bush Camps, you are automatically covered by our emergency evacuation insurance. This guarantees emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital should you suffer either severe illness or injury. This does not cover the cost of treatment once in hospital and in no way replaces your normal travel insurance.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS • Anyone who has any special medication should take enough supplies to last the visit.

• Yellow fever certificates are required for entry into Southern Africa if you have travelled through the yellow fever belt.

• Please consult your physician before you travel to Africa for advice on precautions against malaria.

• Ticks can be found in Africa’s wilderness areas.

To avoid getting bitten when going on bush walks, guests are advised to take precautions by wearing long trousers, socks and boots. Please note that there is a possibility that tick bites could lead to tick bite fever. Symptoms include fever, headaches and painful, enlarged lymph

inyanti Bush Camp is an intimate 12-bed luxury tented camp on the banks of the Linyanti Marsh, within a Private Concession bordering the western boundary of Chobe in the Chobe Enclave. You will enjoy some of the most spacious and comfortable tented accommodation and beds available today. The bathrooms are private and en-suite, consisting of fixed showers which are housed under the tent and gas-heated, as well as a flush toilet for your convenience.

The camp is perfect for those who seek a personalized experience in a private concession away from the main tourist’s routes. Linyanti is best known for its large populations of Elephant and buffalo that congregate in vast numbers especially during the dry season. Other wildlife encounters include Lion, sable, roan, leopard, wild dog, the rare and elusive sitatunga antelope, red lechwe, hippo and crocodile, as well as other species of plains game. The area also offers spectacular birding all year round.

The area’s relative remoteness makes it a favored wild safari destination and one of the best sought after areas in Northern Botswana.

Stay in one of the six spacious tents that look out over the vast Linyanti landscape and enjoy these view from the comfort of your own outdoor seating area. Styled in traditional safari camp style, with an eclectic scattering of traditional African artefacts, your room comes with all the HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Dec - March, 2020

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glands in the area of the bite. If you experience these symptoms after returning home, please visit your doctor and advise them of the possibility of tick bite fever.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS • Passports are required by all foreign visitors and must be valid for 6 months after the intended length of stay. Please ensure that you have at least 2 consecutive blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport.

Our recommendation is 3 or even 4 blank pages if you are travelling through more than one country. If there are insufficient pages entry could be denied.

• It is imperative to check your visa requirements with the relevant embassies / consulates as it may vary according to your nationality.

• Where visas can be obtained at port of entry, these are payable in US dollars cash in most destinations; we recommend smalldenominations as officials are not in the position to give change.

• Visa payments at various Airports can be made via VISA, MasterCard, Maestro and American Express. Should there be any network issues that affect the systems, guests will be asked to draw the cash at the nearest ATM. It is recommended to obtain visas prior to arrival as there is a likelihood of long queues at all airports.

Compiled by: Infinite Destinations Travel No.1 Kingsmead Road, Borrowdale Harare, Zimbabwe +263 0242 886545/0772754602 sales@infinitetravel.co.zw H&S

African Bush Camps & Home & Styles Magazine

2 Nights For 2 People At Migration Expeditions

INCLUDES: accommodation, all meals, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, game viewing activities per day EXCLUDES: premium drinks, visa fees, flights (international and charter), personal travel insurance, transfers to/from the camp, items of a personal nature and staff gratuities

Valid Until End: 2020

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A’ZAMBEZI RIVER LODGE

H&STRAVEL

a gem waiting to be discovered PHOTOGRAPHS & TEXT aZamBEZi riVEr loDGE : raiNBoW ToUriSm GroUp

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hortly before the mighty Zambezi River thunders over the Victoria Falls, lies a tranquil spot on the riverbank where life takes on a different pace. Here you can experience the river as It really is, under the trees, in harmony with nature. You can feel as refreshed as the resort itself, at the finest location Victoria Falls has to offer.The spirit of the Zambezi awaits at the A’Zambezi River Lodge where luxury and style become one.

A’Zambezi River Lodge is the ideal destination for leisure visitors, bush dinners, incentive group activities & cocktail parties, and is the perfect destination for a memorable wedding in the plush, evergreen hotel gardens overlooking the mighty Zambezi River.

The tranquillity which this hotel offers and its intimate, cosy size with a total of 87 ensuite rooms, is the perfect setting for executive strategy getaways. With just one conference room that takes up to a maximum of 100 delegates, and ample space for break-away sessions A’Zambezi River Lodge ensures maximum privacy.

Services on offer include an indoor conferencing facility which caters for up to 100 delegates and gardens which are ideal for weddings, breakfast meetings, luncheons, gala dinners and cocktails for up to 400 delegates. It’s scenic location makes A’Zambezi River Lodge the ideal destination for leisure, business or social events, banqueting functions and that unique once in a lifetime memorable wedding experience. In recent years this hotel has become a popular venue for destination weddings.

Guests can look forward to enjoying a unique dining experience in the open air restaurant, the award winning Amulonga, situated at the front

of the hotel with a wraparound deck meters away from the Zambezi River. The Sebastian cocktail bar and lounge (named after the hotel’s “resident” hippo) provides the perfect ending to the day - a world class beverage experience accompanied by stunning views of the mighty Zambezi and the occasional meandering wildlife.

A’Zambezi River Lodge has received the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Certificate of Excellence for exceptional service consistently for the past five years. It has also received recognition form HolidayCheck Germany.

The hotel is situated just 5 minutes’ drive from Victoria Falls town and 20 minutes’ drive from the Victoria Falls airport, which makes its location convenient and easily accessible to the many activities on offer in the resort town. A scheduled complimentary shuttle is available for guests to connect to all the key points in the resort town.

QUICK FACTS • A’Zambezi River Lodge is a 4 Star hotel • The hotel was fully refurbished in 2011 • 87 rooms which comprise of two Luxury King Suites; two Queen suites; 44 double rooms; 35 standard twin rooms; two inter-leading rooms; two standard paraplegic rooms •Indoor conference facility for up to 100 delegates • Two restaurants – Amulonga and Sebastian • Amulonga river deck bar • Heritage Expeditions Africa Tours desk on site Contact: reservations@rtg.co.zw res@rtgrsa@co.zw bookings@heritageexpeditionsafrica.com Website: www.rtgafrica.com; www.heritageexpeditionsafrica.com; www.gatewaystream.com H&S

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Travel and Tours IN THE HEART OF ZIMBABWE TEXT miCHaEl NoTT & PHOTOGRAPHS aNTElopE park

WHEN THINKING ABOUT HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IN ZIMBABWE BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS TEND TO CONCENTRATE ON THE MOST WELL-KNOWN TOURISM HOTSPOTS.

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ictoria Falls is probably the first place that springs to mind for international travellers and for Zimbabweans too.

Other popular places at the northern end of Zimbabwe include Hwange, Kariba and Mana Pools. On the eastern side of the country holiday makers head to the attractions of Nyanga, Bvumba or Chimanimani, or to the Matopos in the south. Very often the warm heart of Zimbabwe is overlooked or forgotten but there are fantastic vacation spots to visit and loads to see and do. Also, because it’s a little off the beaten track, the best places are not overcrowded during the holiday season.

Gweru and surrounds Gweru, the capital of the Midlands province, is a charming old historic town situated almost in the geographical centre of Zimbabwe. The area was originally known to the indigenous Ndebele as “The Steep Place” because of the steep banks of the Gweru River.

Its situation makes it a great stopover on the way to almost any part of the country but it’s worth spending a little more time there to soak up some of the history and charm of the place.

There are a number of important historical and archaeological sites dating back at least 400 years to the time of the Kalanga Torwa state. The Nalatale and Danangombe ruins are close by and well a worth a visit or a full day of exploring. Much has been done to preserve the ruins but because they are less well known than Great Zimbabwe you’ll find few other visitors there and probably have these spectacular sites to yourself. Pack a lunch and your camera and enjoy!

There are places of more recent historical interest too. The City is full of old colonial buildings dating back to the turn of the century.

The old stock exchange was built in 1902 and the magistrates court in 1905.The Boggie Clock Tower in the centre of the city was built in 1928 and is still a major landmark giving the city its own unique character and personality.

The Gweru Military Museum is one of the best military museums in southern Africa and the Gweru Memorial Library has loads of information about key people and developments in Gweru and Zimbabwean history.

Just outside Gweru, close to Chiundura Communal Land, is White Waters Dam which has a number of facilities and is ideal for camping as well as fishing, canoeing, speed boating and horse riding. Mutorshanga Quarry is a beautiful deep emerald green pool in a stunning location – ideal for a braai and a swim with friends and family. Gwenoro Dam is close by in Shurugwi and it’s also a good spot for camping, fishing and boating. Also in Shurugwi are Danraven and Campervan Falls which are great picnic spots.

Accommodation Midlands Hotel, built in 1927, is in the centre of the City. It has a bar and restaurant as well as laundry facilities but it’s not to everyone’s tastes. The Regency Hotel Fairmile is slightly

H&STRAVEL

H&S Magazine and Antelope Park are GIVING AWAY TWO NIGHTS FULL BOARD IN A RIVER TENT WHICH INCLUDES DINNER AND BREAKFAST for any Lucky reader.

To enter the competition please follow the instructions on the Editor’s Notes (Page 4)

more upmarket and family friendly and has a reasonable restaurant and a pool. There are a number of small, comfortable lodges in the area which offer personalised attention. Among others there’s Bradley Garden Lodge, The Village Lodge, Pamusha Guest Lodge and Eagles Nest Lodges. Check before you go – there are self-catering, bed and breakfast and full board options.

Antelope Park Antelope Park is a very special safari adventure just 10 minutes from Gweru city centre along the well sign posted Vungu Road. It’s perfect for a day trip from Gweru but even better for a longer stay over.

Antelope Park offers a number of different accommodation options to suit any taste and any budget. There are luxury lodges and deluxe river tents and you can enjoy world class safari style meals in their restaurant and drinks at their bar. There are also self-catering or bed and breakfast lodges ranging from intimate and romantic to family or group options. There are comfortable and affordable basic budget rooms as well as camping options in their campsite which has ablutions, multiple plug points and braai facilities and you still book meals at the main dining area if you don’t feel like cooking.

Antelope Park is set in over 3000 acres of

open savannah grassland and is home to a large variety of wildlife, winning World Tourism Awards in 2016, 2017 and 2018. It’s also the home of the world-famous Lion Rehabilitation and Release into the Wild programme, in conjunction with ALERT (African Lion and Environmental Research Trust) and has been the subject of numerous documentary films.

For a totally different holiday experience they have volunteer programmes for locals and ecotourists from around the world to promote their conservation efforts and support the surrounding communities.

To find out more visit their website: antelopepark.co.zw In conclusion While most people wouldn’t consider Gweru a major tourism attraction there’s plenty to see and do in the vicinity. It’s a convenient stop off roughly halfway between Harare and Bulawayo and it’s easy to connect from Gweru to Masvingo (and Great Zimbabwe) or onward to Chipinge. If you’re driving from Harare or Bulawayo to Hwange it’s a great place to take a break. But next time don’t just pass through or spend a night – take the time to explore some of the more unusual attractions that the heart of Zimbabwe has to offer.

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Luxurious from the

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HOMES AND STYLES INTERNATIONAL

Launch at Zimfest TEXT miCHaEl NoTT & PHOTOGRAPHS a.ZEN.proDUCTioNS limiTED

EARLIER THIS YEAR IN AUGUST HOMES AND STYLES MAGAZINE TOOK A BOLD AND UNPRECEDENTED LEAP IN TO THE GLOBAL MARKET WITH THE LAUNCH OF THEIR INTERNATIONAL EDITION AT ZIMFEST 2019. THIS ExCITING EVENT TOOK PLACE AT COLESDALE FARM JUST OUTSIDE LONDON IN THE UK.

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imfest was established in 2001 by a group of Zimbabweans and Zimbabwe fans based in the diaspora. It’s a celebration of all things Zimbabwean including music, food, arts and crafts and our special Zimbabwean culture. The festival draws people from all walks of life from company directors to blue colour workers and embraces all ages, races and political or religious affiliations – just like the population of our amazing country!

The event was a resounding success thanks in part to our generous sponsors and supporters - PG Timbers, Zimtile, Metbank, Nongerai, Willdale Bricks, Zimre Properties, Dumfard Property Developers, Red Kitchens, 263Africa TV and My Africa Magazine. Without our amazing sponsors we wouldn’t have been able to create this exceptional and inspiring event.

Many world class Zimbabwean performers helped make this occasion truly memorable, including Thomas Mapfumo, Winky D, Gemma Griffiths, ExQ, Enzo Ishall and others. Fans were thrilled to be entertained by our home grown talent and visitors were treated to a true taste of our unique Zimbo flavour.

One of the main aims of the launch of the International Edition is to link up Zimbabweans in the diaspora with reputable local suppliers and service providers. Often Zimbabweans outside the country need reliable service providers like plumbers, electricians and a variety of artisans to assist with the maintenance of their rented properties. Some people outside the country are interested in investing in property or developing existing properties. Others are keen to build new homes while they’re outside so that they have a comfortable home to return to.

Homes and Styles seeks to link up developers and service providers with investors to the benefit of all concerned parties. Homes and Styles is popular with local architects, engineers, interior designers, landscapers and all the industries involved in the built environment.

Homes and Styles has an extensive data base of service providers and material suppliers so we can assist people looking for services and retailers to link up directly with the best available options.

The highly successful launch was supported by a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy which positioned Homes and Styles as a unique property and lifestyle publication.

The campaign aimed to increase awareness of our exceptional brand and take advantage of our association with Zimfest. The campaign consisted of paid advertising — online, digital, outdoor, and print advertising, plus related printed material.

The response was fantastic and proves that that our community is growing and is clearly interested in celebrating our architectural, engineering and built heritage – and discovering how good design and the built environment contributes to our society and shapes our lifestyles.

We gave out over 3000 copies of the launch edition, made possible by our brand ambassadors interacting with the public, and distributed various associated items like fliers and corporate gifts from our partners.

We are also excited to inform you that our publication has been embraced by the Zimbabwe Embassy in the UK as they have taken pride in what we are producing and they are an active distributor of our International Edition.

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