R15 upliftment R10 donated in aid of PERIWINKLE CHARITY & youth initiative. the house planner ISSUE 3 2013
another House Planner The House Planner on-the-hill, a Building & Decor showroom offering Inspiration, Finishes, Decor & Costings... No 14 Irvine Street in the design area of Port Elizabeth, Richmond Hill is our new showroom & in-house CREMA Espresso Bar an extension of The House Planner Headquarters based in Kenton-on-Sea. Collaborate & Inspire his issue is dedicated to my dear friends Donna Andre from Baton Rouge, Jackie Aylett, my chatterbox friend, and Jillie Hunter from Urban & Safari. Life is beautiful with you guys around me... I travelled from Florence to Rome with Donna and discovered mind-boggling & beautiful Architecture. I share some images of this on page 8&9. We know squat compared to the Past Masters...! Jackie put her beautiful nose up in the air & travelled to Paris she hugely entertains us on page 20&21. Jillie Hunter safaried all over the Karoo, having massages, etcetera... that made us green with envy! Collaborate & Inspire this is what we love to do. We ve recently sprinkled a bit of this House Planner Magic in PE at our newly opened branch in Richmond Hill... As usual, this Issue has been put together with loads of sweat, laughter & heart! We feature a few of the fantastic & inspiring products we have discovered this year all available at The House Planner, of course! Feel inspired... If not, our delicious coffee, decadent Belgian choc brownies & marvellous view should do the trick...! Warm wishes, Pollos Purdon this is what we love to do contents 06 Storyboard Architectural Design Stretford Space Wins Inspiration from Italy Finishes Coastal Setback Lines STAGE 2 SUPERSTUCTURE 12 Contractors Bricks Aluminium Windows & Doors Trusses Building Materials STAGE 3 LIFESTYLE 16 Fabrics Décor Rugs Gorgeous Gifts Paris Unplugged by Jackie Aylett Patio Style Urban & Safari 14 Irvine Street, Richmond Hill 041 582 5020 facebook.com/cremaonthehill Proudly serving artisan roasted coffees from Homeground Coffee Roasters www.homeground.co.za Facebook.com/HomegroundZA 42 Kenton Road, Kenton on Sea 046 648 3408 14 Irvine Street, Richmondhill 041 582 1560 studio@houseplanner.co.za www.houseplanner.co.za POLLOS PURDON 082 373 6635 pollos@houseplanner.co.za design & layout: www.mydrawingroom.co.za
04 082 691 1505 073 827 9793 rudi@velisa.co.za 082 373 6635 pollos@houseplanner.co.za
06 07 Crankshaw Marble & Granite Works Introducing Damara In addition to a wide variety of locally manufactured vinyl sheeting and tiles, FloorworX distributes a comprehensive range of International resilient floor coverings, wood laminates, engineered wood floors and wood floor care products and equipment. With sleek flowing lines, Damara adds sophistication to any home. Inspired by a range of taps and mixers designed exclusively by Cobra for the One & Only Hotel, Damara is the epitome of luxury stretford space wins! Tel: 0861 21 21 21 E-mail:marketing@cobrawatertech.co.za Website:www.cobra.co.za We at stretford space are very proud to have been voted as the winners in the Classic Luxury category in the annual Caesarstone and House & Leisure competition. Top Carpets is South Africa s only national flooring group. We are intent on growing our visibility in the market place both in the high street and on the internet. We have relationships with international buying groups to ensure the adoption of international best practice and that we keep abreast of new trends and developments. Tel: 044 382 7825 Fax: 044 382 7845 www.facebook.com/tilehouseknysna porcelain ceramic natural stone mosaic's bathroom accessories vinyl flooring We incorporated design elements reminiscent of a country farmhouse kitchen while maintaining the highest standards of functionality. The simple lines of the cabinetry and the beautiful old-world light fittings over the seating area hearken back to spaces of yesteryear. We cleverly included modern design elements and appliances to make this kitchen a luxurious, classic and functional space. The Alaska Caesarstone tops work beautifully as a contrasting accent to the rustic flagstone flooring, whilst the solid oak timber elements tie the kitchen beautifully to our clients existing furniture. The kitchen showcases our diverse range of design capabilities which allows us to create designs that will suit any space or client brief. port elizabeth: +27 (0) 41 373 3189 east london: +27 (0) 43 722 3553 web: www.stretfordholdings.com stretford space design create live German Engineered and Manufactured Garage Doors now available in South Africa from ON VIEW AT THE HOUSE PLANNER
08 Duomô in Florence by Brunelleschi found in crypt below Duomô storm water solution in the Duomô! 09 Donna in the Duomô The beautiful Duomô of Orvieto The Pantheon in Rome showing the most awesome Architectural detail dated 308AD! exquisite mosaic work Vatican! Part of the beautiful Forum in Rome... The very famous Cafe Gilli in Florence Unbelievable detail & workmanship found in Ancient Ostio What a great life! Contemporary Art in Florence Diocletian Baths in Rome now housing a Contemporary Art Gallery - I could spend hours here The famous Ponte Vecchio in Florence where I bought my very expensive gold earrings! Very clever Central Heating in Ancient Ostio Ingenious Latrines in Ancient Ostio Unbelievable detailed Architectural Model dated from Michelangelo s time Inspiration from Italy So beautiful, so simple Entrance to hotel in Florence ON VIEW AT THE HOUSE PLANNER
10 11 Timber Plywood Decking Oak, Ash, Maple, Cherry, Beech, Walnut, Kiaat, Rosewood, Teak, Iroko, Mahogany, Balau, Oregon Pine, Saligna Meranti Melamine Boards Supawood / Mdf Marine Ply, Exterior Ply, Shutterply Etc. Balau, Garapa, Tigerwood, Pine Sonae s Full Range Available 3Mm 30Mm Staircases Balustrading Components Veneered Boards Ash, Cherry, Maple, Crown Mahogany, Okoume, Sapele, White Oak, Walnut Kiaat, Rosewood, Pine T : +27 41 451 0605 F : +27 41 451 0606 www.ifatimber.co.za 4 Kwaford Road, Struandale, Port Elizabeth NOTICE : WE ARE MOVING TO OUR NEW PREMISES, 79 GRAHAMSTOWN ROAD, NORTH END, ON 1 FEBRUARY 2014. (DETAILS TO FOLLOW) Cnr of 5th Ave and Union Road Walmer 6070 Port Elizabeth c: 083 355 1688 e: Guss@sublimeglass.co.za t: 041 581 2526 f: 086 562 4452 www.sublimeglass.co.za Eco Friendly Combustion Fireplaces (free standing or insert) Pizza ovens and Pit fires Custom Wood Designs Call Cindy on 082 998 2220 Marius on 082 999 2220 info@cosihome.co.za www.cosihome.co.za
12 Coastal Setback Lines in Ndlambe Compiled by Herbert K. Kuhlmann Location, location, location has always been the priority when considering investing in property. This famous saying has been dealt a blow if you dream about buying property on the shore line or on the river. If you want to develop, it is irrelevant if you buy in an old established area or relatively new development, it is of no benefit if you buy an empty plot or a Golden Oldie; if you want to be on the water, here is something to consider when choosing your dream location.. If your property is situated within 100m from any seashore, tidal river or estuary, your property is affected and notice needs to be taken of the following: In August 2010, new EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) regulations were promulgated under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (NEMA: ICMA) Act No. 107 of 1998. Amended EIA regulations (GN 543) and three sets of NEMA listed activities were published on the 8th June 2010 and came into effect on the 2nd August 2010. The purpose of these regulations and listings is to identify construction activity that would require environmental authorization before commencement of any such activity. These regulations force us to be pro-active and protect this beautiful coastline, since history has shown us that it is far more costly and time consuming to try and rehabilitate that which we have neglected or chosen not to preserve. Let me explain the three Listings in short: Listing Notice 1 (GN R544 of 18 June 2010); this listing deals with activities that require a basic assessment. These include any activity that could potentially have a negative impact on the environment, but due to the type of activity and the scale thereof, the impact can be calculated and quantified. Most Location, location, location has always been THE priority when considering investing in property. uncertainty can be defined and risk is minimized, the impact is identified and therefore does not require a full scoping and EIA process. Listing Notice 2 (GN R545 of 18 June 2010); this listing deals with activities that require a full scoping Report and an Environmental Impact Assessment report. Due to the scale and the nature of this activity, the potential impact is high and the full extent needs to be assessed through a full scoping report as well as a detailed Environmental Impact Report. Listing Notice 3 (GN 546 of 18 June 2010); this listing deals with activities that require a basic assessment because of the geographical area it falls within. These geographical areas are individually identified by the different Provinces. Any typical residential development planned for a property that falls within this 100m, measured horizontally from the High Water Mark of the sea, tidal river or estuary, could, under Listing Notice 1, trigger activities 11, 14, 16, 18 and 45. This means that you could be affected: a) If you intend on adding on to your existing property with more than 50sqm, you are affected. b) Constructing a new Residence within the 100m, will trigger activity listings, c) When infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic meters (activity 18). This 100m line is called the set back line and is the boundary that indicates the limit of development activity along ecologically sensitive and vulnerable areas. This control and prevent the insensitive and in-appropriate development; keeping our shoreline aesthetically beautiful and at the same time protecting us. Of this we are all in favour, but these setback lines have to be realistic. And this is where the grey area arises, what seems reasonable to one party is not necessarily reasonable to the other. Let s look at the following two scenarios: Scenario 1: If a developer should buy property on the coastline and wants to rezone from agricultural to residential to establish a new suburb, we find it reasonable that this development is subject to an EIA. Scenario 2: is the resident that has been staying in his riverfront house in an established area for the past 20 years. He wants to revamp his house and as part of the plans are to add a new Main Bedroom, Garages and a carport for the boat. All properties around him have been upgraded in the past 10 years and all gardens are established with bushes, creepers and lawn that is not indigenous to the area. He now, the same as the developer, is subjected to the Listing Notice because both are within 100m from the water line. The difference being that they could be evaluated under different Listings. The application for both parties will influence cost of the project as well as a possible time delay. These are just some of the concerns that local residents of the Ndlambe area had and they want answers. A meeting was held on the 23rd August 2013, in the Kenton-on-Sea Town hall to address and clarify these new Regulations. The difference between the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Act and the EIA act was explained and that the ICM setback lines do not replace the conditions set by the EIA Regulations, but is supposed to supplement them to prevent unintended consequences. What also needs to be noted is that the old Sea Shore Act of 1935 will be replaced by Section 65 of the ICM Act, which establishes a new national authorisation system. One trusts that the new act will be responsible, reasonable and that the application process will be streamlined. Take note that this is not the Local Municipality that has changed the Town Planning Scheme. All those by-laws still remain. This Act is a National Act and has made an impact in the property market in a short time. From Estate Agents selling this prime property to Architects taking on the work, have to be aware of this and although it is the clients responsibility (by law) to ensure he complies, we still have a professional obligation. Here is a summary of the process you might have to face when applying for permission to build within a setback line: You appoint the consultant to handle the application on your behalf (this is good advice since the forms that need to be completed, have to be done in great detail) After all the necessary information is gathered, Application for Environmental Authorisation form is completed and submitted. This includes proof of advertisements, a notice erected on site, etc. This goes over into preparing a draft of the Basic Assessment Report. This includes Building plans, Site Photo s, and a preliminary Environmental Management Program. This is then submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs. A report is then released to the Public for scrutiny. Please keep in mind that this is not to object to height or view; this is about the impact on the environment. Once all of the rising issues had been dealt with, only then the final report is prepared and submitted to the DEA. An answer of acceptance or rejection will be given within 30 days of receiving the report. Should the answer not be what you hoped for, you could appeal the decision. Is this act really that serious? The answer is definitely YES. Even if you try and ignore it, it is law and action can and will be taken against you. You could be issued with a fine or in extreme cases even jail time, your project halted and you will still be liable to apply for permission. In this case it would not be cheaper to ask for forgiveness than permission. The Local Municipality could revise (adjust) this 100m line, through a Special Development Framework as well as involvement from stakeholders and public participation. The ICM Act empowers the provincial MEC to adopt these revised setback lines and this then would take the pain away from every individual that currently has to go through this costly and timely application process. Let s hope KENTON-ON-SEA from R 1.3 MILLION Kenton-On-Sea Summer Property Portfolio Pam Golding Properties offers a wide selection of property for sale along the Sunshine Coast. The area includes Alexandria, Cannon Rocks, Boknes, Boesmansriviermond, Kenton on Sea and Kasouga. These villages give you the choice of a variety of lifestyles and property investment opportunities, including vacant plots, quaint original holiday cottages and luxurious residences. We also market a number of developments in the area, such as the Kenton Eco Estate, Kariega Heights and Natures Landing. Please contact us for further information on all property related matters at telephone (046) 64 81203 or e mail: kenton@pamgolding.co.za BOESMANSRIVIERMOND R 9.5 MILLION Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 5 WEB ACCESS 1KO1153469 THE ULTIMATE COUNTRY RESIDENCE The residence is situated in the secluded Natures Landing Conservancy on the banks of the Bushmans River. The property offers an array of attractive features. Gillian Fogarty 083 303 7649 BOESMANSRIVIERMOND SELECTION OF FARMS R 4.5 MILLION Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garages 2 WEB ACCESS 1KO1136116 THE RIGHT ADDRESS ON RIVER ROAD! This is a wonderful opportunity to buy into a riverfront lifestyle in old Bushmans Village. A substantial home with generous living areas with sensational river views. Jane Deacon 082 809 3364 BOKNESSTRAND R 3.4 MILLION Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2 WEB ACCESS 1KO1112810 A SPECTACULAR BEACHFRONT HOME - A MUST TO VIEW! A well appointed beachfront home includes underfloor heating, wine cellar, indoor braai, 2 ovens, fireplace, and a sensational panoramic view of the sea from the deck. Tracey Bull 084 654 0654 BOESMANSRIVIERMOND R 2.5 MILLION KENTON-ON-SEA Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2 R 4.8 MILLION WEB ACCESS 1KO1112972 UPMARKET HOME OF DISTINCTION An ultra modern home in Norfolk Ridge with plenty of style, simplicity and quality. This home must be viewed to appreciate the special features & attention to detail. Gillian Fogarty 083 303 7649 KENTON ECO ESTATE from R 350 000 13 STAGE 2 SUPER STRUCTURE Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Carport 1 www.pamgolding.co.za/kariegaheights KARIEGA HEIGHTS BEACH COTTAGE Situated in the popular Kariega Heights development in Kenton on Sea. Choose a plan from a selection of architectural designs and let the developer build your dream home. Farm Land WEB ACCESS 1KO1033272 FARMS AND LIFESTYLE PROPERTY We offer a selection of farms for sale throughout the district including: Coastal farms, Game farms, Dairy and Beef farms, and recreational properties. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garages 2 WEB ACCESS 1KO1149214 MODERN HOME IN OLD BUSHMANS! This charming double storey home has much to offer with large open plan living areas, an enclosed garden and a view of the Bushmans River from the upstairs bedrooms. Vacant Land www.pamgolding.co.za/kentonecoestate SECURE COASTAL LIVING AT ITS BEST Kenton Eco Estate is the Eastern Cape s premier Eco estate and offers first class infrastructure such as waterborne sewerage, paved roads and beach access via boardwalks. Michael Wilmot 082 569 2136 Michael Wilmot 082 569 2136 Bridgit Pote 083 675 7716 Michael Wilmot 082 569 2136 www.pamgolding.co.za/kenton-on-sea ON VIEW AT THE HOUSE PLANNER
14 15 STAGE 2 SUPER STRUCTURE Omega Building RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL OMEGA BUILDING is a general building company whose purpose is to offer a wide diversity of Clients in the Eastern Cape a high level of service excellence for projects encompassing all aspects of our industry. Think STAGE 2 SUPER STRUCTURE We strive not to be the biggest contractor in the region, but the most professional, and to constantly deliver a quality of work of which we can always be proud. Quality... We believe that our staff are our most important asset and dedicate ourselves to uplift them as individuals and encourage growth from within via the availability of training and opportunities for all. We at OMEGA BUILDING are proud of our team and depend on each other to further the company and uphold our good name in the industry and community. Think Established in 2006, we have completed a wide range of projects which vary from minor to multi-million rand contracts. We have completed both private and public sector projects including residential, commercial and industrial works. build we it CM Heunis Every project, regardless of the size or budget is greeted as an opportunity to expand our experience, knowledge and expertise. Our aim is to deliver a direct personal service to our clients, within which quality and cost control are to be balanced in order to enhance value. Our Philosophy Teamwork! Commitment! Pride! Our Scope Blocks of flats, Houses, Braais and Patios... No project to large or too small for this team! Our Area Grahamstown to Kenton-On-Sea coastline and beyond, where ever we are needed... COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL INDUSTRIAL Our Services: Complimentary Consultation, Complimentary estimate, Residential Houses, Commercial Developments, Industrial Buildings, Alterations and Additions, Perimeter Walling Level 2 Contributor Omega Building has built up a reputation of performing high quality work at a fair price and on time over the last 5 years. The company has highly qualified and competent site staff and a solid financial base to enable material to be purchased at the lowest possible price and the saving passed on to our clients. Take comfort from the fact the work will be performed to the highest possible standards with management and financial backing. We have a hands-on management philosophy, a keen team player spirit and we pride ourselves on quality workmanship and the timeous completion of projects. Tel: 041 581 4940 Fax: 086 559 8255 Cell: 082 466 3653 Email: rhutton@omegabuilding.co.za Email: khutton@omegacivils.co.za 3 Caravelle Street, Walmer, Port Elizabeth, 6070 We Build It Contracting Service adheres to all National Building Regulations as well as the necessary Building Associations and Governing Bodies. References are available on request. CM HEUNIS BUILDING CONTRACTORS (COASTAL) CC 046 622 2541 082 573 3386 cmheunis@intekom.co.za
16 17 STAGE 2 SUPER STRUCTURE Renovating or building? We provide: Pricing of Plans Plascon Colour-tinting to your requirement In-store Credit Delivery Service We ve got what you need to get the job done Total roofing solution Bring in your roof plans for a quotation STAGE 2 SUPER STRUCTURE We ve got you covered For all your roofing and roof truss requirements contact: Port Elizabeth Sales Office - 041 484 7773 Email - mbarnard@pennypinchers.co.za Marius Barnards - Sales representative - 071 886 5916 Hennie Engelbrecht - Roof Truss Designer - 082 557 0399 Ronald van Niekerk - Roof Truss Designer - 082 321 4756 Operations Manager - Hennie Engelbrecht 041 484 7773 OuR factory, now in Paterson Road, North End, Port Elizabeth supplies the whole Eastern Cape, Adelaide, Cradock, Graaf-Reinet, Grahamstown, Humansdorp, Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage Where to find us: 46 Bathurst Street, Grahamstown, Tel NO: 046 636 2127 Cnr of Albany and Bathurst Street, Port Alfred, Tel no: 046 624 2308 20 Years Experience in the Roof Truss Industry Best Designers, Excellent Service
18 19 STAGE 3 LIFESTYLE LEADERS IN THE ART OF FRAMING distinctive fabrics, proudly made in South Africa, by South Africans STAGE 3 LIFESTYLE FatSak - possibly the Best Beanbag in the world? FatSak Beanbag the beanbag without the beans. Using the timeless art of weaving, Mungo Design reflects a dynamic fusion of modern and classical influences. We embrace the philosophy of responsibility and fair trade, respecting the natural and social environment. In his introduction to Africanismo, one of Quivertree Publications latest books, co-founder Craig Fraser declares: In South Africa, inspiration is unlimited. This book opens our eyes to the wonderland out there. He could easily be referring to Quivertree itself a boutique publishing company. At pret-a-pot we make high quality contemporary clay planters, serveware and décor accents. Our handmade pots are contemporary, and have a fresh aesthetic designed to accentuate living spaces. our famous baker Jacques Provides us with delicious artisan bread baked in a wood-fired brick oven, using simple quality ingredients. Breads include Vermont Sourdough, 30% Rye, 100% Rye, Ciabatta, Baguette and many more. from a bygone era to the sophistication of modern living ON VIEW AT THE HOUSE PLANNER
Convention decrees that you join the perfect red pout and getting much 20 21 ridiculously long queue outside the Louis enjoyment from admiring a pretty black STAGE 3 LIFESTYLE Grand PARIS UNPLUGGED MAKE THE CITY OF LIGHTS YOUR OWN BY DITCHING THE COLLECTIVE MINDSET By Jackie Aylett Paris, the third most visited city in the world, evokes a sigh of longing for the type of experiences beckoning the visitor. For centuries, this magical city has captured the imagination of men and women alike, with its alluring blend of history, art, culture, architecture, fashion, style, food, wine, romance and countless secrets there for the finding. Dare to lose yourself in its seductive embrace to discover your own truly unique Paris. In the 1950s and 1960s, there was an art movement in France, known as Situational International, which strongly believed in the idea of drifting through a city to gain a better sense of personal and political liberty, thereby unfolding secret and hidden meanings in the traversed urban landscape. Even today the idea remains intriguing, encouraging the traveller to get to know a city instinctively sans map or tourist guide. Ignore conventions imposed by collective behaviour propagated by the media, travel guides and the opinion of others; rather choose to free fall into the city experience. Be forewarned though, to go unplugged, you ll need an open mind, a sense of adventure, no expectations, a willingness not to have a clue where you are, and to dress the part! Look like a tourist and you ll act like a tourist. Drift through the city with a distinctive je ne sais quoi and your inner Parisian will blossom! Vuitton shop in Paris, only then to be allowed entry so that you can part with an obscene amount of money for a plastic handbag owned by every other woman back home, in either fake or original (it s becoming harder to tell). Choose, instead, to drift through the city and chance upon vintage boutiques that are hidden like gems throughout Paris. Amongst my own personal finds have been vintage Louis Vuitton, John Galliano (yes the one fired by Christian Dior) and Prada. Galliano s first assignment as Creative Director of Dior was to create a gown for Diana, Princess of Wales, to wear to the 1996 Met Ball in New York. Axed by the fashion house in 2011 following an anti-semitic tirade in a Paris bar, Galliano retreated into rehab to cure his alcohol and pill addictions, influences he blamed for his appalling behaviour. It was in June this year that I spotted a beautiful Galliano cocktail number, hanging forlornly on a Paris vintage rack, swing tag still attached. It was a match made in heaven and said dress and I happily left the shop together. That same month, Vanity Fair predicted a Galliano comeback when he was offered a 3 week design residency by Oscar de la Renta, supposedly orchestrated by Anna Wintour, Vogue editor. Then followed the famous interview with Charlie Rose this past June which has inspired a puppet show that will play at the Silencio on December 10 before the puppets go on to the London College of Fashion next February. Silencio is one of Paris most-talked-about nightlife spots and the brainchild of American film director, David Lynch. The Galliano puppet s costume is based on the Napoleon-style outfit that the designer wore for his final bow at his Madame Butterfly Dior couture show in 2007. Galliano features in the December 2013 edition of British Vogue as guest fashion editor, also appearing in a fantastical shoot with Kate Moss inspired by a take on Ballets Russe meets Malcolm McLaren, a former social rebel credited with the initiation of the 1980 s UK punk movement. The Ballets Russe was a travelling ballet company based in Paris that performed in the early 20 th century throughout Europe and the Americas. It would seem then that Galliano has been let in from the cold and my Galliano find has regained its allure. But alas I drift, so now back to the Paris story. Walking along the streets of Opéra, I discovered a great multimedia museum, aptly named Paris Story, offering a 50-minute movie that covers the city s 2000-year history via thousands of archived images and pictures. The movie is set to wonderful classical music and shows the city s origins, architecture and evolving urban landscape. Parisians are a delight to observe and one catches the best moments when you drift into their daily orbit allowing yourself to get carried along. Cafés are an essential part of social life in Paris and offer perfect rest stops whilst walking the streets. One day I was at a café up on the hill in Montmartre and sitting next to me was a woman well into her 80 s. She was exquisitely dressed in black and cream and she happily passed the time by periodically checking her reflection in a compact mirror, touching up an already and white ring on her hand. When done, she gracefully stood up and made her way leisurely along the tree-lined avenue. It was a lovely lesson in Parisian grace and I resolved that I too would be as chic in my 80 s. Paris is adored for its café culture and Parisian cafés have been around for centuries, harking back to the Age of Enlightenment when Paris was a magnet for artists, thinkers and politicians. The new drug in town was coffee and Café Procope, the oldest café in Paris, was serving the fix to the likes of Voltaire (said to consume 40 cups a day), Rousseau, Diderot, Robespierre, Victor Hugo and Oscar Wilde. Jardin les Tuileries lies between The Louvre and the Place de la Concorde and is a public space loved by Parisians. The park is a study in symmetry and its paths a joy to wander along. Here you will see real joie de vivre as Parisians gather to meet, celebrate, promenade, sing and to laze, especially on weekends. Allow plenty of time to amble through the park, the entertainment will be worth it. When recently there, I ventured off the beaten track and came upon Musée de l Orangerie, an art gallery of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings housing Monet s large format water lily series. Built in 1852 to accommodate an orange grove, the Orangerie was used to billet soldiers on leave from the trenches in World War 1. Following the armistice of 1918, Claude Monet was invited to display his work there. The museum is a delight with a wonderfully pleasing sense of scale. It houses a magnificent collection of works by Cézanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, Renoir, Rousseau, Alfred Sisley, Soutine and Maurice Utrillo, among others. The oval second story shrine to Monet s work is exquisitely simple with oval skylights casting an ever-changing perspective on the vast canvases. Despite the traffic moving through this area, the cream thick pile carpet remains immaculate. I wonder what the secret is? There have been many memorable films featuring Paris. Woody Allen s 2011 romantic comedy, Midnight in Paris, was shot solely on location there and features Monet s water lilies. Other perennial favourites shot in Paris are Amelie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Moulin Rouge and Last Tango in Paris. Watch them late at night snuggled up in your hotel room or rented apartment and then walk the scenes from the movie the following day. Ten billion baguettes are sold every year in France and the basic baguette is one of the country s cheapest food staples. In 1993 the French government laid down a decree that the bread of French tradition has to be made exclusively with flour, salt, water and leavening, with no additives. The tradition as it s called is a bit more expensive than the ordinary baguette but accounts for about 75% of the country s bread sales. Wandering down Rue de Cherche-Midi in the 6 th district, I was drawn to Poilâne, the traditional bakery that today produces some of the most famous bread in the world. Forget baguettes, the ancient bread of France is a large, round sourdough and it is here at Poilâne that these boules are baked both for the French and to ship all over the world. At only 19, Apollonia Poilâne had to take over the reins of the family bakery when her parents were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in 2002. At the time she was studying at Harvard. Poilâne has since launched the Cuisine de bar format in both Paris and London, devoted to the open sandwich in which a slice of Poilâne bread is piled with toppings. Simply sublime. Food choices in Paris are too glorious for words. Take to the streets and you ll discover food markets selling fresh produce, flowers, traditional cheeses and more. Rue Montorgueil is just a few blocks away from Les Halles that used to serve as wholesale food market for the whole of Paris. It is a vibrant street as I discovered, wandering around after a treatment at Aux Bains Montorgueil, an authentic Moroccan hammam that enjoys a cult following of French movie stars, international travellers and moi.in Rue Montorgueil seafood purveyors, cheese shops, wine merchants and pâtisseries sit cheek by jowl. The abundant displays outside the flower shops are impossible to resist ah Paris, je t aime. La Maison Stohrer is the oldest existing pâtisserie in Paris where the most magical of French pastries, éclair au chocolat, simply has to be sampled. The delicate choux pastry is filled with sweet, but not too sweet cream, topped with perfectly glossy chocolate icing. Well, it comes close to a religious experience. Thank goodness for Metallicus clothing with its flattering stretch. On Summer Solstice day, Paris hosts an event that is perfect for drifting across any of the 20 arrondissements that are arranged in a clockwise spiral, with the first starting at the centre of the city on the Right Bank of the Seine. Every June 21, La Fete de la Musique takes place, a lively street music festival that is one of the most popular annual events in Paris. International and local musicians perform in bars, restaurants, cafes, music venues, churches, museums, parks and on street corners across the city. The Paris metro is free for that night or one can roam the city streets going from classic to rock to indie to jazz to electronic music. There s no better way to experience authentic Paris culture and to explore the city s arrondissements, bars and cafés. I discovered it by chance and now wouldn t plan a trip around any other date. Book yourself a short stay apartment, set yourself adrift and become a Parisian whilst in Paris. In the meantime, bring some French chic into your life. Enjoy a croissant with homemade jam on weekends, cook with fresh ingredients, expand your creative awareness, find your signature scent, drink good wine and eat excellent cheeses. Oh and for Christmas, ask for a trip to Paris get my drift? Bien sûr. STAGE 3 LIFESTYLE
22 23 STAGE 3 LIFESTYLE Urban & Safari Lifestyle JILLIE HUNTER STAGE 3 LIFESTYLE THE BAG THAT STARTED IT ALL patio style now available at the house planner rolf bryant www.patiostyle.co.za www.houseplanner.co.za ON VIEW AT THE HOUSE PLANNER
DRIVEN BY PEOPLE, POWERED BY TECHNOLOGY PHOTOGRAPHER Judith Doubell www.judithdoubell.co.za YOUR ONE STOP SECURITY SOLUTION State-of-the-art security equipment Integrity honesty reliability Grahamstown 21 New Street 046 636 1660 Kenton-on-Sea 3 KENTON Road 046 648 1032