Lois Kuhle enjoys the spectacular view from this unique roof garden
The first time I met George and Steph James was over a lazy glass of wine one Sunday afternoon at the Umhlanga Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club (which I have to add is a brilliant place for breakfast, lunch or sundowner!). They seemed to be part of the furniture and well established Umhlanga residents, despite their obvious English accents!
“We moved to Umhlanga permanently from Johannesburg eight years ago – to get away from our seven children,” confessed Steph with a naughty glint in her eye. The children (all adults) are a “his and hers” collection and are now spread out between Cape Town, Jo’burg and Australia.
Three years ago they bought into an apartment complex with spectacular views of the Umhlanga skyline.
“You have to come and see my rooftop garden,” was Steph’s invitation. And I’m so glad we did. This is apartment living with all the benefits of suburban life, but with the added advantage of stunning views of the ocean. Plus you don’t have to mow the lawn (it’s Astroturf).
“I’ve always been passionate about gardening,” said Steph “and I wanted a place with a huge balcony and no stairs.” She has forgiven the stairs as they are a necessity to get to the garden, but they’re a small price to pay.
Dramatic pieces of driftwood gathered from the spring tide in 2007 are key elements in strategically placed landscaping features. Large clay pots add extra height. The area is expansive and oh-so-conducive to fun entertaining.
Inside the apartment is an eclectic blend of antique, contemporary and African furnishings, richly coloured curtains and Persian carpets.
“I was a member of the Royal Dalton Society and had a collection of more than 200 pieces, which I had to sell because of space issues,” said Steph regretfully. George feels that the place is already too full and can’t understand why Steph continues to buy new things.
Still so much to learn about women, George!
“In fact I wanted to put garden gnomes upstairs,” giggled Steph, “but I have lost that battle.” Upon closer inspection I see there is a delicate touch added by Steph with butterflies, fairies and angels subtly placed in all the rooms.
“I’m a bit of a Peter Pan – I’ve never really grown up,” she confessed.
Bold paintings by Isabel le Roux bring an added lift into the lounge. In contrast, Steph also has a collection of exquisite etchings of the Welsh countryside done by her grandmother Lilian Carter, in 1899.
“We rarely feel like going away,” said George. “ This is already like being on holiday.”
They’ve certainly created a little piece of heaven here in Umhlanga.