Some would argue that the bush is at its best outside the midsummer months. And while every season has its upsides, the milder days and beautiful light of winter is hard to argue.
Building on its already extensive appeal, the five-bedroom Morukuru Farm House in Madikwe, one of the much-loved Morukuru Family stable, has recently undergone a major redesign. In addition to an updated identity, the lodge now features a viewing deck overlooking its own waterhole, and a peaceful new spa conceived by owners Ed and Anka Zeeman and situated to look towards the Onverwag Koppies and maximise the beautiful sunsets. This new space lends itself to quiet reflection, sundowners and dinners on the deck and relaxing treatments. Architect Nick Plewman steered these new additions, while Janine Butter from Huis van Middenmeer in the Netherlands was behind the interior transformation (assisted on the ground by Jan Engelbrecht of Andreas Nicolaas Interiors).
Drawing on the abundant inspiration to be found in the surrounding bushveld – the muted green of the shepherd trees, terracotta of the red sand and termite mounds – the new spaces reflect the landscape in palette and materials while offering a more modern interpretation of the existing lodge. The footprint of the last major build in 2010 remains intact, but the spaces were stripped and reimagined with a combination of imported elements (fabric, wallpaper and furniture) and locally sourced statement designs (such as Ardmore Fabrics, a large beaded hanging lamp in the entrance by Mash.T Studio and an artwork by Teboho Makoatsa commissioned especially).
* This article appeared in the July 2023 issue of House & Garden South Africa. To read the full story get your digital copy by clicking here.
Written by Julia Freemantle
