South African architect Joy Brasler, whose work has largely focused on designing the region's premier game lodges, discovered a scruffy, uninspired 1970s era cottage along a quiet stretch of the South Coast ripe for a make-over. 

Facing spectacular views of the Indian Ocean in an idyllic spot of sultry, sub-tropical beauty, it was a no-brainer for the architect who revamped it as a chic family retreat.

Enhancing and highlighting the structure's more interesting features with a fresh, sophisticated transformation, Brasler also retrofitted and designed the layout to emulate a Swiss Army knife: with functional design that can be opened up when needed, and seamlessly folded back again, including custom wall sized metal shutters that retract, extending the living spaces out to the pool terrace. 

The home's interiors are pure luxe modern, with a stylish minimalism and fresh, neutral palette punctuated with locally sourced wood, sea grass, stone and furnishings designed by Brasler and Durban-based artists.

This holiday home in South Africa offers barefoot luxury where you can escape to reset and recharge with the warm Indian Ocean at your feet.

Located along the South Coast an hour outside of Durban, this holiday home in South Africa is the ultimate in understated luxury.

Set on the golden sands of the Indian Ocean, it was adapted and redesigned by South African architect Joy Brasler from an unremarkable bungalow into a chic beach retreat. 

The L-shaped home features a living area that faces the pool and ocean views off of the chefs kitchen and dining area, with oversize shutters and windows that open the home to the sea.

The whitewashed interiors capture the breezy beach vibe with contrasting wood floors, sea grass walls and stylish custom designed furnishings and decor. There are four bedrooms including a completely separate guest house for two, and a kids' bunk room.  Sleek and stylish, it's also casual, warm and inviting. 

The outside spaces are designed for relaxing and lounging by the pool, where you can fire up the barbecue, dine al fresco and soak in the incredible sunrise over the ocean.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Cable TV with DVD player, CD player, kitchen and bath amenities, laundry facilities, climate control, beach essentials including: umbrellas and snorkeling gear, private parking. 

AROUND

The small, former port town of Umkomaas on the South Coast in KwaZulu-Natalis sits along a lush, sub-tropical stretch of Indian Ocean coastline an hour south of Durban. 

Set beside the mouth of the Mkhomazi River, the area is largely undisturbed by mass development or tourism but boasts long stretches of golden sand beaches like Widenham, just a 10-minute walk from the house, Scottburgh Beach and the blue flag beaches at Umzumbe and South Port.

A prominent diving destination, boats depart regularly from Umkoomas for Aliwal Shoal, one of the top ten dive sites in the world, where you'll find a vast and colorful eco-system of marine life. The south coast is also home to the continent's world-class surf breaks including Clansthal Green Point, Umtentweni, St. Mike's, South Port and Margate.

Backed by the Empisini Nature Reserve, there are miles of inland forest bush walks to explore nearby and the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve 90 minutes south is home to ancient forests, wildlife and waterfalls with natural pools.  The historical town of Pennington is 30 minutes south with lovely beaches and the Umdoni Park and wildlife sanctuary.

The cosmopolitan city of Durban has undergone a bit of a renaissance since hosting the World Cup, with it's vibrant waterfront and markets and colorful mix of colonial, African and Indian cultural influences.

LOCATION

Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport, Durban (81km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The dry season is in the summer months between November and February, with whale watching between July and November.