Die Stalle by Meyer & Associates
Bosjesman’s Farm is one of the Western Cape’s ever-expanding delights, found amidst the hills of the Breede River Valley north of Worcester. Established in 1790, the original complex comprises a trio of buildings: the Herehuis (manor house), Schuur (barn), and Stalle (stables). They stand along a contour forming a hierarchical line addressing the valley, their façades holding stories of generations past.
After completing the farm’s Botha’s Halte School, Meyer & Associates were entrusted with expanding the wonder of the location throughout the valley with Bosjes Guesthouse. Die Stalle spa (the latest addition), which is weaved into the confines of the original stables, was extended with the utmost importance placed on the protection of its original exterior. The initial phase of the Bosjes spa development, undertaken between 2019 and 2020, centred on preserving the farmstead’s historical essence. The external structure, built with time-worn stone and mud-brick masonry, remained untouched, forming a protective shell for the modern interior. This careful preservation ensured the integrity of the Cape Dutch architectural style, celebrated through elements such as timber stable doors, rough plasterwork, and small aperture windows. A reconstructed water trough serves as a subtle yet distinct reminder of the building’s former equestrian occupants.
Extending the spa
From 2022 to 2023, Die Stalle embarked on its next phase, seamlessly integrating with the evolving guesthouse complex. A central circulatory spine, pivotal to the complex, meanders through the heart of the project, connecting guest rooms housed in the historic Schuur building and culminating at the entrance to the expanded spa. The architectural and interior themes established in the first phase reemerge in the new wing, where white plastered walls and a parapet roof echo the original building’s lowslung form, ensuring continuity throughout.
Passages with low, flat roofs connect the various spaces, distinguished by sleek glass curtain walls bridging the old and new structures. A distinctive klompie-clad vault marks the entrance to the reception area, while klompie brick tile floors add rustic charm to connecting passages. Liam Mooney Studio masterfully orchestrated the interior, which houses six intimate treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, modernised rasul chamber, and a hydro pool. Soft lighting creates a warm ambiance, complemented by generous plaster cornices adding a touch of elegance. Basketweave floor tiling provides a grounding element, while brass ironmongery and sanitaryware contribute an understated sophistication.
Serenity designed
Located at the southern end of the spa’s new wing is an intimate outdoor space, enveloped by imposing stone-clad and off-shutter concrete walls. Designed for refuge, the room offers respite amidst breathtaking mountain vistas on the eastern side and the tranquil pool on the western edge. Stepping through timber shutters, guests are welcomed into the newly crafted garden by Franchesa Watson. Franchesca’s network of pathways winds through lush greenery, revealing secluded seating areas and two serene ponds bordered by thickly vegetated berms. These ponds, strategically positioned, serve as a natural barrier, shielding the spa and garden from adjacent farm activities.
In this thoughtful fusion of old and new, Die Stalle honours the sustainability of heritage preservation in the built environment. It’s a place where history breathes easy, where modern comforts nestle within ancient walls, and where the landscape itself becomes part of a personal healing journey.
Photography by Paris Brummer & Claire Gunn.
This article is an extract from our August Issue. Read the full issue here.
