This is the entrance to my semi-detached cottage from the garden side in a retirement village in Plettenberg Bay. The front door leads directly into the open plan lounge, kitchen and dining room area.

Sheila’s Homestory…

In addition, several old chairs have been reupholstered multiple times, often with the help of my talented daughter.  Among my favourites is a jug and basin that were rescued from my grandfather’s farm, where they were once used to store poultry feed.  I also treasure an old clock purchased in Grahamstown, which originates from Germany.  Its ticking and loud chimes are reminiscent of Big Ben, adding a sense of timelessness to my home.

Two beautiful old jugs from my late mother are perfect for displaying spring flowers, adding a personal touch to the decor.  I also have a collection of family photos, some of which are over 100 years old, each one a precious reminder of the generations that came before me.   These items, each with its own story, bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia to my home.

Q: Does art play a role in your home interior, if so how and why?

Art in my home consists of two original paintings by Cole bought from my nextdoor neighbour in Grahamstown.  A still life in pencil as well as a painting of a room at the Grahamstown observatory museum both done by my daughter in school days, are pieces of art that are personal and mean a lot to me.  On a recent visit my daughter was inspired by a visit to a local art gallery and did a collage of me seated on the balcony of the Beacon Island hotel.

Many years ago while on holiday with my son on the Isle of Whight I did two brass rubbings, these also have a special place in my home and bring back happy memories.

Q: If you were asked to give someone 3 pieces of advice or 3 tips from your own personal experience for developing their home – what would those be?

• Be open to suggestions, you don’t have to always follow.
• Don’t be afraid to move furniture, pictures, plants etcetera until you are happy.
• Don’t be too affected by what is “In” at the moment.  Be comfortable with things that have personal value.  You can also NEVER have too many built-in-cupboards, even in the garage.

Sheila’s Homemaking History

This is a brief reflection on a nearly 60-year journey through home improvements, a path marked by change, growth, and countless transitions.

As a young wife and mother, determined to enter the property market, I purchased a plot in the newly developed Somerset Heights estate in Grahamstown. With little knowledge but plenty of determination, I built a modest three-bedroom house. Over the years, as finances allowed, I transformed it—adding an extra bedroom, an additional bathroom, a TV lounge, a scullery, a double garage, and even a swimming pool. When my husband and I parted ways, I moved with my three school-age children to a smaller home. Despite running a florist business with my sister, I still found time for renovations, often instructing the builder with my signature phrase: „Kap uit daardie muur!“ (Afrikaans for „Chop out that wall!“).

When I remarried and needed more space, we embarked on yet another major renovation. Then came a move to East London, leaving our children in boarding school and university. It was a difficult transition—long-distance communication was a challenge in a world without cell phones or WhatsApp. After five years and more home improvements, we returned to Grahamstown for two years, then to Port Elizabeth for another two, where only minor updates were needed.

What we thought would be our final move took us back to Grahamstown, where we purchased a block of flats and converted the top floor into a penthouse. At the same time, we bought a „lock-up-and-go“ property in Plettenberg Bay. I also ventured into real estate with a friend, finding joy in working with property and forming lasting friendships with clients. This rewarding chapter continued until retirement loomed, prompting us to sell the business.

As time passed, the stairs in our flat became a concern, leading us to downscale and settle permanently in Plettenberg Bay. Adjusting to a smaller space was challenging, especially with my beloved collection of antiques—I had to be ruthless, keeping only a few treasured pieces. Yet, this move proved to be the right decision. With only minor modifications, our Plettenberg Bay home became the perfect gathering place for family holidays.

After 13 wonderful years, my husband passed away, and I transitioned once again—this time into a larger, newly built house that needed no renovations, except for creating a garden from scratch. But as the years went by, my back began to protest. The combination of aging and being far from family led to the inevitable decision to sell and move to a retirement village where care was readily available.

And so, here I am, in my semi-detached cottage in the retirement village—ready to embrace the next chapter. Grateful for the beauty of my seaside location, and for being able to indulge in my favourite things – playing bridge and bowls, reading, gardening, going for walks on the beach and enjoying the company of dear friends and family as the opportunities present themselves.

Sheila (83) was a part owner of a florist Fleurettes in Grahamstown, ran her own bridal boutique Wedding Belles for 5 years in East London, was the owner of the Real Estate Agency Drostdy Estates in Grahamstown before retiring to Plettenberg Bay. She was a prolific „homemaker“ renovating and transforming a total of 12 private properties over the past 60 years as well as 4 rented business premises.