St. Francis Bay | Coastal Living | Home with a view
Back to the roots - Eastern Cape | South Africa
After 30 years of marriage and 13 moves spanning the UK, and various regions of South Africa – Johannesburg, Ballito, and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Ilse and Hilton felt the call to return to their roots in the Eastern Cape. A significant drawing factor was the down-to-earth coastal lifestyle they had grown to cherish from numerous annual family holidays in St Francis Bay. It aligned perfectly with the desire to declutter, simplify, and live more intentionally. The town’s proximity to their daughters in Cape Town was an added blessing.
When they unexpectedly received a cash offer on their Midlands home, they saw it as a clear sign to begin searching for a new home in St Francis.
Ilse and Hilton’s Homestory…
Q: Describe your home in terms of the following functions – as a retreat / place for communication / space to relax / work (home office)
Our dream was simple: a home with a view. Hilton, ever the visionary, had his eye on a ‚fixer-upper‘ — a neglected property with stunning ocean views over St Francis Bay. While it was undeniably a hidden gem at first glance, we saw its potential and knew it could become something special.
Our home has become a peaceful retreat — a quiet, comfortable space that offers room to relax, work, host family and friends, and enjoy the lifestyle we love. It’s both a sanctuary and a gathering place, perfectly positioned for everything we need.
Q: What role does light / lighting play in your home – Natural light / Indirect light / Energy considerations / role of light protection?
Natural light is incredibly important to us. We chose a north-facing home to maximize warmth and light during the wet and windy months. We also added an enclosed patio so we could enjoy the outdoors in any weather. Living off the grid is part of our ethos, so we installed a solar system to power the home sustainably.
Q: Your favourite piece of furniture and why…?
One of our most loved pieces is our tall table with high chairs — a central spot for family meals, braais, and meaningful conversations with friends, all while soaking up the incredible view.
Q: Does art play a role in your home interior, if so how and why?
The artwork in our home holds deep sentimental value. Each piece tells a story — often of our favourite places like the bush or the beach — and many were painted by a dear friend, making them even more meaningful.
Q: The spot(s)/corner(s) that you treasure the most – your current go to space at the moment?
In winter, we gravitate toward a small lounge area by the indoor fireplace — still a work in progress decor-wise, but already a beloved corner. For most of the year, the sun-drenched enclosed patio is our go-to space, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the view.
Q: What does your garden/terrace/balcony mean to you?
Our garden began as a wild, overgrown plot. After removing several truckloads of debris, we were left with a blank canvas. We’ve since landscaped it with indigenous plants that attract birds and blend beautifully with the surroundings. It’s a calming space we now love spending time in.
Q: If you could change one thing about your home, with no budget constraints, what would it be and why?
If budget weren’t a concern, we’d love to add more built-in storage and update all the bathrooms. These remain on the “someday” list, but for now, we appreciate the charm and character of our evolving home.
Q: What has been the biggest learning/lesson from developing/establishing your home?
Our biggest lesson? Always allow more time than you think you’ll need — and keep a buffer for unexpected expenses. Renovating an old home is rewarding, but never without surprises.
Q: What was the bravest thing you did to or changed in your home?
One of the most dramatic changes came unexpectedly: our front entrance collapsed and had to be demolished. Thankfully, no one was injured, and we’re now rebuilding a safer, more welcoming entrance.
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?
From our experience, we offer three key tips:
- Choose your contractor wisely — they’re crucial to the success of your renovation.
- Take it one day at a time — enjoy the transformation and breathe through the curveballs.
- Stay within your budget — invest in the best quality you can afford.
Lifestyle in St Francis Bay
St Francis Bay is a vibrant, active community with endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Hilton loves cycling and surfski paddling, while I enjoy running, Pilates, and golf. We both treasure long beach walks — especially when followed by a great coffee or a sundowner boat cruise through the canals, or being at Sunset Rock with friends and family.
We’re both actively involved in local church and community initiatives, which help us feel rooted and invested in the people and place we now call home.
About us
Hilton (55) is the owner and CEO of BSP Executive Search. I’m Ilse, also 55, an ACMA and Director of Ukuthula Sandplay. We have two wonderful daughters: Rachel (24) and Jessica (22).
