PROJECT 239

Perched along the southern edge of St Francis Links, The Veranda House is a compact holiday retreat designed to open fully to its surroundings. Set between sweeping golf course views and a natural reserve, the home gently rises with the landscape, allowing every space to frame long, uninterrupted vistas while staying closely tied to nature.

The concept is rooted in one clear idea: the house functions as a veranda. A floating deck connects all rooms, creating a seamless relationship between inside and out beneath a single, expressive roof. Entry is intentionally informal, marked by a curved stair and a double-volume skylight that fills the central living space with light instead of a traditional front door.

Inside, the spaces remain calm, social, and purposeful. The kitchen and fireplace anchor the heart of the home, while a quiet study faces the reserve for extended stays or remote work. Light on the land and quietly unconventional, The Veranda House balances simplicity with layered experience—part sanctuary, part viewing platform, and entirely connected to its setting.

PROJECT DETAILS:

Client – Mr & Mrs Viljoen

Completion date – December 2024
Project type – Private residential

Awards –
2025 SAIA-EC Awards for Architecture Regional Commendation

Photography – HLB Photography

LOCATION

St Francis Links, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

St Francis Links is an exclusive golf and residential estate in St Francis Bay, set among fynbos, rolling dunes and sweeping coastal views. Centred around a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, the estate follows a strict architectural aesthetic that reflects the iconic black-and-white character of the village. With private homes, clubhouse facilities, walking trails, wildlife and a strong sense of community, it offers a lifestyle that balances luxury, tranquillity and outdoor living.