with the peace and quiet of Rosendal in the Free State 15 years ago. Even after
relocating to the Netherlands in 2008, he would return at least once a year. And soon
after he met his husband Boyd Raimond, a Dutchman, Godfrey introduced him to this
piece of heaven. Boyd felt an instant connection with the small town and the two of
them decided to make this their second home; they spend at least three months of the
year here to be close to Godfrey’s family and friends.
Building work commenced on a plot close to a dam and Berg Maria in 2016.
“Initially, we thought of using shipping containers,” explains Boyd. “But that proved to
be more expensive and challenging than we thought.”
Godfrey adds: “We first heard about modular light-gauge steel-frame homes (see
box on page 43) in Rosendal; there are two other houses here that have been built
using this construction method and they have a similar appearance to shipping
containers. Taking into consideration our remote location (which makes it difficult to
get building materials and required equipment on site timeously), the slope of the site
and the clay soil that results from proximity to the dam, we decided that using this
construction method would be the best way to achieve what we had in mind.Godfrey
Hill first
fell in love
The polished concrete look
of the floor was created
using Smooth ’n Patch by
Technical Finishes.The couple’s vision was to build a house where they can
entertain and accommodate guests. “While we share the
kitchen and living areas with visitors, there’s a separate guest
suite so everyone can enjoy some privacy,” says Godfrey.
This playful light from
the Netherlands (left)
turns on when you open
the ‘book’.