VISI Great Spaces Tour: Maison Noir

IMAGES Jan Ras

The VISI Great Spaces tour of Maison Noir Villa in Hout Bay offered an inspiring insight into a foreigner’s take on South African architecture, design and art.

The tour was hosted by Maison Noir owner Jim Brett, the President of US-based retailer West Elm, in association with Saint-Gobain. Jim, who works with a number of artists and craftspeople from around the world sourcing products for West Elm, fell in love with Cape Town and South African design in general while on his travels.

The spacious dwelling perched on a tree-covered slope in the mountains above Hout Bay is a glorious fusion of Balinese style and African accents. The interior design reflects Jim and his partner Ed’s unique design aesthetic and their respect for local artists and designers whose work is proudly displayed throughout the nine A-framed huts that make up the house.

With fires blazing to keep the chilly rain at bay, guests concluded the tour with thick slices of delicious cake and flutes of Graham Beck MCC, before heading off armed with the latest issue of VISI and a bottle of Graham Beck. What a great way to kick off a weekend of design inspiration.

Want to join us on the next tour? Book your spot here.