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Johannesburg guest house for birders and nature lovers

2Mokolo guest house in Johannesburg

My sister and I used to run a small design studio in South Africa. One of our first and favourite projects was to design the brand identity for a new guest house in Johannesburg, called 2 Mokolo. The project was for Sandra de Witt, the then Creative Development Officer at the Jupiter Drawing Room, and her husband Graham Hickson. Both nature lovers and avid birders, Sandy and Graham sought to create a refuge for visitors in search of a nature filled respite from the bustling surrounding city.

2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast 2Mokolo Bed & BreakfastInterior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast

On my most recent visit to SA, I stopped by to take some photos for the new website we’re working on. I always enjoy the visits to their house, which is situated in the tree-lined suburb of Morningside in Sandton and a stone’s throw away from the Outspan Bird Sanctuary.

With its natural canopy of wild olive and white stinkwood, the garden itself is home to an abundance of bird species and 100% indigenous flora, which makes it the perfect retreat for bird and nature lovers.

Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & BreakfastInterior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast

Through the years the bed and breakfast has evolved and now include an elegant 4-star guest house called Annex at 18. Each of the luxurious rooms have wooden decks where guests can relax in the sun among giant palm trees. Sandy and Graham designed clever louvred sliding screens that provide complete privacy while guests can still enjoy access to the surrounding garden.

Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & BreakfastInterior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & BreakfastInterior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast

As a filmmaker, Graham’s love for story-telling is visible throughout the guest house. Quirky elements like repurposed tripods (now used as bedside lamps) and old tin cars and wooden toys, add to the inviting character of the interior. The couple’s love for birds and the African bush veld is also evident in the collector-like aesthetic, choice of fabrics and use of materials.

The rooms are vibrant and friendly. Each have a brightly painted barn-style sliding door that leads into a luxurious en-suite bathroom with beautiful bath and huge shower that open onto a private deck, adding an almost spa-like feel. My favourite is Annex III with its pewter bath and private outside shower.

Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & BreakfastInterior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & BreakfastInterior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & BreakfastInterior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast

Sandy, who’s won numerous awards at Cannes, D&AD, One Show and the Loeries during her corporate career as Creative Director of TBWA South Africa, now runs 2 Mokolo with equal fervour. So it’s without surprise that the guest house has such an excellent traveller rating on Trip Advisor.

2 Mokolo is central Joburg’s first BirdLife SA accredited birder-friendly establishment, but it’s not just nature lovers and birds that are welcome here. The guest house has its own beehive too. So aside from Graham’s delicious home-made sourdough bread, kombucha and preserves, guests can enjoy honey from the resident bees.

2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
2Mokolo Bed & BreakfastInterior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & BreakfastJohannesburg bed and breakfast 2MokoloBathroom details
The luxurious bathroom at 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast
Interior Photography by Soonafterstudio for 2Mokolo Bed & Breakfast

Soon the beautiful 2Mokolo will have a brand-new website designed and built by yours truly. Until then, bookings can be made on 2mokolo.co.za.

If you’re in need of some beautiful photography and a modern functional website, we’re here to help. Have a look at our studio page to see all the ways that we can help your business communicate beautifully. We’re also always looking for nature-friendly businesses to feature on the blog. Yours might just be the perfect fit!

Text & Photography ©  Barbara Cilliers

An offline journey to Richtersveld

Where earth meets sky
An offline journey to the Richtersveld Park

The Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, is a tricky place to get to. The roads are tough, with deep sand and rocky ascends. Steep climbs wind between mountainous landscapes of volcanic rock–some an estimated 2000 million years old. It’s a place of dirt and rock and dust. And of breathtaking beauty.

02 Landscape Photography Richtersfeld Copyright Soonafternoon04 Landscape Photography Richtersfeld Copyright Soonafternoon
01 Landscape Photography Richtersfeld Copyright Soonafternoon

Situated in the north-western corner of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, the landscape seems desolate. Temperatures can reach well into 50° and water is scarce.  Life here depends on sporadic winter rainfall and moisture from the “Malmokkies”–the local name for the early morning fog and life-giving mists from the ocean. 

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is home to the Nama people–the last survivors of the indigenous Khoikhoi or San people still practicing a traditional way of life. With their existence intrinsically connected to the environment, the nomadic locals manage to make a home for themselves and their livestock in an area bereft of common comforts. Together with South African National Parks, they are the keepers of the park.

01 Travel Photography Richtersfeld Copyright Soonafternoon
04 Travel Photography Richtersfeld Copyright Soonafternoon02 Travel Photography Richtersfeld Copyright Soonafternoon

In the heart of the park lies Kokerboom Kloof. A plateau between giant boulders with views across the valley that seem to go on for days. When the sun has put its rays to bed and pulled night across the sky, the heavens come alive with stars. Allowing you to dip your imagination into the colourful milky-way and dream of Shamans reading stories in the wind and dancing in the shadows if the spirits. 

With life prevailing against the odds it’s easy to be present here. The vastness of the surrounding nature overshadows your existence–the immensity of the universe at the same time louder and more silent than one’s thoughts.

Richtersfeld Copyright Soonafternoon 02
03 Travel Photography Richtersfeld Copyright SoonafternoonRichtersfeld Copyright Soonafternoon 03

The name Kokerboom Kloof (Quiver tree valley) is derived from the vast amount of quiver trees dotting the landscape–an endemic species of endangered tree aloe (Aloidendron) such as the critically endangered Aloidendron pillansii (Bastard Quiver tree) and the Aloidendron dichotomum (Quiver tree or Kokerboom).

Due to their slow growing nature and difficulty to cultivate elsewhere the trees are extremely rare. The indigenous San people who called it “choje”, used to hollow out the tubular branches to make quivers for their hunting arrows, resulting in its English name. 

Richtersfeld Copyright Soonafternoon 01
Richtersfeld Copyright Soonafternoon 04Photography Copyright Soonafternoon 01

More than 4000 plant species (nearly half of them endemic) have been recorded in the Richtersfeld. The biosphere is a transitional zone between the coastal Succulent Karoo ecoregion and the drier Nama Karoo and is said to be the only arid biodiversity hotspot on earth, providing a habitat to specimens found nowhere else on the planet.

Photography Copyright Soonafternoon 02

Other than ablutions, the park does not offer amenities. Visitors must be well-equipped, with enough provisions of food, water, basic medical supplies, fuel and spare tyres.

The Richtersveld is where you go, to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the man made world. To rely solely on what nature provides and to find comfort in the discomforts of living simply.

Images from this post are now available for purchase

Text & Photography ©  Barbara Cilliers

South African Artist, Jenny Parsons

At home with South African Artist, Jenny Parsons

It’s early December, the Swartland a golden yellow in its post-harvest glory. I’ve come to visit my sister Almarie (about whom you’ll get to learn loads more later) at her new home in the Riebeek valley. Together we’re on our way to visit Jenny Parsons – a South African artist and urban landscape painter. Almarie met Jenny at Solo Studios earlier this year, and implored me to visit her at her beautiful home-based studio in Riebeek Wes.

Jenny shares her home with her partner Mark, their two lovely dogs and a charming grey tabby. Mark and Jenny have done a remarkable job of renovating the 1860s “Nagmaalshuis” into the spectacular residence that it is today. The first floor, which houses the living quarters, used to be a dark labyrinth of rooms leading from one into the next. But the space has been opened up entirely, allowing ample light to flow into the house. Upstairs, the thatch roof has been replaced by a bright and airy studio where Jenny now spends most of her days painting.

The couple’s home is a welcoming space filled with colour and light. Before jumping into our interview though, Almarie and I first wander from room to room, guessing artists’ names, as we admire the multifarious pieces of art adorning the walls.

 
Entranceway to the colour filled home, of South African artist Jenny Parsons
The bright and colourful living room of South Artist, Jenny Parsons
 

Have you always been a landscape painter? What inspired you to pursue this subject?

“I’ve played with quite a few different subjects, but I always return to landscape. The relationship of my body to the physical world is why I keep painting landscapes – I want to share my experience of light, space, colour and shape.”

 

Colourful living room of South Artist, Jenny Parsons

Colourful living room of South Artist, Jenny Parsons
Colourful living room of South Artist, Jenny Parsons
 

You mentioned Richard Diebenkorn’s art as an inspiration. What is it about his work that inspires you?

“Diebenkorn’s approach to landscape is incredibly nuanced. His paintings seem to fit together with the perfect balance of abstraction and representation. His sure hand and direct brushwork also inspire me – he avoids ‘pretty’ in the most remarkable way. I take great inspiration from his ten rules for painting.

 

Artwork by South African artist Conrad Botes

Living room with colourful artwork
Cat on a purple sofa

Interview with South Artist, Jenny Parsons

 

How would you describe life as an artist in South Africa? What in your experience are the biggest obstacles and rewards?

“South African art is at a very exciting stage and the industry has grown over the last ten years. We now have art institutions like Zeitz Mocaa and the Norval Institute, as well as numerous art fairs. So there are more and more opportunities for South African Artists. Obstacles and rewards can be self generated – my philosophy is “keep the faith and keep making’.”

 

Green couch with a black floral pillow and colourful art

Painting of swimmers
A brown dog on a red oriental carpet
 

Do you have a favourite piece of artwork? Tell us the story behind it.

“My favourite work is a painting of swimmers by South African artist Clare Menck. When I was in the process to moving to Riebeeck, she lived in my house in Cape Town for a few months while she played a singing role in a musical. So we swapped accommodation for a painting.”

 

Colourful bedroom with a mix of bold patterns and graphic, illustrative fabrics
Colourful bedroom with a mix of bold patterns and graphic, illustrative fabrics
 

As a landscape artist – your work must be largely influenced by your immediate surroundings. How has it changed since the move. Do you see a big difference in your style from when you lived in Cape Town, versus the Swartland valley?

“Yes, there has definitely been a shift. I tend to paint the landscape of my immediate environment, so I’m currently working on the vast wheat fields and mountainscapes of the Swartland. At the moment I’m fascinated with edges and how the different crops describe the lie of the land.”

 

Pink and green bedroom with a mix of bold patterns and graphic, illustrative fabrics

Pink and green bedroom with a mix of bold patterns and graphic, illustrative fabrics
Pink and green bedroom with green art on the walls
 

Mark mentioned that you’ve lived here for four years. How did you find the house? What inspired you to move to the countryside?

“Well, it wasn’t just a simple move! Mark sold his business and decided to take some time out and move to the country. I was less than keen and felt very resistant to moving away from my studio and community. So he chose a town that was close enough for us to be able to spend weekends together either in the city or the country. We went house hunting together and when we saw this house and garden, we both fell in love. On weekends here I found that I never wanted to leave! I lasted eight months in the city before I moved here for good. The whole event was really good for our relationship too, giving us space and autonomy to make our own decisions.”

 

Pink bedroom with antique dresser and bold patterns and colours

Pink bedroom with antique dresser and bold patterns and colours
Pink bedroom with antique dresser and bold patterns and colours
 

How do you and Mark manage your combined styles in the decor of the house? Do each of you have an aesthetic you follow or emulate?

“Regarding decor, Mark and I have always had the philosophy, that if we really like something, it will fit in. And over thirty years of homemaking together, this has proven to be true. Ours is an eclectic mix – Mark loves a mid century modern aesthetic, and he has an eye for quirky detail. I’m a fan of the comforting effect of soft furnishings. We both collect art and have our own distinct taste, yet somehow it all hangs together.”

 

Kitchen that opens onto a veranda, with bright blue elements mixed with bold patterns and wood textures

A blue vintage cabinet styled with colourful trinkets and South African paraphernalia
A colourful and brightly patterned couch
 

You have such a wonderful art collection – Mark told us plenty of it was exchanges he did with artist in turn for a website. Do you have a similar stories of exchange?

“Yes, most of the art that I own has been acquired from fellow artists, usually by exchange.”

 

The colourful kitchen of South Artist, Jenny Parsons

 

Do you at times – if ever – suffer from the so called “fear of the white canvas” or a period where creative inspiration is low? If so – how do you get yourself out of that?

“Yes, definitely. I have suffered from artists block to varying degrees. When it’s bad it can be very frightening. I have developed many strategies to remedy the block, some of which are: Writing morning pages, going outdoors to draw or paint, going sketching with a friend, listening to a podcast while painting intuitively, doing pranayama breathing before starting to work, tidying the studio. Essentially, one has to drop the idea of a desired outcome and just show up at the easel.”

 

South Artist, Jenny Parsons in her studio in Riebeek Kasteel

Studio space of South Artist, Jenny Parsons
Studio space of South Artist, Jenny Parsons
 

Have you ever done a piece that you have a deep connection to and as a result have found it hard to let go or to sell?

“I love it when my work finds the right home, so I seldom keep paintings. The paintings of mine that we have in our home are owned by Mark. Sometimes, if I make a breakthrough in a painting, I keep it for a while to learn from it.”

 

Some of South Artist, Jenny Parsons' work

 

Do you have any words of advice for someone who’d like to pursue their own creative endeavour?

“Keep the faith and keep making. No one can do it the way that you do, so be inspired by other artists, but don’t copy. Be prepared to work hard, at both your creative output and building your business.”

 
Riebeek studio of South Artist, Jenny Parsons
South Artist, Jenny Parsons in her studio
 

Tell us about your latest exhibition – where can we see it?

“I’ve just finished an exhibition at RK Contemporary in Riebeek Kasteel. There are some pieces still in the gallery.”

Do you have any future exhibitions coming up or happenings you’d like to share with us?

“My next showing of work will be at my studio during the Solo Studios event in the Riebeek Valley in August, 2019.”

 

Studio space of South Artist, Jenny Parsons

Studio space of South Artist, Jenny Parsons
Studio space of South Artist, Jenny Parsons
 

Name your favourite spots in the Western Cape for:

Breakfast or coffee: “Beans About Coffee, Riebeek Kasteel.”
Spending a hot summers day: “Under the umbrella next to my pool.”
Spending a cold winters day: “Fireside with a good book or my crochet.”
Finding inspiration: “Books on other painters.”
A night out with friends: “Thursday nights at Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge for music and dancing.”

 

If you’d like to see more of Jenny’s work, you can visit her online gallery at jennyparsons.com. She also has a beautiful collection of archival prints available for purchase on jennyparsonsprint.com.

 

Text & Photography ©  Barbara Cilliers