Hohewarte
Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, Namibia
Hohewarte Guest farm was originally a colonial police station and post office, located twenty minutes from Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, Namibia. The building has thick stonewalls, wooden sash windows and terracotta floors which provided a solid foundation for an interior overhaul.
The brief was to achieve a ‘Colonial European’ look, which dictated a style that was traditional, timeless and luxurious. It also steered us towards using hardwood furniture, worn leather and floral fabric prints. Due to the fact that the property is steeped in history, we were tasked with reusing certain pieces in the house that had either sentimental value or design integrity. This included a large bespoke Karakul carpet made from the wool of the Karakul sheep. It was important to keep items that also reflect the crafts of the local people, as most clients want the interiors of their properties to have an authentic angle to the design. The other important element to consider in the interior was the reference to hunting which is a tradition on the farm. They had skull mounts on wooden shields, which referenced the hunter and the date of the kill. We used these above the entrances to each bedroom as a way of identifying the various rooms instead of room numbers, which is less personal. The farm has an abundance of Oryx, Kudu, Zebra, Hartebeest, Steenbok, Cheetah and Leopard.
The flora and fauna on the farm predominantly influenced the colour palette. The Acacia pod is a beautiful soft lilac colour, which we used as the direction for the master bedroom. This lead us into a softer more romantic scheme, with printed floral curtains, cream coloured linen upholstery with a splash of leopard print which is a signature touch the client includes in all her bedrooms. The other rooms had botanical prints as artworks, olive green ticking stripe curtains and grass cloth wallpaper.
Our services on this project included concept design of the interiors, interior project management and procurement. We also handled the installation of the interiors with the assistance of the lodge manager and his competent staff.
The farm is situated on a koppie overlooking the Olifants River. Apart from farming cattle, there is also a wide variety of wild game. Activities on the farm include hunting as both a sport but also for the meat that they serve to guests. One can hike; go on nature drives, and game view from horseback. If however you are after a more laid back getaway, you can lounge by the pool, stargaze at night or simply read your book under the trees on the verandah.
