In the world of restoration, there is the work people see—the fresh paint and the new doors—and then there is the vital, invisible work that ensures a property remains safe and functional for generations. This week, our …
A collection of additional photographs from our Operation Septic Tank project surfaced a few days ago. This bittersweet discovery, captured on one of our mobile phones, documents the July 2023 installation. Operation Septic Tank
As I look …
I recently stumbled upon an old entry from the archives, dated March 26, 2016, that brought back vivid memories of a particularly challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, day. The task at hand? The installation of our satellite television …
Rediscovering old photographs can be a profound experience, and today, on a rather cool and damp April 13, 2017, I found myself sifting through digital archives, unearthing images from our Easter trip in 2017. What a vivid …
The current challenge before us presents a significant logistical puzzle: the secure transportation of a valuable, antique coal and wood-burning stove from Brandvlei to Elgato Artworks in Cape Town. This journey is not merely a relocation but …
The story of Rusticana is not merely written in brick, mortar, and coats of paint; it is etched into the lineage of the men who have dedicated their weekends and their strength to its revival. The heart …
The legacy of a craftsman is rarely found in the words he speaks, but in the strength of the things he builds and the hands he trains to carry the torch. At our home in Brandvlei, that …
Life throws us curve balls when we least expect them, and sometimes, those curve balls hit harder than a fast pitch. On December 8, 2024, a day that was already poignant as my late Mom's birthday, my …
The road to Brandvlei is becoming a familiar trail of milestones for my son and I, and our most recent expedition was a perfect blend of high-tech upgrades and old-school grit. We returned to the homestead with …
The restoration of a property like Rusticana is often a mix of the profoundly technical and the deeply emotional. Our most recent trip to Brandvlei was no exception, as my father and I set out to tackle …