We all have at least one such a place. Call it a destination. Call it home. Or just call it the place that holds your heart.
After visiting the Valley for many years, and frequently expressing a wish to purchase a piece of land in this wonderful little village - a very dear friend of mine's wish recently came through. In the shape of a delightful cottage which featured quite a few unsightly and mind-boggling features. But it had that something. That particular character that said: "Welcome to your new home"
Roses all over, a guinea-fowl feather at the front door, another one at the kitchen door - all added up. Within 24 hours it was signed, sealed and the journey towards creating a new space started.
And I'm honoured to have witnessed the transformation. I've captured the process with a regular lens, but the nuances introduced by Jan I can only really capture my way with my Lensbaby.
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| Also known as 'farm windows', typical Swartland style windows |
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| Bursts of colour all around |
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| One of my personal favourites - colour-wise |
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| A surprise wherever you look |
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| Roses of all sizes and colours |
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| Ancient wild olive tree |
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| A random artificial flower survived against the fence |
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| Bougainvillea carpet |
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| Wild olives |
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| Colours playing hide and seek in the lush vegetation |
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| Gorgeous old shutter |
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| Shutter latch |
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| Shutter hinge |
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| The view to the centre of the village, with a towering church tower |
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| Moody afternoon |
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| A much-loved art deco design |
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| Superb inlay - purchased from a shop in the village |
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| Light fitting - to be fitted soon |
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| More detail of a light fitting |
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| So in love with this gentle colour |
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| Single rose swaying in the wind |
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| Let the purple flowers rule . . . |
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| Welcome |
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| Detail on door |
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| Door |
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| Lamp |
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| Sunlight filtering through a lampshade |
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| Each door has it's own individual style |
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| Basket |
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| Basket |
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| Turquoise - adding more life to a beautiful haven |
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| These swallows have found their home too |
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| Vintage detail on door |
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| No home is complete without a fireplace |
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| Detail of fireplace |
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| Succulent addiction |
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| Low maintenance, high in visual value |
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| Cushion detail |
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| Magazines on the shelf |
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| Enter... |
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| Keeping mosquitoes at bay |
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| Gentle folds of a mosquito net |
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| Folding chairs |
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| Kitchen utensils |
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| Kitchen |
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| Cutting boards |
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| A splash of happy colour |
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| When the rooster come home to roost |
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| Milk jug through chicken mesh |
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| Utensils and measuring spoons |
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| Always tea-time |
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| In touch with nature |
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| Time for a cuppa . . . |
