Hotels and Guest Houses

“Untether: To disconnect, to be cut off, to be unbound, to be let loose, to be let free.
An untether farm stay: A place where you are let loose and disconnected from everything you
know to discover your own story. A vacation with a purpose. A unique place to think deeply,
explore, write and love with abandon.”

I was approached by the owners of the business to do the interiors and consult and procure all operational items for Untether. I immediately felt a synergy with their vision for the property.
I worked on the project with my talented daughter Bebe Donnolly and together we conceptualised and put together the visuals- which the owners loved.

The architecture and the off grid vision for the pods was very simple. What was going to be the hero of this project was its situation – on an olive farm, with spectacular views of the mountains.

It was the environment that was the inspiration for the colour palate. The soft greyish green of the olive leaves, the oranges of the spectacular sunsets and sunrises, the purpley and grey hues of the mountains. It was also very important to use natural materials, handmade and locally made.

We commissioned Cape Town artist Phillippa Allen- the queen of charcoal- to do an artwork celebrating the mountains and the queen of watercolour- Leigh Tuckniss, to represent the olive trees on the property.

All furniture was bespoke, designed for the space and for flexible living- both indoor and outdoor.
It required considered design- to look at the way in which guests would want to use the space- to Untether! It would be used in summer and in Winter, for cooking, chilling, sleeping, reading, writing, loving, untethering…

The result is a carefully considered space, for conscious living. The feedback we have received has been exactly what was intended. Blissed guests, loving the space and revelling in the stunning environment. It has a real sense of place, which was so important to us in designing the interiors and curating the experience. The spirit of intention is key in all of our interiors.
It was a joy to be involved in the project and has been wonderful to see the way the space has come to life and being truly enjoyed.

Set amidst rolling lawns and splendid gardens, the Country House was originally a family home. With 5 children and always inundated (happily) with guests, Jill and Craig Hunter decided in 1989 to build a few more cottages and extend the same hospitality further afield.

And so began my foray into the world of hospitality….and ultimately design.

“It is so easy when you feel it in your heart” says Jill and it is with this sincerity and passion that the Hunter family have operated for 30 years.

The DNA was created by Jill and Craig and the guests that have stayed through the years. The gardens and the setting is the real hero.” It is with great respect that I have, understanding this DNA- through the last 14 years been doing refurbishments and making small changes that keep the grand dame looking fresh and lively” says Jacqui, always respectful of making appropriate changes that enhance and not change.

www.hunterhotels.com