La Cotte

The magic of Franschhoek – the Cape Winelands’ historic french corner – is conjured by a special alchemy of some of the Cape’s most wonderful things; intricate history, unfurling mountainous expanse, Cape Dutch architecture and (of course!) good wine and cheese.

When architect and interior designer Dominic Touwen was tasked with revamping one of the original Huguenot farmhouses into a hotel, he sought the help of Mr. Chandler to elevate a neglected courtyard into a little poolside Shangri-La.

As always, MC wanted to tell a story; to weave a cobalt narrative that paid celebratory tribute to the district’s grand history and the richness of the surrounding natural space. Three large panels were offered as Mr. Chandler’s canvas. His chosen design featured raised plinths, each topped with an urn holding an abundance of flora. The panel on the left offers bouquets from Europe; tulips, sunflowers, cherry blossoms, and poppies. The panel on the right-hand side sings with an arrangement from Asia; frangipanis, orchids, chrysanthemums, and jasmine. The central panel is an ode to South Africa; brimming with an indigenous family of blooms, fynbos, and succulents. This is the interwoven cross-continental history of the Cape told in the language of flowers, with inked buds and petals.

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