Yzerfontein is a picturesque coastal town located on the west coast of South Africa, known for its stunning beaches, rugged coastline, and beautiful sunsets.
Living by the beach offers a unique and relaxed lifestyle, allowing you to immerse yourself in this natural beauty every day. It encourages an active lifestyle and promotes overall wellbeing with the sound of the waves, the fresh sea breeze and a slower pace of life. You can take regular walks or run along the coast, swim in the ocean, or relax by the water, which can positively affect your physical and mental health. There are ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as surfing, fishing, beach combing and picnicking. It’s an ideal location for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
All of this made the decision for Jochem and Evi Elsner to move to Yzerfontein an easy one. The Elsners are originally from Germany, but their home had been in Somerset West for several years. “We loved living there, but for us, it became too busy and built up over the years. About seven years ago, we decided to move somewhere else, and Yzerfontein was the place to be. We had it on good authority from friends that it was an idyllic location – beautiful and uncrowded.
We visited the area and knew it was right for us immediately,” Evi recounts.They built their home on a greenbelt of coastal fynbos on a ridge overlooking the beach, with uninterrupted views over the Atlantic Ocean. Happily ensconced in their new beach life, Evi dreamed of having a greenhouse and a chicken coop, being more self-sufficient and growing veggies with chickens roaming freely and as fate would have it, the plot next to them became available, and they thought: “Let’s buy it before someone else does, and builds something ugly next to us,” Evi says.
But it wasn’t to be. The council blocked the dream, so they decided to build a house they would then sell – and at least they could secure an aesthetically pleasing view. The building took form – a larger space for the little family to enjoy and share. They named the house The Barn – which fully describes the understated exterior that gives away none of its interior beauty. In addition to using it as their home, the couple also rents it out for guests and photoshoots.
Beyond the fabulous barn doors (from their old home) leading to a lobby, clear glass allows views of the voluminous space beyond. Light floods through a pitched glass roof and floor-to-ceiling industrial-style metal-framed windows reveal mesmerising views over the ocean. It’s completely stunning.
Immediately, you feel at home; the view draws your eyes, but a bubbling excitement compels you to turn around and explore the lofty, voluminous double-height space that, by right, should feel rather cold and impersonal, but thanks to Evi’s carefully considered interiors it is completely cocooning.
“I like to call it curated, not decorated”, Evi says.
The interiors are a mix of old and new, but mostly old. “I am a collector and a hoarder – I started to collect special pieces way before we started building, from antique shops, auctions and flea markets – our garage was full of my treasures of beautiful salvaged and previously loved items, old linens, rugs, to the old roof sheets that clad the inside of the ceiling – and all have a wonderful history and a story to tell. Much of which has found its perfect home at The Barn.”
Everywhere, there is something special for the eye to delight in.
Evi says: “I’ve always felt drawn to old buildings – I once lived in a former monastery – and I love repurposing pieces with history. At The Barn, we wanted to create a space where others can experience the beauty that we get to experience on a daily basis.
“There’s no TV for a reason: you come to relax, unwind, take in nature, laugh, cook up a storm with friends in the kitchen, use the pizza oven, play board games, drink too much wine, light both fireplaces … and just enjoy. It’s all about the kitchen and the long dining table and cooking up a storm while chatting with friends.”
The Barn works in any weather. “All seasons here have their benefits. I especially love the Barn in winter. It’s cosy and warm even in big storms. We’ve got a big open fireplace, a pizza oven, electric blankets, panel heaters, and solar-powered air-conditioning for hot summers”.
Jochem and Evi love living in their home next door, but also love having The Barn to themselves during any gaps in rentals – this, I feel sure, is not very often.
“Home is my haven – it’s where I feel sheltered, enjoy the calmness, and be with my husband and friends, outdoors and near the ocean. My husband is my rock. I can always rely on him. We’ve been together 26 years, married for 22 years, and my pets … Emma is a golden retriever, Luca is a mixed breed, and Oscar is a fat, red tabby. Waking up to the sound of the ocean and birds singing is undeniably very close to heaven.”
