My First House - Dotting
Down, Jean de Villiers
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But eventually youll pop out at Jeans home, feeling like youve had a heavy trip along that wine route. Soon youre upstairs, plopped onto a man-size leather sofa, with Jean gesturing towards the stunning views of the Paarl and Stellenbosch mountains, and his beloved two-year-old Jack Russell, Leilo, doing a thorough inspection of your ankles to ensure you pass muster. Ive lived in the house for about nine months now, although Ive stayed in the area for the last three years. The first house I bought was down the road in Van Riebeeckshof, says Jean. Although it had three bedrooms, a double garage, a study and a large erf, the house itself was only about half the size of his current one. When I first viewed this house with the agent, it immediately struck me as the kind of place I could imagine myself living. The funny thing is, the house wasnt even for sale. But the agent knew the owners so we worked it all out. Its easy to see how he could imagine himself living here. The prominent hillside position of the house affords it sweeping views from all the living areas. Jean says the sunrises are really beautiful from here but sheepishly confesses that hes seldom up in time to appreciate them, as getting up early isnt really his strong point.
Are finely honed Springbok athletes allowed to guzzle red wine and meat? Dont they have diet programmes that stipulate protein shakes and nothing else every four hours? Ag, reckons Jean, its all about moderation. Plus I grew up in the Boland [he went to rugby super-school Paarl Gym, which recently had four alumni in the Bok squad] so its normal for me. I tried putting the good wines at the top so I wouldnt be tempted too much but that system didnt really work, and now theres just the cheap ones left! Fittingly for a guy who likes to relax in between spending his professional life on planes, in hotel rooms or being pounded on the rugby field, Jean has rigged his three-bedroom spot out with all the essential boys toys. The whole house is wired for sound Sometimes our parties may get a bit much for the neighbours, he admits so he can listen to his music indoors or out. Theres a pool table, a granite bar, a fireplace, custom-built couches (I told the guy I needed to be able to lie down and stretch out!), and a water feature in the passage (Ive had to switch it off because it was spuiting on the floor). But dont think that its all play and no work: the bottom storey, which houses the triple garage and a separate flat, also has a Very Serious Study. Its panelled in dark wood and holds all Jeans prized memorabilia: his first Western Province and Springbok jerseys, as well as a photo of his golf team with President Mbeki. But hes the first to admit that he doesnt spend as much time here as he should but then, what world-famous 26-year-old wants to be locked up in a study all day? The rest of the house is also scattered with reminders of his glittering career, especially bags and bags and more bags of kit from all his tournaments. When I was looking for a house, I told the agent I had to have lots of cupboards to hold all my stuff. I live out of a suitcase, so its great to have some space. And check this out, he says somewhat proudly, somewhat modestly. Its a whole wardrobe neatly packed with all his old rugby boots! Sometimes I feel like a bit of a girl, he admits, gesturing to a massive dressing area with wall-to-wall storage and a cavernous en-suite bathroom. Its all a far cry from his first place, a flat off Cape Towns
Kloof Street he shared with a mate after a years stint at Stellenbosch
University. Then came the move to Van Riebeeckshof and, now, Oude Westhof.
I like to be settled, he says. All my life, I grew
up in the same house. My parents still live there. I want my kids to
grow up with stability, not moving around. |
Words: Angela Aschmann Photography: Julian Goldswain |