Top Billing – Merging English & American colonial home styles with David Muirhead

Top Billing bring you the story behind this classically English home and how designer David Muirhead incorporated a world of influences into such a specific style.

This estate home in Pretoria with its long, country driveway, koi lake and stately manner, was built by businessman Charles Matthews and his wife, educational psychologist Dr. Lizette Matthews. It was up to David to take a house of such proportions and make it a cosy home for two.

Charles & Lizette’s dream ran into a major obstacle on day one as it sits on dolomite rock which can dissolve in acidic water. It took two years to pass these plans and lay solid foundations but what they’ve built on top of those was worth the wait.

Merging English and American colonial styles, David has created a sense of collection – of art, antiques and a life spent seeing the world.

Placing and scale of furniture is essential to getting this style of design right. While appearing formal, the house feels relaxed and the owners are all about comfort. The “kaggelroom” is warm as toast, opening to a grand patio, depending on the season. Despite its proportions, the cinema is intimate, comfortable and practical. The stairwell has class without opulence. How very English!