The four-bedroom villa is named for a glorious wooden sculpture of a "fishbird", a mythical creature dreamed up and created by the wonderful Thomas Kubayi, a wood carver, drum builder and musician based in Limpopo.
Each of the four bedrooms, along with the rest of the villa, has been tastefully renovated by its French owners with elegant wooden furniture, Art Deco fittings, pressed ceilings and Oregon pine flooring.
Located less than 20 minutes from O.R. Tambo International Airport and about 10 minutes from the Johannesburg City Centre, Fishbird Villa is a peaceful and safe environment that will make you feel at home.
The yellow gate leading to the property on a suburban street gives nothing away, but the views from the garden over the suburbs are truly spectacular. This is a prime spot for Joburg's jacaranda season, surrounded by the trees that bloom in late October signalling spring, and forming a purple canopy over the streets of Joburg's older suburbs.
The garden is immense and includes a deck on which to sit and appreciate the height of the property, and below the terrace is a 15-m swimming pool that is perfect for summer days in Joburg.
The villa is eco-friendly – using solar energy and borehole water – so guests are able to enjoy their stay without worrying about load-shedding or water shortages; a definite plus and a true escape from the hustle! With French owners, breakfast is of course delicious, fresh croissants and brioche directly from a French bakery, Sweet Baguette.
Within a short driving distance are several attractions, including Kensington Trading – a vintage furniture, clothing and vinyl store that is an institution on Kensington's Queen Street. Then head towards the City Centre where you'll find The Troyeville Hotel for excellent Portuguese food and some of the best views of the city skyline, Emirates Airline Park, Maboneng, Ponte (with Dlala Nje) and Victoria Yards, to name a few. The wife of the couple who owns Fishbird Villa has a gorgeous jewellery studio called Yol, at Victoria Yards, where she makes incredibly unique pieces. Also at Victoria Yards look out for Primal Spirits gin distillery, and get yourself a few bottles of this local gin. It also makes a great gift.
Fishbird Art Deco Villa is managed by Percy, a superbly gifted host who we first met in Limpopo. Tell him we say, "Hi!"
Comments