At Bramasole, you can do as much or as little as you like. If you feel like unwinding, you can curl up next to a crackling fireplace and lose yourself in a novel. Explore the magnificent forest or try out the many hikes in the area. If you feel like tussling with ‘the big one’, trout fishing is also an option. Situated at the very edge of a lake, Bramasole cuts an imposing figure complete with an indigenous forest halo. The precarious approach along the narrow dam wall adds to the drama of the approach as the full extent of the building reveals itself. The interior has a surprise of its own, as this fairly simple shed exterior makes way for a luxurious interior with an enormous double volume space bathed in natural sunlight from the skylights. No attempt was made to hide the trusses which form part of this very unusual interior space which is dominated by a central fireplace. The rooms are themed from regions around the world from the luxurious Paris apartment to the cosy “Delft” room spinning around the world to Venice, Morocco, Egypt, Africa and the east – Jade. The Paris apartment is a luxurious room with views into the forest and over the lake with an open plan lounge/dining/kitchen area and a braai patio. The views into the forest are awesome with trees overhead lapping at the eaves. We tried to be extremely subtle with the décor, avoiding corny memorabilia. Bramasole has used colour and texture to blend an eclectic mix of antique and modern furniture and décor in the house, as well as the guesthouse. Reclaimed parquet flooring (from the old Schul in Polokwane) has been re-used as wall cladding and counter surfaces giving a warm textured look to most of the rooms.