Nov.

3

Cape Dutch, California Style

I continue to be fascinated by the various styles of architecture and one style that I was introduced to during my trips to South Africa was Cape Dutch. Cape Dutch architecture was created as a result of the influence of various early settlers near Cape Town which included the French, Dutch and Indonesian people. The architectural style is mostly seen in wine towns like Stellenbosch or in the chic suburbs around Cape Town. But recently, I learned of a Cape Dutch-designed home in Montecito that Chicago architect Ambrose Cramer built for his in-laws back in 1929. The home was named Constantia.

The exteriors and interiors of Constantia remind me of the famed Groot Constantia farmhouse outside of Cape Town because both homes share the Cape Dutch trademarks of gables, oversized windows, high-pitched roofs and spacious floor plans. They also share stunning outdoor living spaces that are enhanced by beautifully landscaped gardens. Yet, for as much as Constantia has the look and feel of the Cape, it still maintains the easy essence of California living, don’t you think?