Between the metallic-hued Namib Sand Sea and the Naukluft mountains is the 24 000-ha Namib-Tsaris, a conservancy created by landscape conservationist Swen Bachran, who started rewilding this extraordinary world more than a decade ago. For Bachran, the restoration of Namibia’s land to its pristine original state was a lifelong dream, and he was determined to build a home that would not detract in any way from this painterly landscape. On a camping trip accompanied by friend and artist Porky Hefer, Bachran discovered a small plateau dotted with acacias in a protected cleft at the base of a rocky outcrop, and here they decided to build what would become one of the continent’s most iconic structures.
Inspired by the elaborate nests built by social weavers – found on the conservancy – the original idea was conceived by Hefer, whose nest-like furniture pieces had won critical acclaim. Hefer drew a structure with a series of dome-like roofs; organically curved walls that coved into ceilings, with circular windows popped through. Architects said it was impossible. Bachran believed it was. But aside from the construction challenges, there was the remoteness of the location, the heat, the total lack of infrastructure. While Hefer refined his drawings (and continued to build his reputation, representing South Africa at the inaugural London Design Biennale in 2016, followed by a solo exhibition at R & Company in New York in 2017), Bachran built a road and started sourcing local materials, and local welders, weavers and joiners. Together they spent five years giving three-dimensional shape to Hefer’s hand-drawn sketches. Maybe Corpaci, the designer tasked with finishing the interiors, wanted to augment the organic soft curves and tactile structure with pieces that felt lived in and comfortable; with found objects created by a collector rather than a decorator.
Like the sociable weaver their collaborative efforts have created a house that is as remarkable as the landscape as it sits in, beautiful to behold, and the ultimate luxury to live in.
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Indoor and outdoor lounge and dining areas
• Fireplace
• Espresso machine
• Swimming pool
• Floodlit waterhole
• Outside areas with art on display
• Discreet kid’s playground
• 100% Solar powered
• Wi-Fi
INCLUDED
• Fully inclusive
• Chef
• Butler
• Naturalist guide
• Housekeeping
• Wi-Fi
• Min 3 nights includes Sossusvlei helicopter transfer, weather permitting
• Exceptions made for 2 night stays on case-by-case basis (excl hot airballooning)
• Trail snacks and drinks
AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Advance notice required for:
• Activities and excursions
• Yoga
• Hot air ballooning
• The highlight for most guests are the Sossusvlei dunes, a mere 40 minute drive away.
• Go on daily nature drives and walks in the conservation area with one of Namibia’s most experienced naturalist guides, or take a ride on a mountain bike.
• Take a helicopter flight over some of the most dramatic scenery in the world.
• Go hot air ballooning (weather permitting) for an experience of a lifetime – there’s nothing quite like drifting silently over the desert.
• Book a yoga session or massage.
• Check in 14h00
• Check out 11h00
• Maximum 7 guests
• No pets allowed
• Non-smoking
• Security deposit
• All bookings subject to final approval by owner