Homes & Styles Magazine Issue 65

Cubalaya Investments
(Pvt) Ltd t/a
Springwater Engineering
Services Zimbabwe

SERVICES:

Turnkey Hot Water Solutions
Turnkey Cold Water Solutions

Turnkey Pump Solutions
Turnkey Grey Water Solutions

Turnkey Filtration Solutions
Turnkey Fire Pump and Sprinkler Solutions

Piping insulations
Solar Systems

Servicing and Maintenance
Photovoltaic Electric Systems

Fire detection
Swimming Pool Filtration Systems

Heat Pumps

Spring Water Engineering Services (Pty) Ltd was CONTACT US:
formed in 2012, by two share holders of African
Construction Material Supplies CC, which has Paul Chihumbiri
traded in South Africa as Spring Water since 2008 E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: +263 772 393 396

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 49

CUSTOMISED SERVICE TO
MEET YOUR NEEDS

Mc Wood
Advert

We are proud to be associated wth The Victoria Falls Hotel since 1993

We Specialise in: Aluminium Shop Fronts, Skylights, Flush Glazing, Suspended Ceilings, Tiles, Plastered
Office Partitions and Bespoke office Joinery

2 Joliffe Road, Southerton
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 242 660 542, 242 660 364 ,
Cell: +263 772 740 888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mcwood.co.zw

50 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

MAKE YOUR

INTERIORS & EXTERIORS BETTER

OGGIE Engineered Timber Flooring | Hardwood Flooring |
Porcelain & Ceramic Tiling | Engineered Flooring | Laminate
Textiles | Luxury Vynl Tiling | Carpeting | Decking

Accredited Distributors & Installers The Victoria Fall Hotel new rooms

Congratulations to The Victoria Falls Hotel on the
refurbishment of the hotel, thank you for giving us the
opportunity to take part in the refurbishment of the
prestigious hotel.

11 Rossal Road Greendale, Harare. 51
+263 779 925 781 | +263 785 663 093
J. McNish +263 772 240 888 | E Cross +263 779925 781
b e n e a t h yo u r fe e t 2 @ g m a i l . cHOoMmES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

H&STRAVEL

Victoria Falls

Africa’s Premier Destination

TEXT MICHAEL NOTT & PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS

VICTORIA FALLS IS A REMARKABLE PLACE TO VISIT – BOTH FOR LOCAL ADVENTURERS AND INTERNATIONAL

O TRAVELLERS LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TRULY UNIQUE AND EXCITING.
bviously there’s the the Falls can also be glimpsed along the way
through the dense, tropical foliage. Visitors can
magnificent Falls take their own time wondering through the
forest enjoying the sights, sounds and general
themselves, plus the ambiance but there are various tour companies
which will provide a guided tour with additional
surrounding pristine

rainforest, which are

a UNESCO World

Heritage Site and listed facts and information to share.The “Chain Walk”

as one of the seven Natural Wonders of the is a set of stairs leading down to a viewpoint

World. The grandeur and splendour of the where you can see into the Devil’s Cataract.

Falls – locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The The paths can be quite slippery when wet so

Smoke That Thunders”) – is breath-taking and sensible shoes are a must. Remember to take

awe-inspiring. Although known to locals for a raincoat and keep documents and cameras in

centuries it was first ‘discovered’ for Western waterproof bags. If you’re walking to the Falls

eyes in the 1850s by David Livingstone and from town it can get very hot so take a hat

commemorated by the sketches and paintings and some water to drink. You can also view

of Thomas Baines. the Falls from a helicopter or micro light flight

The best way to see the Falls is by walking which is a spectacular way to see the Falls and

through the rainforest, along the designated the surrounding environment. Devil’s Cataract.
paths, to the various viewing points, although During the worst times of the Covid-19

52 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

pandemic tourism at the Falls was severely THE PALM RIVER HOTEL
curtailed and there was very little activity in and NKOSI GUEST LODGE
around the resort town. In the past few months
the visitor restrictions have eased and the town
is becoming a bustling tourism venue again.
International airlines that fly directly in to the Falls
include Fastjet, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways,
BA Comair and Airlink and other international
airlines (and new routes) are expected to jump
on board the tourism boom soon. Many visitors,
both local and international choose to fly from
Harare. Between Air Zimbabwe and Fastjet
there are daily domestic flights to and from the
Falls, with some of the flights routed through
Bulawayo. Some locals and visitors from South
Africa opt to drive to the Falls with an overnight
stop in Bulawayo. South Africa’s Blue Train has
recently started running again to Victoria Falls
after a five year break. There are also trains
available from Harare and Bulawayo. There
are also a number of bus operators providing
transport from Johannesburg and from Harare.
Accommodation in the Falls ranges from
backpackers budget options to the ultimate
in 5-star luxury resorts. In a sign that investor
confidence in the Falls as a world class destination
is returning, President Mnangagwa recently
officially opened three new luxury hotels in
the resort town. The Palm River Hotel has 73
rooms, two honeymoon suites, a presidential
suite plus two private villas all with views over
the Zambezi River. It was a massive investment
by Old Mutual and the Spencer’s Creek Group.
The President also officiated at the opening of
Zambezi Boutique – a much more intimate and
exclusive venue with just 7 luxurious suites. In
addition he officially launched the Nkosi Guest
Lodge which has 24 rooms and plenty of space
for socialising and relaxing. It’s the latest addition
to the Bayete Collection which includes Bayete
Guest Lodge and Phezulu Guest Lodge.
Another recently opened accommodation

SHONGWE LODGE

SHONGWE LODGE 53
HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

H&STRAVEL option is Mbano Manor Hotel consisting of 18
suites and a private villa all nestled in an ancient
ILLALA LODGE teak forest. Pamarah Lodge opened in 2021 –
it’s a number of freestanding buildings woven
The Lookout Cafe together by pathways and lush landscaping.
A ZAMBEZI HOTEL Shongwe Lodge is currently extending their
accommodation options with a new extension
which should be up and running later this year.
In the upmarket, luxury range the old favourites
are very much still open for business with
the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel and the Stanley
and Livingstone Boutique Hotel recently
having invested in major refurbishments and
renovations. Illala Lodge, The Kingdom and
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge continuing to offer
the best in luxury, world class accommodation
options.
More affordable, mid-range options include the
new Explorers Village with reasonably priced
chalets, Elephant Hills Hotel and A Zambezi
Hotel. For budget accommodation consider
Cresta Sprayview and Rainbow Hotel which
offer family accommodation at reasonable rates.
There are also inexpensive accommodation
alternatives for backpackers or those on a tight
budget with self-catering or camping options.
There’s Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge which
offers breakfasts and light meals, Victoria Falls
Backpackers Lodge, N1 Hotel and Campsite
and Pennywise Cottages which are self-catering.
There’s also the Victoria Falls Rest Camp and
National Parks has very reasonable chalets and
camping spots. In addition there are a number
of B&B options available for rooms in private
homes. The locals are the most knowledgeable
to find out more about the B&B range.
Apart from ‘the flight of angels’ which gives you
an aerial view of the Falls and the surrounding
landscape there are plenty of other activities
available to suit different tastes. For adrenalin
junkies bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls
Bridge is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s

MBANO LODGE
54 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

111m high with the stunning backdrop of the H&STRAVEL
Falls and the river to add to the excitement.
Bungee jumping is operated by Wild Horizons BAYETE GUEST LODGE
which is an affiliate of Shearwater. You can also VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE
experience heart-stopping gorge swings and RAINBOW HOTEL
a zipline over the Batoka Gorge. Shearwater
(and a number of other tour operators) offer
exhilarating white water rafting or an Adventure
JetboatThrill Ride which takes you up the rapids
and right under the Falls.
For something a little more sedate there are
river cruises most of which offer breakfast,
lunch or sundowner cocktails and dinner.There’s
the Walking with Lions experience as well as
Elephant Encounters, day trip safaris, horseback
safaris and game viewing as well as night time
game drives. Many tour operators offer guided
walks and hikes through the pristine wildlife
areas particularly through the adjacent National
Park. There’s birding, fishing, scenic picnic spots
and plenty of other outdoor activities and
there’s even a number of great golf courses
including Elephant Hills Golf Course, designed
by Gary Player.
For more cultural experiences there’sThe Boma
for fine dining as well as entertainment provided
by traditional dancers, singers and storytellers.
There’s the Dusty Road Dining Experience
offering a blend of traditional and Western
foods and a great atmosphere. There’s also the
Meet People Village Tour which introduces you
to the culture, customs, lifestyle and history of
the local people in Monde Village.
There are plenty of places to eat out in Victoria
Falls ranging from world class fine dining to
more casual and relaxed venues. Most hotels
and lodges have their own restaurants and
breakfast is generally included in the booking
cost. However, if you’re staying in the Falls for
a few days you might want to try out some
different restaurants and get a taste of the local
cuisine. Some of the more casual venues –

STANLEY AND LIVINGSTONE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 55

H&STRAVEL especially those with a pub – are good places to
meet and mingle with local residents.
56 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 For breakfast, brunch or a light lunch Wild
Horizons Lookout Café is a great venue – good
food with an amazing view over the Batoka
Gorge. After a fire destroyed the place a few
years ago it’s been rebuilt better than before.
It’s a casual, child friendly place with a mixture
of African and International food on the menu.
They’re open for dinner too. Shearwater Café,
Shearwater’s The Bridge Café and Shearwater’s
Rainforest Café are excellent for breakfast, lunch
and teas. Haefelis is also good for breakfast
and light snacks. For lunches Three Monkeys
Restaurant and sister café Little Monkey
(takeaways) are good options. Three Monkeys
also serves dinner and they have a great bar for
socialising. For colonial old world charm High
Tea on the Stanley Terrace at the Victoria Falls
Hotel is unbeatable.There’s a great view of the
gardens and the Bridge. You can enjoy pastries,
scones and sandwiches with your tea, or a glass
of champagne, all served with old fashioned
charm and elegance. The Terrace is also open
for lunch and dinner. At the Victoria Falls Hotel
you’ll also find the Livingstone Room for formal,
gourmet dining and Jungle Junction which is well
known for their sumptuous buffets and evening
entertainment. The Boma Dinner and Drum
Show at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is an
unbeatable dining experience.Also at the Lodge
is the award winning Makuwa-kuwa Restaurant
which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Other fine dining venues include The Cassia
Restaurant (ex- Palm Restaurant) at Ilala Lodge,
Zambezi House, and Pariah State which is a bit
less formal with a friendly pub atmosphere.The
River Brewing Company has a range of artisanal
beers as well as good pub grub. It’s a favourite
with the locals too.
ButVictoria Falls is not all fun and entertainment.
Property developers Cardinal Corporation
has invested in The Victoria Falls Estate which
offers various housing options for residents and
investors and Condev Property Development
is currently working on an apartment block
intended primarily for locals. Zimre Property
Investments constructed the Sawanga Mall
which opened in 2020, comprising shops, offices,
restaurants, a supermarket and a service station.
In a show of investor confidence the Victoria
Falls Stock Exchange, a subsidiary of the
Zimbabwe Stock exchange and its second
bourse, opened in 2020. It was established to
kick start the Offshore Financial Services Centre
(OFSC) earmarked for the special economic
zone in Victoria Falls. It has the ability to raise
capital in hard currency i.e. USD as the trading
and settlement currency, ideal for largely export
oriented companies and also for mining entities
where hard currency is required. It puts Victoria
Falls firmly on the map as a major trading and
financial centre unlike any other in Zimbabwe.
So whether you’re looking for the holiday of a
lifetime, relaxation or adventure, or a property
investment opportunity Victoria Falls is the
place to be. H&S

Palm River Hotel

LOCATED ALONG THE SHORELINES OF THE ZAMBEZI RIVER, AMONG TOWERING TREES

IS THE NEW PALM RIVER HOTEL – ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT BY THE SPENCER’S CREEK

GROUP, OWNERS OF ILALA LODGE HOTEL.

Construction of the Palm River Hotel began in January
2019, with a Groundbreaking ceremony attended
by honorary members of council including the
Honourable Minister of State for Provincial Affairs,
Matabeleland North Province, Honourable CDE.
Richard Moyo and the Mayor of the Municipality of
Victoria Falls, Cllr Dhlamini.
The vision for the Palm River Hotel was simultaneously simple and complex:
a unique hotel offering unparalleled luxury without compromising a sense
of home comfort; vast, unimpeded views which maintained shelter and
privacy; the convenience of a central location preserved within a tranquil
bubble of peace and quiet.
The Palm River Hotel has been inspired by the architectural style of the
Queenslander, distinct in its savvy use of timber and corrugated iron and
its consideration of climatic conditions. Highly skilled and professional
teams of Zimbabwean architects and interior designers have taken these
principles and modified them to create a hotel that is at once aesthetic
and functional, modern and timeless, cosmopolitan and perfectly suited
to the local environment. The innovative blend of traditional East-Coast
Australian design and the unique landscape of the upper Zambezi River
has resulted in a brand new and distinctive landmark for Victoria Falls.
The Palm River Hotel offers the discerning traveller luxury accommodation
with easy access to explore Africa’s Natural World Wonder of Victoria
Falls, enjoy a plethora of activities on offer within the historical town of
Victoria Falls or soak in the magic of the Zambezi River, while experiencing
the abundant wildlife and
birdlife that inhabit the
popular tourist destination.
Konak Enterprises,
was involved in the
installation of the
cladding for the Palm
River Hotel project.

H&S

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 57

START YOUR SAFARI AT
A’Zambezi River Lodge
T TEXT PRIDE KHUMBULA (RAINBOW TOURISM GROUP HEAD CORPORATE AFFAIRS & QUALITY) & PHOTOGRAPHS BY SCOTTY PHOTOGRAPHY
here is only one hotel in most unique and finest locations, affording River. Enjoy the starter of the breathtaking views
Victoria Falls where guests can guests an ambiance with a fine mix of African of the river and its famous sunsets! Award-
catch a glimpse and marvel at wildlife, an abundance of nature, a river frontage, winning Amulonga restaurant awaits to tantalize
the splendor of nature as the and a jetty site. This hotel is best known and and excite guest taste buds. The restaurant is
resident hippo - Sebastien takes sort after for its tranquility which guarantees a past winner of the prestigious Trip Advisor
his usual stroll at the edge of rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul. Certificate of Excellence following excellent

the hotel grounds where the The thatch roofing that covers the entire hotel reviews from guests. One of the hotel’s signature

gardens converge with the river banks of the is not only environmentally friendly but also dishes is the crocodile tail which continues to be

mighty Zambezi River. Sebastien’s favorite time ensures the regulation of temperature, making a favorite for those with curious taste buds.

of the day to make a celebrity appearance is the rooms nice and cool for guests’ in-door For guests’ convenience, Heritage Expeditions

dinner time, who doesn’t want an audience and comfort. Built and structured for the ultimate Africa (HExA) is a sister tour operations

a bit of drama? Only at the award-winning four- private and intimate stay, A’Zambezi River company. has a desk at the hotel. Here adventure

star- A’Zambezi River Lodge! Lodge has a total of 87 modern contemporary awaits with the expansive options of activities

This hotel allows guests to get a sneak preview of rooms, which are either river-facing or garden- on offer which include but are not limited to

the wildlife safari experience on offer in Victoria facing, depending on guest inclination. To make game drives, boat cruises, white water rafting,

Falls, as other smaller less intimidating animals your stay comfortable and enjoyable all rooms a tour of the falls, bush dinners, and bungee

are abundant such as the warthog, antelope, have air conditioning units, mosquito nets, tea/ jumping. A recent addition is the popular quad-

monkeys, and the odd baboon, mongoose also coffee making facilities, security safe, high-speed biking adventure which takes adventure seekers

dart around the gardens ever so often. All this wifi, flat-screen television, and cable television into the rugged African bush where there is a

makes for memorable moments – the spectacle (DSTV). The ground-level rooms have a mini high chance of meeting wildlife along the way.

of being a few meters from the Zambezi River, patio where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea or The rides are conducted under the supervision

the interactive animal kingdom theatre in the coffee as you watch the sunrise or a soft well- of a trained guide, and they follow an approved

lush well-manicured gardens, and the refreshing balanced glass of wine or cocktail of choice, at designated trail.
hospitality offered by the hotel staff! the end of the day, as the sun sets. Email: [email protected] / res@
A’Zambezi River Lodge is nestled on the There is no better dining experience than on rtgrsa.co.zw
banks of the mighty Zambezi River within the an open-air outdoor wrap-around deck that is a www.gatewaystream.com
periphery of the Zambezi National Park, in a few meters away from the Zambezi River. Aptly +263 772633-6
spot with the tranquility and seclusion most named Amulonga, meaning “by the river” this Facebook: Rainbow Tourism Group
Instagram: @rtgafrica

travelers seek. The hotel occupies one of the restaurant is right on the banks of the Zambezi H&S

58 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 59

H&STRAVEL

Mauya Homes

‘ ’Feel at home
TEXT STYLINE CHIVAURA & PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAUYA HOMES

MAUYA HOMES, IS A GROUP OF AIRBNBS HOSTED BY STYLINE CHIVAURA,

WHICH OPERATE BOTH IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA,

T AS WELL AS HARARE, ZIMBABWE.
he homes located in infrastructure that competes with traditional
Johannesburg are found in the hotel chains. AirBnB’s goal for guests is to enrich
much sought-after areas of travel by providing accommodations with
Fourways, Waterfall Precinct character, at affordable prices.When booking at
and Midrand, which allow any Mauya establishment, you will find a quality
for the convenience of being space with personality, charm and a true sense

located near major shopping of “home”.

and business districts, while also offering the Our mission is for each and every one of

peace and quiet of suburban living, and have our guests to feel welcomed, and ensuring

shown themselves to be popular choices that Mauya Homes becomes every traveller’s

amongst those travelling for both business and destination of choice when travelling to Harare

leisure. and Johannesburg for business or leisure. From

Mauya uses the AirBnB model, which serves the moment an enquiry is made, right up to the

two markets, guests and hosts.While guests are time a guest checks in, we at Mauya strive to

looking for unique places to stay, hosts aim to make our guests as comfortable as they would

monetize their property for a large audience be in their own home, it’s your home away from

while taking advantage of Airbnb’s marketing home plus more.

infrastructure, a business model and rental Mauya Homes in Zimbabwe consist of two

60 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

properties in prime locations in Harare. unlimited Wi-Fi. We offer high quality toiletries, extremely responsive and helpful.We had some
Our flagship property, Mauya: the Eden, is a hair dryer, morning gowns, and slippers. The travel dramas to deal with and Kudzai with out
spectacular and luxurious retreat and one we well-kitted kitchen is furnished with various of his way to try to help us. The apartment is
consider the ideal place for unique moments. It appliances, including air fryers, a coffee maker, on the top floor. Great views, quiet, so well
is located in a secure area just 400m from Sam an electric pressure cooker, a slow cooker and decorated and styled. I would recommend this
Levy’s Village, Zimbabwe’s premium shopping a rice cooker, electric kettles and a microwave. to anyone looking for similar convenience and
and dining destination, in Borrowdale. The patio area not only has an outdoor dining great rates.Well done Styline, this is a great stay!”
The second property is a two-bedroomed area, but also provides our guests with a braai/ Umesh, Boston, MA (USA)
secure and upscale apartment that is centrally- grill stand, picnic benches with umbrellas in the November 2021
located in the upper avenues, within walking garden for small intimate moments and an herb For more information on Mauya homes
distance to State House, 5 Avenue shops and and vegetable garden for those guests who may please contact:
located right opposite Harare Sports Club and have a green thumb or just enjoy cooking with +27 829275456
Zimbabwe cricket grounds. fresh produce. +263 775888398
A hostess is on site to offer support and Mauya Northwold +263 781162284
guarantee that every guest’s stay is as enjoyable Keep it simple at this peaceful and centrally- [email protected]
and comfortable as possible. located secure apartment in Harare which is [email protected]
At Mauya, we strive to deliver an exceptional situated within walking distance to State House, Visit our website @ www.mauyahomes.com
and enriching stay for every one of our guests. 5 Avenue shops and located right opposite Go to the following links to book Mauya
The following is what guides us and is standard Harare Sports Club and Zimbabwe Cricket Homes and Apartments and enjoy our
within the Mauya group: grounds. All the required amenities such as a exceptional hospitality.
Thoughtful Design flat screen television, DSTV premium and Wi- https://abnb.me/I5OlPlQHXnb
Mauya homes is where high quality meets Fi, in addition to the well-equipped kitchen, and https://abnb.me/YdEwT5ZZLob
tastefully, and carefully considered design. With tastefully decorated bedrooms ensure all of the https://abnb.me/plihbIxTUnb
elegant design and personal touch, the homes needs of our guests are met.The complex has its https://abnb.me/APWggiAQ0ib
are as welcoming as they are beautiful. Our own water source and is rated 9.1 out of 10 by https://abnb.me/fo2XEwUEleb
décor is eclectic, with design focal points that Booking.com. 24 hour security and immaculately https://abnb.me/kOiALO9cvkb
are pleasing to the eye.The rooms are airy and maintained gardens allow our guests to take in
comfortable, with beds and pillows particularly some fresh air, while also providing them with H&S
chosen with comfort in mind. The bedrooms peace of mind.
are all fitted with high quality Egyptian linen. At Our marketing strategy is based on our superior
Mauya, guests will find all the comforts of home performance in the following areas:
plus more. • Customer service
Communication • Beautiful locations
A rapid response approach is a key factor • Quality facilities
for customer service excellence. Responding The above attributes have earned Mauya
quickly and promptly to guests queries is an group “Super Host” status. This status is based
integral part of the five-star experience that we on reviews made by every guest following
offer at Mauya. their stay and focuses on aspects such as host
Cleanliness attentiveness, property location, cleanliness and
We pride ourselves in taking extra efforts to value.“Super Host” is a highly coveted (and not
ensure the homes are extra clean and fully easily granted) status, indicative of highly rated
functioning, as well as maintain manicured properties and hosting ability and is the ultimate
outdoor spaces. Guests can take comfort in goal on the AirBnB platform.
the fact that we hold ourselves to exceptionally Super Host status – Highlights
high cleaning standards. We also subscribe to • They offer exceptional hospitality
the stringent AirBnB 5-Step enhanced Covid • Super Hosts are the top-rated and most
cleaning protocol guidelines. experienced AirBnB hosts
Mauya: the Eden (Borrowdale) • Some guest choose to only book with Super
Mauya: the Eden, is located in a secure area just Hosts. Guests can filter their results to discover
400m from Sam Levy’s Village in Borrowdale. only listings with Super Host status.
The property is fully armed with a security Guest reviews
guard from the hours of 6pm-6am. It offers We have had guests come back for more of
many amenities to suit every type of guest. our exceptional hospitality and this is what they
These include a library for the avid reader, a have said about us:
kitchen with modern appliances. Three en- “We extended our stay with Styline as we really
suite bedrooms, all fitted with Egyptian cotton loved staying in her place! Everything is perfect!”
linen, and two tastefully decorated lounges.The Anja, Arriach, Austria
second lounge can be used as a private meeting December 2021
room. All the bedrooms have electric blankets “Our family stayed at Ferngate for over a week.
for heating during winter, and air coolers during It was more than we expected. In a quiet
summer. The property is equipped with solar neighbourhood with Chartwell Mall literally
power, a borehole, and back-up solar geyser a walking distance. Styline was very good.
to ensure there will never be delays to a Recommended!!”
guest’s daily routine. In order for our guests to Oripah (Zimbabwe)
stay connected and up to date, the Eden also January 2022
includes a smart TV with access to YouTube, “From the time of our booking right thru to
Netflix, Showmax, DSTV Premium, as well as checkout, Styline and her son Kudzai were

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 61

H&SINTERNATIONALDESIGNTRENDS

The Luxury
Abode

TEXT SK DESIGNS & PHOTOGRAPHS RAVI KANADE

SK DESIGNS IS AN ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM WITH
DIVERSE WORK IN A RANGE OF SPECIALIZED PRACTICE AREAS

–RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, RETAIL AND HOSPITALITY INTERIORS.
“WE ARE A DESIGN AND EXECUTION DRIVEN COMPANY.WE DON’T THINK TWICE
BEFORE DWELLING DEEP INTO EVERY DETAIL ASPECT OF A PROJECT TO ENSURE A

TIMELY COHESIVE COMPLETION.”

62 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

he luxury abode designed by H&SINTERNATIONALDESIGNTRENDS
Keyur Asarawala is located in
Mumbai, India consists of 4
bedroom, 4 baths , living room,
kitchen , servants room &

Tbathroom with a nice balcony.
The owners are a close knit
family of Mr. & Mrs Malhotra and their young
son and wanted to design a modern home with
elegance in keeping with the current trends.
At our initial meeting with the client , they made
it clear that they host parties and so our design
should reflect openness and warmth as seen
in her personality.The client were very pellucid
that they wanted an elegant design fixating on
utilizing the existing space to the best of its
possibilities
While designing the project no structural
changes were made while designing the project
. Only mom load bearing walls were abstracted.
The height available was very low so it was a
challenge to accommodate the ducts of the
VRV system and still maintain a good ceiling.

Designer Keyur Asarawala

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 63

H&SINTERNATIONALDESIGNTRENDS

Living room:
The idea was to maximize the open feel of
the space and visually dissever the living room
from dining area without any genuine partitions.
The Resin art panel draws one’s eye towards
the seating area and anchors the room in
subtle manner. As soon as one enters house
the flamboyant light piece sets the tone for a
sophisticated interiors. The bar design with its
coalescence of the white marble against the
refulgent blue backpainted glass have become
the envy of quite a few guests.
Overall the neutral tone set by the textured
wall set off by these few accent elements gives
the living room an elegant, trendy feel.

64 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

Kitchen H&SINTERNATIONALDESIGNTRENDS
The kitchen is an extension of the living room
and perpetuates the play of subtle grey and
white background colours with a deep blue
accent to make this a functional but stylish
kitchen.
The opulent satvario marble floor, the glass
with brushed gold suspended shelving over the
elegant marble island give the design an overall
opulent flavour.
The overall layout of the kitchen was done
in keeping with Vastu Shastra requirements
while maintaining the functionality and overall
openness of the space.

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 65

H&SINTERNATIONALDESIGNTRENDS Outdoors:
The clients directive right at the commencement
of the project was very pellucid, she wanted her
guest to flow in to the balcony from the living
space.The balcony is consequently an extension
of the living room with a concrete looking
bench and table set to welcome people to sit
and relish the evening breeze.
The sandblasted black granite contrasting with
the light grey kandla are a impeccable backdrop
to the subtle warmth of the wooden shelves and
the plants.The well landscaped planter bed with
a amalgamation of tall plants and small shrubs
engenders a nice reprieve from the busy urban
life. The Fiber optic lights in the ceiling further
accentuate that outdoor feel by engendering a
star lit sky illumination, making the balcony one
of the favorites place to hangout for everyone.

66 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

AT SK Designs we believe in listening to our H&SINTERNATIONALDESIGNTRENDS
clients and infusing their personality into the
space . Design that flows effortlessly balancing
form and function remains the core mantra we
follow.

A brief profile of the Architect
Firm Name –SK Designs
Project Location- Anderi (W) , Mumbai.
Project Area in square feet:3000 Sq Ft.
Photo Credits- Ravi Kanade
H&S

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 67

68 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 69

H&SPROPERTYNEWS

Property News

TEXT MICHAEL NOTT & PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS

DESPITE TURBULENT ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES AND THE SLOWDOWN

CAUSED GLOBALLY BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC THE PROPERTY MARKET IN

W ZIMBABWE HAS REMAINED EXTREMELY RESILIENT.
hile most of One of the areas in Harare which has
the major experienced very rapid growth in recent years
developments, is Pomona. Pomona Industrial Park has seen
and trading in real enormous investment in the warehousing, retail
estate, is centred in and manufacturing sectors with a number of
and around Harare, bigger companies either relocating to Pomona

there are a number or opening new branches. Halsteds, Electrosales,

of projects underway in other centres like Driptech, ICC, Solar Energy Projects and

Bulawayo, Mutare and Gweru. Victoria Falls is a Superfert are just a few of the main investors

hive of activity with rapid growth in the tourism driving the phenomenal growth in the area.

industry and new lodges and hotels are being West Properties is developing Pomona City

built in a sign that confidence in the economic – billed as a City within a City – to provide

recovery is strong. accommodation for those working in the

Most development has been in the residential Pomona Industrial Park or further afield. It’s

market as there is still a large backlog of decent, a secure gated estate comprised mostly of

affordable housing from low cost high density fully serviced residential stands in the middle

projects to exclusive upmarket choices. There to upper income range. The estate will also

has recently been a marked increase in the include a shopping mall, schools, churches,

development of townhouse and cluster home hotels and spas and health care facilities. Other

schemes with a particular interest in secure, West Property developments in Harare

gated communities. Commercial and industrial include Pokugara gated community offering

development has largely focused on office individual serviced stands as well as single and

parks – generally outside the city centres in the double storey townhouses and villas. Adjacent

surrounding suburbs - as well as warehousing, to Pokugara West Properties is developing

commercial and industrial developments driven Millennium Heights. It’s an upmarket estate of

by the increase in activity in the mining and apartment blocks offering studio flats as well
as one bedroom and two bedroom options. Utopia Mews
agricultural sectors.

70 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

The concept is to make luxury accommodation Aspire Heights
affordable.
Fairview Properties have a similar apartment Aspire Heights
development taking place near Mt Hampden Aspire Heights
just on the outskirts of the Capital City.
Utopia Mews Utopia Mews offers 68 four bedroom duplex
apartments within the Fairview Estate. The
apartments are beautifully designed with top
end finishes and features. Utopia Mews is part
of Fairview Estate which is comprised of fully
serviced residential stands ranging in size from
300 square metres to 2,300 square metres.
Stand owners are free to design and build their
own houses but there are also housing plans
available with approved contractors on hand to
carry out the construction.
Also in the Mt Hampden area (site of the
new Parliament) Leengate Land Developers
are offering stands at Haydon Park near
Westgate. In the same area Dumfard Property
Developers have stands available at Rosewood
Park in Lillifordia, Nyabira. All the stands are fully
serviced with new tarred access roads, water
reticulation and ZESA connections.
A similar project to Utopia Mews is nearing
completion in Aspindale – Aspire Heights. It’s
a modern gated apartment complex adjacent
to Aspindale Park. Amenities include secure
parking for residents and visitors, playgrounds,
internet and entertainment connection, bicycle
parking, drying area, in-house metered gas
supply and a private refuse collection service.
Grand Homes have successfully completed

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 71

H&SPROPERTYNEWS three townhouse projects within secure
gated premises. The first project was Sibiti
Sibiti Private Estate Sibiti Private Estate Private Estate in Greencroft consisting of
Sibiti Private Estate 26 three bedroom garden flats. The second
project was Sitari Private Estate consisting of
48 three bedroom duplex apartments. Their
latest development is Sibaya Private Estate in
Newlands made up of 13 three storey detached
townhouses. Sitari and Sibaya also have a
communal swimming pool, a club house and a
gym. Most of the apartments are rented out on
long term leases but there are Airbnb options
available for fully furnished short term rentals.
Homelux Property Development has completed
a number of cluster home developments in
Harare including 20 cluster houses at The
Oxford Place, 11 cluster houses at Windsor
Manors and 16 garden flats at Victoria Mews
– all in Newlands. They have also completed
cluster house complexes in Borrowdale,
Greendale North, Highlands and Groombridge.
Some of their most recent projects are the
development of 30 two and three bedroom
apartments at 58 Marlborough Drive, as well
as 20 townhouses at 12 Knightsbridge Road in
Newlands and 22 upmarket housing units at 52
Ascot Road in Avondale.
Cardinal Corporation owns or co-owns
residential development projects mostly close
to Harare. Some of their recent projects
include the award winning Arkenstone luxury
villas in Borrowdale Brooke, Sunbird Villas
within Arlington Estate, townhouses at 100

Sibiti Private Estate
72 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

on Montgomery and the development of Arkenstone Luxury Villas H&SPROPERTYNEWS
Peakwood Village – 96 units within a gated
estate located in Greendale. Peakwood is Arkenstone Luxury Villas Arkenstone Luxury Villas
currently a ‘work in progress’ so self-build stands
are still available.
All over Harare land use is changing as the urban
population is growing very rapidly. Previously
low density suburbs like Greendale have been
rezoned for high density occupation giving
rise to a number of town house and cluster
home developments. Meanwhile a number of
businesses are choosing to move out of the
City Centre to office parks in Borrowdale,
Arundel or other suburban areas. As a prime
example NMB Bank has recently opened their
new iconic head office and banking suites along
Borrowdale Road, near to the racecourse.
A number of previously exclusively residential
areas are now incorporating commercial
properties especially along Borrowdale Road,
Enterprise Road and Samora Machel – both in
the Eastlea area and near the Harare Agricultural
Show grounds. Older suburbs like Avondale and
Milton Park are now a mix of homes, offices and
retail outlets.
Satellite towns around Harare like Norton and
Ruwa are growing rapidly both for housing and
commercial and industrial investments. Boulders
Estate in Ruwa is situated along San Souci
Road, just off the main Harare/Mutare Highway.
It’s a secure gated upmarket community with
controlled access. All the stands are fully
serviced with tarred roads, water and electricity

Arkenstone Luxury Villas

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 73

H&SPROPERTYNEWS Sunbird Villas within with stands ranging in size from 2,000 to 3,000
Arlington Estate, square metres.
Sunbird Villas within There are developments taking place in other
Arlington Estate, Sunbird Villas within centres around Zimbabwe. Kings City in
Arlington Estate, Bulawayo is the largest development project
Sunbird Villas within in Bulawayo in recent years.The estate is 2,000
Arlington Estate, hectares with provision for over 9,000 low
and medium-density residential stands. The
property has mixed-use zoning rights so there
will be commercial and light industrial stands
available within the community. The project is
being developed by Radar Properties, a division
of Radar Holdings Limited. It’s an excellent
investment opportunity for locals as well as for
Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
Also in Bulawayo is the new Hopeville
development – described as a City on the Rise.
The project is divided into three stages. Stage 1
is situated along Woodville Road in Hopeville
with stand-alone homes, townhouses, schools
and recreational areas now available. Stage
2 is located on the Hope Estate with a golf
course, stand-alone houses, townhouse, clusters,
apartments, office park, mall with cinemas and
an outdoor children’s park. Stage 3, situated at
Hopelyn Estate, will feature the ‘Honey Comb’
apartments - an 84 stand development with
672 apartments, designed by local architects
with space and efficiency in mind.
In Gweru JH Properties are developing
Rosemond Park – a high density suburb just 6km
from the Gweru CBD.The development is fully
serviced with tarred roads, streetlights, water

74 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

and electricity. Stands are 300 square metres H&SPROPERTYNEWS
with low deposits and monthly instalments
with payment plans extending over 60 months. 100 on Montgomery
Also in Gweru Sheasham Investments is 100 on Montgomery
developing Paradise Park - a high density
residential development project with 420 100 on Montgomery
stands with stands of 200 square metres and
above. Internal water and sewer reticulation has
been completed and roads have been gravelled.
The 3km off site water mains connection has
been completed and council has approved
the servicing of the stands with a certificate of
compliance having been issued.
In Mutare Marra Global is developing Mountain
View – a high density suburb with 2,824 stands
varying in size from 180 square metres to 600
square metres.The stands are fully serviced and
the development also has 10 stands set aside
for crèches, schools and colleges, 37 stands
for shops and 25 light industrial stands. There
are also 8 stands set aside for churches and
mosques as well as a service station to service
the neighbourhood.
These developments are just a small taste of
the huge investment opportunities available
in cities and smaller towns across Zimbabwe.
There are plenty of opportunities for locals,
Zimbabweans in the diaspora and foreign
investors. Just remember to always deal with
reputable developers and estate agents and if in
any doubt ask a conveyancing firm to look over
your contract before signing anything.

H&S

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 75

migrating fromH&SPROPERTYNEWS

brick and mortar

to Slip Form Concrete
Shuttering Concept

TEXT ROBERT ZVIDZA & PHOTOGRAPHS HAREL HOMES

…HAREL HOMES INTRODUCES NEW BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
Shelter is a basic right and a
foundation in life and should be themselves houses and this further widens the industry has strangely lived with the brick and
available to all regardless of your gap between the rich and the poor.Harel Homes mortar method of construction, a technique
status in life. Housing therefore Private Limited has successfully introduced that is probably 3500 years old. This, therefore,
becomes one of the most focal SLIP FORM CONCRETE SHUTTERING calls for engineers to shift focus and explore
areas for the country when it CONCEPT in Zimbabwe, which they see as a other ways, which other countries have already
panacea to building problems for people. adopted.

comes to addressing the social- This concept has already been approved by the Harel Homes have become the pioneers in

economic and political challenges of reducing Standard Association of Zimbabwe as well as this field with this SLIP FORM CONCRETE

the gap in living standards. the local authority - Harare City Council. SHUTTERING CONCEPT.

With the ever-increasing costs of construction, In a world where people are adapting to latest Established seven years ago, Harel Homes

many Zimbabweans are struggling to build technologies in most areas, the construction only started operating in 2020 after getting

76 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

certification from relavant authorities and they H&SPROPERTYNEWS
are slowly getting noticed in the market with
some projects they have done in Domboshava,
Selous, Mufakose and Mt Pleasant to name but
a few.These, they say, have been satisfactory to
both the contractors and the clients.
They have done projects for people in the
diaspora who already have an appreciation
of this concept better than locals. However,
Harel Homes urges Zimbabweans to think
outside the box and focus on other methods
of constructing because resistance to change
will lower our standards in the construction
industry as a country.
According to Mr Oscar Bosha, the Director of
Harel Homes, this concept is faster to construct
as compared to brick and mortar. An ordinary
two bedroomed house only needs three weeks
to be completed.
The costs of construction are up to 35 percent
cheaper than brick and mortar walls and
it produces stronger walls because of their
cement composition and continuous bonding.
There is no need to plaster as walls can simply
be floated to achieve a very good smooth finish.
The appearance looks great and better that that
of brick and mortar walls.
Walls remain in excellent condition because
they are concrete and there is no need for them
to be redone after sometime.
“With this concept, we have eliminated
challenges of cracks caused by the fact that brick
and mortar have no equal strength hence they
tend to yield under pressure from the roof once
the house settles in.
We also have another added advantage to the
environment as we have eliminated the cutting
down of trees to burn bricks in order to make
them stronger,”says Mr Bosha.
Harel Homes have not substituted any other
processes of constructing where a plan has
to be drawn and be approved by the local
authority as well as soil tests to establish the
type of foundation to be used. In case of a
storey buildings, a civil engineer will have to
be engaged so that his input is considered and
incorporated in the plans.
Already boasting of a fair share in the market,
Harel Homes are aiming for growth in this
industry and hoping the government will also
notice and share their vision.
“We want to be a voice in the construction
industry in Zimbabwe. We want to be bigger
and want to help those who are not able to
build houses to have a place of their own
because no one thinks of low income earners
nowadays. If we get the Government support,
we will truly construct houses for the people
and bridge the gap we see in the provision of
decent accomodation.”
Says Mr Bosha;
“Our policy is that you give us your money and
we give you the keys to your house.”
Harel Homes is situated at number 108
Palmer Drive, Milton Park Harare and
are contactable on +263 774569563 /
+263712758427 H&S

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 77

PPCis now
available online
for diaspora customers
PPC Zimbabwe was established
in 1913 and has been supplying range of its products and well-known brands to works and DIY applications.
cement and cement based meet the needs of a broad range of customers,
products to Zimbabwe and from smaller orders to large quantities for SUREBUILD 42,5N is a premium multipurpose
the region for over 100 years, bigger projects. To purchase SUREWALL,
recently producing over 1.8 SURECEM, SUREBUILD and SURECAST cement that has been engineered to achieve
million tonnes of cement per products easier, and ensure quick delivery to
year. They have three manufacturing plants in consumers the PPC team has developed a consistent and appropriate performance in a
Zimbabwe which are considered among the user-friendly website where payments can be
most modern in the region. Over the years made in multiple currencies through a secure wide range of products and applications.
PPC Zimbabwe has realised the importance of and trusted online platform. Orders can then
customer service and built up strong customer be collected or delivered to your doorstep SURECAST 42,5R is manufactured from high
relationships. PPC have earned their reputation without stress, worry or inconvenience. The
as the premier suppliers of consistently high e-commerce website offers you a smooth and quality raw materials. Clinker is inter-ground
quality, trusted and reliable products. hassle-free shopping experience with intuitive
In recent years PPC has focused on extensive and easy access to a variety of merchandise. It with gypsum to manufacture a premium high
market research surveys to further understand guarantees customers value for money and safe
their customers’ needs and has become and secure transactions. early strength cement.
more orientated towards customer and client The online website can be accessed at www. To find out more about these and other
needs, particularly in light of the ever-changing store.ppc.co.zw where you can view their products contact [email protected]
economic climate in the country. extensive product range, place your order and Call Harare Tel: +263 86 77 00 4795 or
PPC recently launched their innovative online make an easy online payment. Payments are Bulawayo Tel: +263 86 77 00 4215
shopping service for a wide range of their made through the Paynow site (which is simple
products for diaspora consumers as well as for to navigate) and customers are requested to use H&S
the ever-growing diaspora market. PPC is always their MasterCard or Visa.The minimum quantity
keen to be closer to their customers in order for purchasing is 40 bags and you’ll be able to
to serve them better and make shopping more collect from the PPC factories in Harare and
convenient. They’ve also taken note of the fact Bulawayo. PPC will deliver 200 bags and above
that shopping habits have changed a lot recently to Harare, Chitungwiza, Norton and Bulawayo.
with more people browsing, buying and paying For larger orders of 600 bags - a full truckload
online for everything from household goods to – PPC will deliver nationwide saving you the
building materials. The online service illustrates headache of organising your own transport.
how PPC is moving with the times and adapting On the site you can order bagged PPC Cement
to new conditions. products which incorporate SUREWALL,
It’s particularly useful for Zimbabweans in the SURECEM, SUREBUILD and SURECAST.
diaspora looking to invest in the country in a SUREWALL 22.5 masonry cement is ideal for
simple and transparent way. Online ordering and mortar and plaster applications and improves
payments remove the hassles of sending money the workability, cohesiveness and retention of
back home for building materials while making fresh mortar and plaster. In hardened plaster, it
transactions safe and secure. Sometimes money reduces cracking and crazing and improves the
sent back home is diverted for other uses apart surface finish.
from the proposed construction project! SURECEM 32.5R is formulated with early
Through its diaspora portal, PPC offers a wide strength characteristics for use in concrete,
mortar, plaster, bricks, blocks, small precast

PROVIDER OF PREMIUM QUALITY BUILDING MATERIALS

78 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

WITH PPC

HOME IS JUST
AT YOUR

FINGER TPPIPCSAdvert

We believe in stress-free purchases when building your most priced
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store.ppc.co.zw HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | TMiEd RMaMy -SMid&JuCly, O202N2 DITIO7N9 S APPLY

H&SINVESTMENTS&PERSONAL FINANCE

Let’s talk
about gold

TEXT CROSBY PAMBERI - CEO

A GOLD BAR IS TRULY A THING TO BEHOLD,TO TOUCH AND FEEL ITS WEIGHT. IT HAS AN

ALLURE THAT HAS BEDAZZLED ROYALTY AND PAUPER ALIKE SINCE THE BEGINNING

OF RECORDED HUMAN HISTORY. IT IS A TIMELESS AND UNIVERSALLY

On the 8th of March, the ACCEPTED STORE OF WEALTH.
price of gold reached an
all-time high of USD2,050 Chart 1
an ounce.
So why has the price of
gold risen so much? Four
main reasons:

1. Safe Haven Asset

Traditionally, the US Dollar and gold have been

a safe- havens in times of extreme uncertainty.

That means the values of both go up while

the value of high-risk assets such as equities

and exotic currencies weaken. As tensions

and uncertainties ease, that price relationship

reverses. The current Russia-Ukraine war is a

perfect opportunity to observe this divestment

from risky assets into the US Dollar and gold

with gold hitting an all-time high (Chart 1).

80 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

2. Where Does Money Come From? seized Russian reserves – including foreign
This question is answered definitively in
undergraduate Economics textbooks as an currency and gold - worth up to USD140bn.
introduction to
Macroeconomics. The answer, while simple, has This move is widely seen as the beginning of the
a tendency to freak some students out. Money
is created by fiat. That means exactly that. It is end of the US Dollar’s dominance as the world’s
created from nothing. It is not backed by gold or
any commodity of value. And as unbelievable as global currency. At the very least, it is likely the
that might sound, that is how it works. And to
really see this concept at work, consider that in world will fracture into two financial systems: a
2001 the US Federal Reserve had USD731bn
on its balance sheet (i.e. created money).Today, dollar dominated one and another dominated
that figure stands at almost US9 trillion. Of this
money, more than half was created in the last by the Chinese Reminbi and gold.
2 years. Financial markets have seen this and
realised that if more and more of this money is Against that backdrop of rising gold demand,
being printed – while still not backed by anything
– it stands to reason that any such money can Zim Gold Fields, a division of Heritage Pay
only be worth less and less.
3. The Secret is in the Chart Group (UK) are connecting small-scale and
Now here’s a secret, the price of gold hasn’t
actually gone up it has simply kept up with the medium-scale Zimbabwean miners to investors
pace of money printing by the US Fed. This is
shown in Chart 2. The relative price of gold abroad.The investors help miners commercialise
against the dollar is up 650%.This means a rise of
7 1⁄2 times. In 2001 gold traded at USD271.95 or expand their operations.
per ounce. That is USD2,050÷271.95 = 7 1⁄2.
The real price of gold against the US Dollar has, If owning a gold bar is bedazzling, just imagine
in fact, not changed.
Chart 2 what it must be like to own a productive gold
4. The Future
Traditionally, government and central banks, mine!
have always kept a portion of their reserves in Exclusive offer for readers of Homes&Styles
USD Dollars and gold. And with global inflation Magazine: free 2hr consultation.
rising, financial markets analysts believe that gold www.zimgoldfields.com +44 207 117 2934
demand (and therefore price) will continue to DISCLAIMER: None of the information
rise. contained in this article is, nor should
That was the rationale for investing in gold be construed as financial advice. All
before the Russia- Ukraine war. mining investments contain an element
Since the war,Western Countries have effectively of risk and you should always seek
your own independent financial advice
before entering into any mining-related

investment activity.

H&S

Chart 2

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 81

+44 207 117 2934

[email protected]

Kemp House
160 City Road

London
EC1V 2NX
United Kingdom

Heritage Pay Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company No. 11129859

©Heritage Pay Limited, 2022, All rights reserved.

Payment services for Heritage Pay Limited are provided by The Currency Cloud Limited. Registered in England No. 06323311.

Registered Office: Stewardship Building 1st Floor, 12 Steward Street London E1 6FQ. The Currency Cloud Limited is

authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 for the issuing of electronic money

82 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 (FRN: 900199).

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 83

For those investing and doing big projects
at home, Access Forex has a unique service
called paytumi which enables you to cut out
the middleman and pay for products
directly to suppliers.

www.paytumi.com

Download the app &

send money to Zimbabwe

Contact us: +44 783 147 5523 | +27 87 240 6299

ADVERTISERS INDEX

IMNTAERGNAATZIOINNAEL ZB Bank - Inside Front Cover Victoria Falls Refurb Suppliers - Page 44
Victoria Falls Hotel - Page 1 BK Painters & Decorators - Page 45
Lunney’s Roofing - Page 46
Architectual Aluminium - Page 3 Containa Wise - Page 46
Moonlight Funeral Assurance - Page 5 Swartland - Page 47
Mac Brother - Page 48
Nicola Holden Designs - Page7 Kiggen Construction - Page 48
Astra - Page 8 Cubalaya Investments - Page 49
MC Wood - Page 50
Revolta’s Roots - Page 9 Beneath Your Feet - Page 51
Parade Fabrics - Page 9 Palm River Hotel - Page 57
DC Design Centre - Page 14 Konak - Page 57 & 89
C.A.A.P.S Alluminium & Glass - Page 15 A’Zambezi River Lodge - Page 58
Tile & Carpet - Page 15 Rainbow Tourism Group - Page 59
Red Kitchens - Page 15 Jetmaster - Page 68
Leigh Howson Interior Design - Page 19 West Prop Zimbabwe - Page 70
Mattress Warehouse - Page 20 PPC - Page 79
Zimgold (Heritage Pay) - Page 82
Inner Living - Page 20 Steward Bank - Page 83
Melusi Home Designs - Page 20 Access Finance - Page 84
Dominion Marketing - Page 20 Africa Steel - Inside Back Cover

Slab Sales Africa - Pace 21 Halsted Builders Express - Back Cover
Pride Of Africa - Page 24
Union Hardware - Page 25 and 71

Calundike - Page 27
Source. - Page 44

84 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 85

H&SOUTDOORLIVING

Outdoor Living

TEXT LAURA LOUISE & PHOTOGRAPHS H&S MAGAZINE

CREATING AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE NEEDN’T BE A DAUNTING NOR EXPENSIVE PROJECT.
BY USING SIMPLE MATERIALS & AESTHETICS, ONE CAN CREAT AN EXTENSION OF YOUR HOME IN AN OUTDOOR

LIVING OR ENTERTAINMENT AREA.

For this featured project we texture to an otherwise flat backdrop.The teak
made use of an existing pergola was then sanded and sprayed with an ammonia
structure to create an outdoor solution to strip the redness out of the wood
room.The purpose for this area and over time with exposure to sun & elements,
was to create an entertainment this teak cladding will age and soften to tones
space with a dining area and of grey.
pizza oven. The pizza oven was built in to a large service
Pavers were used to designate the floor space & prep counter. The building of this was kept
and soften the colour tones underfoot. simple by skimming and painting the support
The back wall of this space was cladded with walls and using granite tiles for the countertop.
teak in vertical planks to create height as well as Display shelves above the countertop were

86 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

placed to add interest with pots and plants H&SOGAURTDEONOFREALITVUINRGE
creating pops of colour & texture.
A large steel framed mirror was mounted to
the side wall to reflect the beautiful gardens of
this home and creates a window like feature
that adds to the dimensions of this space.
This area was designed to be used as an
entertainment & outdoor dining space so a
large custom made steel & glass dining table sits
central to the space. A simple hanging ladder
was placed centrally over the table and draped
with outdoor bulb lighting to illuminate the
space as well as for dramatic effect at night.
As shown with this project, an outdoor living
space should have form & function and should
be an extension of your home. Simple aesthetics
can have great effect in creating depth and
interest to a space.

Design by Laura Louise Interiors
@lauralouise_interiors

Timber cladding by Pride of Africa
@poaflooringzw

Paving by Set in Stone
@setinstonezim

Steel works by Rust & Blush
@rust_and_blush

H&S

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS AND TRICKS TO USE
WHEN CREATING AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

* Keep it simple; decide on the purpose of the space * Lighting is a great way to create mood and ambience
and start from there. outside as well as to illuminate an area.

* Use existing areas or create a designated zone by * Seating can be formal or informal. A dining table is
using a simple pergola structure. one option but lounge chairs and couches made from
steel or timber can also be a great way to create a
* Change the flooring- tiles, pavers, gravel, timber less formal sitting area and can be made soft and
decking are all great options for an outdoor living cosy with cushions and throws.
space.
* Add pots and plants in and around the space. An
* Add interest on walls by use of simple décor- shelving, outdoor living space should be exactly that; a living
mirrors, hanging baskets, cladding & painted walls space in nature. With an abundance of flora options
are simple yet effective ways of adding some colour there are so many ways to bring nature both into
and texture to a space. ours homes as well as enjoy being outdoors in
nature.

88 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

H&SOUTDOORLIVING

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 89

H&SOUTDOORLIVING

A glamorous

gazebo

designed to fit a difficult space

TEXT THARA SWEETMAN CONCEPT DESIGN BRUCE ROWLANDS, DETAIL DESIGN THARA SWEETMAN PAVING SET IN STONE
INTERIOR DESIGNER LAURA THACKRAY INTERIORS MAIN CONTRACTOR FLAVIO PPC
ART NICOLE SANDERSON PRINT & PHOTOGRAPHS H&S MAGAZINE

90 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

Wspace ith a “loose” H&SOUTDOORLIVING

client brief Next we added a back screening wall that only
runs half the length of the gazebo. This was to
that called for provide the gazebo with not only a view-stop
but also to hide anything unsightly, such as gas
an outdoor bottles, while still being conveniently close by.
As for the colour of the Gazebo, everything
enter tainment including the TNG ceiling, the columns and the
fascia were all painted in white to match the
that design language of the recently renovated main
house.This also plays a role in reflecting the sun
could hold a and helping to keep the gazebo cool and airy.
H&S
pool table, seating area, pizza oven and bar,

designing this gazebo was an interesting task. A

visual connection to the existing pool and the

house was a top priority to ensure the space

integrated with the rest of the site and didn’t

work against it.

Considering the nature of our Zimbabwean

weather we decided a simple, elegant,

minimalistic gazebo with steel based

construction was the way to go.

One of the main challenges was to find a

location within a tight gardening space that had

large unmovable boulders, trees the client was

hoping to preserve and the property boundary

wall nearby. Many floor plan feasibility shapes

were tried and tested before opting for a

simple rectangle that would face the pool and

sit between the boulders and a clump of nearby

trees. This naturally plotted out the building

location and governed the size for us.

We started with a symmetrical gridline that

would determine the location of 6 load-bearing

steel columns that would in turn hold up 3

steel I-beams which support the 12m span of

the roof of the gazebo.Tilted at a 7° angle with

a steel fascia attached to the end of the steel

purlins the Chromadek roof is not visible at eye

level. The TNG ceiling mounted to the topside

of the steel purlins as opposed to the common do as it provided us with more justification for
adding a solid wall on this side to protect against
mounting to the underside, gives visual interest the afternoon sun. This ‘load bearing’ wall also
helps to further stabilize the entire structure.
when looking at the gazebo, with a series of After all, form does follow function.
This allowed us to add a concrete slab at
horizontal lines following the slope of the counter level which could be used for the bar/
kitchenette and would also serve as a support
roof. A free arrangement floor plan made the for the pizza oven chimney.The built-in chimney
also helped with providing visual variety to the
most sense considering all the entertainment solid west wall which is the first noticeable thing
about the gazebo upon arrival.
equipment they planned to house inside, with

the only defined space being that of the bar/

kitchenette.

Next we addressed the bar/kitchenette side of

the brief. We decided placing this on the west

side of the plan was the most logical thing to

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A cohesiveH&SGARDENFEATURE
and enchanting
landscape
TEXT ROBERT ZVIDZA & PHOTOGRAPHS H&S MAGAZINE
A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN ALWAYS CATCHES THE EYES OF PASSERS-BY AND PEOPLE
OFTEN WONDER HOW IT WAS DESIGNED AND CREATED.

92 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

he Homes & Styles Magazine H&SGARDENFEATURE
crew visited a splendid garden
in Chisipite where the outside
‘dry’ theme includes a mixture
of aloes of different textures

Tset between carefully arranged
rocks and stones. There is an
enchanting canal created from rocks which
cuts through the garden to allow for the free
flow of water. The architectural design which
the landscaper applied makes it attractive and
appealing. This canal enhances the dry theme,
which is emphasised by the use of succulents,
agaves and grasses - and lots of stone.
This part of the garden really brings out the
landscaper’s strength and love for architectural
design in gardening where concrete, stone
and succulents are combined. The landscaper
at this property - Garden Genius - said she
had responded to the owners request to
incorporate a dry theme as a way of conserving
water resources.
As the gate opens it reveals a ‘wet’, more
luxuriant theme inside. The garden has
abundant foliage and greenery while a concrete
driveway, which cuts through a large expanse of
neatly mown lawn, directs the eyes to the main
entrance of the home.
There are sweeping clusters of colourful plants
and a deliberate use of group plantings of
ground covers.The driveway divides the garden
in to two sides – left and right – which have
mirrored planting creating a well-balanced look.
The plants are arranged in sequence along the

HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022 93

H&SGARDENFEATURE boundary walls from the tallest at the back to
the shorter plants in the front. The planting
creates an implied barrier along the walls and
forms a very pleasing and attractive landscape.
The garden has been designed with a striking
colour palette and the deliberate use of plants
with distinctive structures, contrasting shapes,
leaf textures and sizes all combining in a co-
ordinated, unified view. The green expanse of
lawn links all the other garden plantings together.
Apart from looking fantastic the garden also
provides many opportunities for outdoor
activities and entertainment like al fresco dining,
outdoor garden parties, barbecues, poolside
sun bathing or even gathering around a fire on
a winter’s evening under the stars. Concrete
walkways help to connect and unify the different

94 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

parts of the garden, the recreational area and H&SGARDENFEATURE
the swimming pool.
There’s also a marvellous rose garden on the left
filled with blossoms of a wide variety of colours.
Apart from the beautiful vista they create you
can’t miss the delightful sweet perfume from the
flowers drifting on the air. You can actually feel
love in the air when you’re close to this section
of the garden.
The pre-cast boundary walls and the house
have been painted in dark grey colours which
show off the plants to their best advantage.
These grey tones are the favourite colours of
the Garden Genius landscapers as they create
the perfect backdrop to enhance the natural
colours and beauty of the plants.
H&S

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H&SGARDENFEATURE

96 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022

Garden GeniusH&SGARDENFEATURE

the gateway to completeness
and self fulfillment

TEXT ROBERT ZVIDZA & PHOTOGRAPHS H&S MAGAZINE

GARDEN GENIUS PRIVATE LIMITED IS A PROFESSIONAL GARDEN DESIGNING AND LANDSCAPING COMPANY
BASED IN HARARE.THEY HAVE BECOME A HOUSEHOLD NAME IN ZIMBABWE THROUGH THEIR
SUPERB GARDEN DESIGNS.

Homes & Styles Magazine the balance between plants that prefer dry garden.
recently caught up with conditions and water loving plants so we’re Asked about her future plans with Garden
Helena Du Coudray, the very careful in choosing which plants to use. Genius, Helena says they are satisfied with the
Managing Director and owner We have to respect the water situation and the level they’re at now.
of Garden Genius, to talk environment so we’ve resolved to use a lot of “We are happy where we are, but I would want
about her company and her stones and succulents in our designs. to get more into designing. I feel I am powerful
passion for creating beautiful “We use suitable plants which last for a longer with design. When I walk on to a site I can see
outdoor living spaces. period of time.We don’t use annuals (plants that what needs to be done at once in seconds, that’s
This is her story. quickly bloom and fade away) rather we go for my strength. I always make site visits to have a
“I studied landscaping at a college in Cape Town perennials (which bloom throughout the year) feel of the ground, soil texture and availability
when I finished high school but l found myself as well as succulents which provide contrast of water.”
on the different career path of Public Relations. colours - white against green, red against yellow She has a few tips for those aspiring to have
I had a very long career in Public Relations and we also balance leaf textures and shapes.” beautiful gardens.
where I worked for different big companies Garden Genius, according to Helena, also “When you want to start a garden, it is good
in the country. I then got tired of wearing high makes use of Japanese plants that are evergreen to have a plan first and be able to stick to it.
heeled shoes and stockings and decided to start perennials and often have an overall harmonious You execute it a bit by bit as and when you
Garden Genius. shape with stylish foliage or flowers. They are can afford it. At Garden Genius we put great
“We started from humble beginnings in 1997. slow growers and tend to have a peaceful emphasis on preparation of the ground before
At that time there was only one company in presence. planting by feeding the soil using natural
the country that did landscaping owned by To make their work easier Garden Genius have decomposed manure.
the well known landscaper Errol Tarr. We have established a nursery with a vast selection of “The colour of your garden wall is also extremely
progressed since then to where we are. healthy and established landscaping plants. important in bringing out your garden. I like to
“We pride ourselves in having survived a very “This makes our work much easier as we don’t use a dark khaki grey. Even a Dura wall can be
bumpy economic situation in 2008 and have have to run around looking for plants for our painted using the same colour,” she says.
since grown to become a household brand in clients. We have a large amount of stock on So if you want a beautiful garden contact
Zimbabwe. Experience counts,” she says. hand and we are very fast.We take a maximum Garden Genius, you won’t be disappointed.
Over the years Garden Genius have created of three weeks to design and establish a normal H&S
thousands of gardens for residential homes,
corporates, mines and retail outlets around Helena Du Coudray
the country and have now purchased modern
3D equipment and software to enhance their
garden designs.
“With this 3D equipment we are able to design
a garden virtually and a client has the chance to
see exactly how their garden will look and we
can change virtually anything the client wants.
The gardens usually turn out exactly the same
or even better than the drawings,” said Helena.
But what inspires her? “I like clean homes, I don’t
like clutter and I work with different colours
and themes.These have to match. I like modern
straight lines and energy has to flow. One has to
feel good inside.
“Over the years of landscaping in Harare, I have
become aware of the climate.The weather has
become erratic and it’s very difficult to find

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H&SHEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY

EXERCISE!GET HAPPY THROUGH
TEXT TSITSI MPOFU & PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS

DID YOU KNOW THAT HAPPINESS CAN COME FROM EXERCISING?

For you to experience total great benefits the one that I would like to draw of endorphins.To start off , brisk walking, jogging
vitality your body must receive attention to is that of happiness. or even playing a friendly sports game for at
regular exercise. Exercising is When your body is exercised your brain least twenty minutes will trigger the release of
not meant only for building releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins.
more stamina and more defined chemicals help to diminish stress while also Happiness is inevitable when worry and stress
muscles. Exercise comes with a triggering positive feelings. The brain releases are at minimal levels in our minds. When
number of other benefits like these during intense exercise relieving you from exercising, the mind shifts its focus from the
the ability to fight off diseases, longevity and emotional stress and pain. You don’t need to go worries and stress of daily life to the physical
keeping your weight in check. Apart from these to the gym in order to experience the release activity going on at that moment.What is focused

98 HOMES & STYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE | Mid May - Mid July, 2022