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47
June15
The hide rugs and ottomans
are from South Africa, the
coffee table from Holland,
the white three-seater from
Bungalow 55, and the
television console from
Originals.
N
ienke’s four-bedroom family abode in the
Sunset Way estate area of Clementi is a
wonderful example of the individual style and
design of many Singapore homes. The exterior
may look familiar, with its high gates and iron gridwork,
but inside it’s a fun, split-level mix of open and airy living
spaces enhanced with Nienke’s own clean, natural and
rustic style. Standing on the top-floor landing, off of which
are three bedrooms, you can see almost all of the inside
of the house, from the first-floor living room and kids’ play
area to the dining room on the lower ground floor, where
there’s also a fourth bedroom.
Making the move
The Sunset Way area is a popular residential choice among
both locals and expats. It’s conveniently close to the PIE
and other arterial roads, yet set back enough to have a
rural, community feel. “I love this area,” confirms Nienke.
“In 2010, we moved to Singapore from a huge property
in Johannesburg, initially to a smaller cluster house near
Sixth Avenue, and it drove me crazy. Our next place was a
bungalow; it was small with a big garden, but it was such
a relief to be in a house again. Then finally we moved in
here.” Location is an important factor in where they live,
as Nienke’s husband Martijn works in Clementi and cycles
there and back every day.
Making the move from Johannesburg to Singapore were
Nienke, Martijn, Tom (10), Cato (short for Catherine, 8), and
Donald the dog (11). Nienke was also pregnant with Nout
(now 4), adding an extra element of stress to the relocation.
But after seven years in Johannesburg, the move to Singapore
was a welcome one.
“Our first thoughts about being here were regarding safety.
I remember seeing a lady walking on the street here on her
own at 10pm, and I was shocked. In South Africa you just
wouldn’t do that. I remember trying not to do groceries there
with the kids in case something happened, and although we
did live very safely, in a gated community, as soon as I went
outside I had to be alert.”
Fitting in
Moving from a sizeable property in Johannesburg to their
initial smaller place near Sixth Avenue naturally created issues
regarding what home furniture and furnishings to keep. “I had
to get rid of some of my pieces, including some large L-shaped
couches, as they would never have fitted into the property here.”
Furniture such as the dining chairs did make the journey, and
have been with Nienke since she lived in Holland. “I’m not going
to replace themuntil the kids are older, because they always spill
stuff over everything!”
For Nienke this isn’t a negative, however, as she says that
her style is quite personal. “I like items with a story, things that
are natural and rustic.” The family have picked upmuch of their
furniture along the way, and Nienke still misses the bargains
she found in South Africa. “There were also so many fabrics
and antiques. I can’t seem to find that here.”
Nienke doesn’t see her family returning to Holland anytime
soon. “I don’t hanker for home, and our next move will probably
be to another continent,” she says. But for now, she and the
family are happily ensconced in their Sunset Way home.