Just three hours from Cape Town, lies McGregor, a countryside village where modern weaves seamlessly between the old world and time is the greatest deceiver. On one hand, time seems to have stood still preserving the dusty, romantic streets and farmer’s markets but with each corner you turn, modern pockets are dotted throughout the town indicating that time has indeed moved on to usher in fresh, contemporary spaces.
Sustainable state of the art design in the Country.
One breathtaking example of this is the brand new Easy for Dayz Hybrid container home standing proudly yet modestly off Voortrekker Street. From the main street, it could easily be mistaken for another white-washed McGregor beauty showcasing the very best timeless architecture of this small town Turn the corner and in the crisp morning light of day, it’s a different story all together.
One of the first hybrid container homes of its kind in South Africa; designed by Kirsty Ronné, an architect at Colab concepts, this dwelling is far from ordinary. The design and construction of this home is based on sustainable principals and building technology yet aims to respond to the sensitive heritage of the McGregor architectural context, using a hybrid of timeless and innovative ways of building.
The hybrid construction of the house consists of a recycled shipping container wrapped with a wall, plastered and whitewashed. Effortlessly simple in its beauty with two bedrooms, cosy kitchen and lounge in one with a small bathroom and ensuite, it has everything you’ll need to make your country getaway perfect- a simple space for family and friends to savour surroundings and rejoice in each other’s company. Sipping a hot cup of coffee on the ample ‘stoep’ with splash pool, loungers and braai area, my eyes follow the stone fruit pips all the way to the dew-laden grass, young succulents and country houses waking up with the morning sunlight.
Those passing by can’t help but slow down to take a look at this abode of beauty, which seems so ahead of it time in a tiny town like McGregor and yet, blends in so well with its relaxed exterior.
Easy like a Sunday Morning
Brunch is a relaxed affair with laughter while hubby cooks and Caleb plays card on the high chairs at the kitchen table. By afternoon my husband and three year old son are dipping into the cold pool, keen to escape the countryside heat while I take a moment to put my feet up on the lounger. Caleb is thrilled that he is able to sleep on a bunk bed and runs in between his room for the weekend the lounge where his toys consume the low table in the lounge.
Here in McGregor we pass the time easily with walks to the Saturday morning farmer’s market, coffee and sandwiches at How Bazaar and live music and delicious dinner at the thriving heart of the town at The Courtyard where Arno Carstens is set to play the following evening. There are bikes to rent from the local tourism office and a delightful playground for kids while the parents go wine tasting at Four Cousins just a short drive away in Robertson.
A Container of treasured memories
What really makes this Easy for Dayz container home special for me is the guy who inspired it’s creation. The one who at the heart of it all, breathed the idea of glorious summers spent with this sister and their future families sharing treasured times and languid days together in the country. Josh Jansen is this guy and was a friend I was blessed to meet in High School, a boy with one of the purest, kindest and most gentle hearts I have ever known. How lucky for me that he grew of be one of my best friends who was a part of my life for longer than he wasn’t. When he passed away very suddenly at the young age of 33 years in 2017 his sister decided to bottle the family memories and his legacy into a treasured holiday house which people could rent out and where their family could also go.
The ultimate gentleman, introverted socialite with fierce loyalty and a cheeky wild side he reserved for his closest friends and family, Josh strived to live life simply doing his most to impact the lives of others and having loads of fun while doing it. The house inspired by Josh could never be boring or pretentious but one of a kind, simple and admired by many.
“The home goes by the name Easy for Dayz the simple response my brother would give me every time I asked him what he felt like doing for the day or eating for a meal, says Alonya Van Rooyen.
“I don’t know sis, I’m easy for dayz”- Josh Jansen
How to Book the Easy for Days Container for a getaway:
Book your family stay here: McGregor Country Getaways
Places we love in McGregor and nearby Robertson:
- Take the kids to the Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary. Kids can say hi to the donkeys, play on the lawns and
- Wine tasting for parents plus a playground and kid’s tasting awaits at the trendy Four Cousins Restaurant and Wine Tasting a short drive away in Robertson.
- With live local music on the weekends served up alongside delicious meals, The Courtyard, is definitely the place to be on a Friday and Saturday night. Check out the live acts calendar and book when your favorite artist is on as tickets go very quickly.
- Coffee, breakfast and brunch is a delight at How Bazaar with a tranquil little garden out back and mouthwatering toasted sandwiches.
Leave a Reply