Home design: A touch of Africa in Straden
With exotic ideas, great attention to detail and precision craftsmanship, the married couple Nicole and Bernd Rathgeb built two luxury vacation homes on the grounds of an old farm in southern Styria: the “Julianhof” is a premium guesthouse & spa that has dedicated itself to the South African beach house style in terms of interior design. The hostess explains what it looks like.
It is a love that has lasted a long time: Bernd Rathgeb has been traveling to Africa regularly for 30 years, and ten years ago the couple bought a plot of land with houses in the interior of South Africa, some of which they also rent out. In 2023, they transported their passion for beach house lodges straight to their home in Straden in southern Styria and opened the Julianhof, a resort that is second to none in Austria. “We wanted to create something new and unique,” say the owners. “A very special and extraordinary vacation spot with absolute privacy for stylish couples, families, friends or special events.”
What is the African beach style?
Exercise successful. The feedback the couple have received for the two houses – the Farmhouse (170m2) and the Beachhouse (280m2), each with its own heated infinity pool – since opening has been overwhelming. And this in turn is also due to the individual furnishings. “We built both houses as if we were living in them ourselves,” says Nicole Rathgeb. In other words: top quality furnishings, maximum individuality in the design. “The South African boho style,” says Rathgeb, “is different to that of Ibiza, for example. It is dominated by light woods, the color beige with elegant accessories, organic shapes, rattan, straw lamps and, of course, the exotic animal look or, in this case, the zebra look.”
The couple imported many of the accessories directly from Africa, while the rest were made by local craftsmen or purchased from nearby countries. “We tried to implement the style 1:1,” even the crockery and washbasins were handmade by a local ceramic artist based on the South African model.
The boss chatted to us about the ins and outs – and shows the typical home design styles of the beach house look:
#1 Bringing color into play with cushions
The couple discovered the fabrics for the cushions that now adorn the couches and outdoor area during a trip to Mozambique. “The women’s skirts there were made from these fabrics and some of them were also woven there. Since beige dominates this particular interior look, these cushions made from a special fabric provide the necessary splash of color.”
#2 Light-colored woods in the outdoor area
The hosts racked their brains for a particularly long time over how to get the desired light-colored wood for garden loungers and the like. After all, unlike in Africa, they have to be resistant to wind and weather and survive colder winters outdoors. They found what they were looking for at an Italian manufacturer that also offers outdoor furniture in light teak.
#3 The perfect couch
Well, you could write books on this subject, because preferences differ. The Rathgebs opted for a real cuddly couch with a length of four meters, organically shaped and not only comfortable but also stable thanks to a wooden base. The cushions are fixed so that you don’t sink into them impractically, and colorful cushions serve as decoration. “Our guests love this couch!”
#4 Cozy lampshades
Of course, where Africa is involved, rattan is also a must. Corresponding hanging lamps can be found in maximum dimensions in the lodges and radiate coziness and warmth. “We originally wanted to import them, but that wasn’t possible due to their size.” They finally found what they were looking for with a German producer.
Photos: Günther Standl
Got a taste for it? You can find more information at www.julianhof.at
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