Tongabezi's New Nut House is Insanely Beautiful

  • July 17, 2014
Tongabezi's New Nut House is Insanely Beautiful
Managing Director Ben Parker and acclaimed South African designer Abi James of Soul Design imagined “an eclectic African look with a focus on unique, collected pieces from around the continent, while imbuing the space with a feeling of stylish, laid-back comfort.”

It's all that it was cracked up to be. The collection of lighting fixtures alone is smart and remarkable and includes hand-made, recycled glass chandeliers and baobab string wall lamp shades from Malawian workshop Katundu; African raffia lampshades, Hessian blue lamps and pierced Moroccan lanterns. Original mud cloth rugs, Zambian leather cushions and Indigo fabrics from Mali all make up details in the room. The entryway is an antique studded door from Zanzibar, and original artwork includes paintings by Zimbabwean artist Soo Piercy and an unusual rolled, recycled book Africa piece from South African paper artist Keri Muller.

The color palette is soothingly neutral with pops of blue, green and dark chocolate in some of the accessories.

Tongabezi Lodge nut house

Another intent in the new Nut House was to expand on the skills of Tongabezi's building team during the process. Team members were taught how to create screed floors with Moroccan tile inlays; textured wall techniques; and carpentry skills in the making of a “funky range of matepe pole furniture,” which all add to the character of the Nut House.

The commodious (1000 square feet) Nut House includes a patio complete with splash pool, lounge chairs and dining area overlooking the Zambezi, the river after which Zambia was named.

Privately owned and run, Tongabezi was built with romance and exclusivity in mind, and is known for its warm and attentive service. It comprises six houses, five river cottages and a villa. Each house and cottage has its own valet who takes care of guests throughout their stay and acts as a private concierge. There is no set pattern to days at Tongabezi. Guests can be as active or as languid as they like, with game drives, bush walks and boating trips all included in the price. The Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, can be viewed on foot in the national park, from inside the gorge, from Livingstone Island and from the air.

For reservations, Email: reservations@tongabezi.com or visit: www.tongabezi.com