The Estate
Artemis
Artemis is the ancient Greek goddess of the moon and untamed places. She is the guardian of every living creatures imagination and untamed inclinations.
Artemis is the name given to a piece of beauty in the Franschhoek valley in the Cape wine lands, home to two lucky artists who work from home, Andrea Desmond-Smith and Kobus Stander.
Here peace and tranquillity are only broken by the sound of Kobus at his forge, or a four letter word hurled at some bird trying to snatch a fish.
In 2000 a labyrinth was constructed to give thanks for Kobus returning to good health once more.
It was decided to orientate the axis of this labyrinth on a special mountain which Andrea calls “Mother Mountain” and the lowest point of the Franschhoek pass as it went over the mountains to Villiersdorp.
Later, when Kobus checked the orientation using a G.P.S. it was found to be on an axis that was exactly East/West! The barn has also been found to have a special relationship to the labyrinth.
Artemis is a free flowing playground for creatives to utilise in order to harbour and manifest benevolent energies.
Blue Lion Gallery
Andrea has created an exhibition space which pays tribute to her passion and dedication to the arts. Her late husband is responsible for all of the metal work. He had a way of bewitching the metals once they fell into his hands. His craftsmanship echoes throughout the estate. Most doorways, gates & windowsills are decorated with hand crafted grills & ornamental wrought iron creations. Andrea initiated most of the inspiration behind each piece & Kobus executed every vision with each.
Explore…
The Estate boasts with so many nooks and crannies to be utilised and enjoiyed at your own accord. Enjoy the views, the peace and tranquility. Walk the labyrinth. Stroll through the water gardens with the lily ponds. Picnic in the evening light at the bathing pool which overlooks the exquisite views over the mountains.
Spark a fire & have a most unique cooking experience under the starlit sky. The grounds are suitable for large groups +- 15 individuals. The Salamander lounge is a free flowing, open floor space & ideal for yoga retreats, mindfulness courses & meditations.
The Salamander Art Lounge, Labyrinth, wading pool & vegetable patch all form part of the many intricacies which make up the Estate.
Andrea Desmond-Smith & Kobus Stander
Kobus Stander
Andrea’s late husband, Kobus Stander, was a phenomenal blacksmith. He made it his mission to create manoeuvres that embodied and birthed life to her visions and ideas.
He worked and lived in the Franschhoek area doing commissions & building the various structures on the Artemis Estate. He worked mainly in steel, doing blacksmithing, and steel plasma cutting, as well as some woodwork and a combination of all materials. His pieces bless many nooks and crannies on the estate, available for roamers and visitors to enjoy.
Together, Andrea and Kobus created an abyss, a dedication of their love of art as well as each other. They engulfed the ordinary and swashbuckled their way through life, bearing its many successes, challenges and losses.
