A Chic Coastal Home on Thesen Island Captures Knysna’s Beauty
Designed originally as a holiday home for her family of four, Sue Bond’s transformation of a home on Thesen Island captures the essence of coastal living while creating a personal sanctuary crafted for making memories. With two young children in tow at the time, Sue and her husband sought out the comfort of waterside living in their 'home away from home' while they resided in Johannesburg, Hong Kong and then Cape Town. Upon every visit over two decades, they excitedly embraced the town’s natural beauty and the slower pace it inspires.
The serene property, buffered equally between bush and beach, woods and water, exemplifies the perfect blend of relaxed seaside aesthetics with an elevated, luxury touch. From the outset, Sue approached the home with a design vision that honoured the breathtaking surroundings of the island. ‘My designs are always rooted in the location of the home,’ she explains. ‘Here, with views of the canal on one side and lush greenery on the other, the aim was to bring the outdoors in with a relaxed yet sophisticated beach house feel.’
Steering away from traditional nautical motifs, Sue chose a palette of whites and greens, accented by soft taupes and silvers drawn from the natural stone and weathered decking outside. These tones, which echo the garden’s greenery and the gentle hues of the nearby Knysna heads, create a harmony with the surrounding landscape, inviting a sense of calm that permeates every corner of the home.
The connection to nature continues through her considered choice of materials, many of which were locally sourced and sustainably crafted. From natural-fibre grasscloth wall coverings to jute rugs over seamless earth-toned floors, the house offers a tactile experience at every turn. Soft, textural fabrics, wicker furniture and a variety of earthy materials reflect the home’s organic inspiration, while pieces such as oversized couches upholstered in Kit Kemp fabrics lend an effortless sophistication to the space. These elements invite warmth that encourages relaxation and easy living.
Sue’s love for art plays a central role in defining the home’s personality and adding to its unique character. She commissioned works specifically for this house, including an Olivier collage featuring girls running freely along a beach — a nod to the carefree lifestyle of the island. Each room is adorned with artworks that not only add visual interest but also tell a story of the family’s life and travels, with pieces collected over the years from artists and artisans across South Africa.
The architectural framework of Thesen Island itself also shaped Sue's design vision. With its distinctive style guidelines, the island mandates shiplap exteriors and soft, natural hues. She embraced these restrictions, integrating shiplap into the interiors and painting exposed trusses white to create a cohesive aesthetic that feels simultaneously spacious and cosy.
Open-plan living was essential to her design ethos too. ‘I kept the walls white throughout and used a single floor finish that flows seamlessly from entrance to back door,’ she says. ‘This continuity, combined with large, stacking doors that open fully, blurs the line between indoors and out, creating a fluid connection with the landscape.’
Every detail is a testament to Sue’s dedication to understated luxury. Bespoke elements — such as the large kitchen island, unique vanities and free-standing cabinetry — lend the home a customised, curated feel that mirrors the family’s distinct style. The kitchen, in particular, is a hub for family gatherings and remains one of her favourite areas of the home. Its shelves brim with unique tableware and artisanal ceramic pieces, reflecting her love for beautiful, functional design and the joy of shared memories with loved ones.
The home’s lighting, both natural and artificial, is carefully considered to enhance the mood of each space; Sue opted for unobtrusive ceiling lights and strategically placed lamps, supplemented by uplighting on exposed beams to create an ambient glow. By leaving windows unadorned, she maximised the flow of natural light, allowing the warm South African sun to illuminate the interiors and emphasise the earthy colour palette. ‘Lighting is very important to me in creating a sense of mood,’ she says. ‘But nothing compares to the natural light we enjoy here — it’s a luxury all its own.’
In true coastal style, Sue embraced elements that ensure the space functions well through all seasons. This includes planted large trees, as a natural wind barrier, and a recessed fire pit where the family could gather on cooler evenings — a thoughtful design choice that acknowledges the sometimes-brisk sea air. A gazebo on the jetty serves as the perfect spot for breakfast with views over the canals.
Despite the luxurious touches, Sue maintained a welcoming atmosphere throughout. Layered textures (such as woven baskets, soft throws and plump cushions) add depth and warmth to the spaces, inviting guests to sink in and stay a while. It was essential that the home reflects the personalities of its inhabitants, with family photos, treasured books and quirky art pieces offering glimpses into their lives; a place where each room feels purposeful yet relaxed, that balances comfort and elegance effortlessly.
More than just a beautifully designed space, this home is where memories are made and a way of life was embraced. ‘The beauty of Thesen Island is a luxury in itself, and we felt so lucky to live in a setting that naturally brought us together as a family,’ Sue reflects. As the home passes into new hands, Sue hopes the next family will find as much joy and create as many cherished memories as hers did in the coastal haven.
Text by Lynette Botha
Photography by Karl Rogers/Vignette Agency