The history of competitive water sports in southern Africa

Former champion swimmer and co-owner of Luxury Brands

It's not surprising that Annette Cowley-Nel values her down time. Once one of the fastest women in the pool (having broken Karen Muir's record by holding six national titles two years in a row and winning gold in the 100m freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in 1986), today she juggles responsibilities as the mother of three children as well as running the marketing and brand positioning company she owns with her husband, Jeremy.

But more often than not, you will find her relaxing with her family and the family dog, Rupert, on the outside terrace of their Constantia home.

"I love being outside, being in touch with nature and water. I also love sunshine and light. Our terrace is sheltered from the dreaded Cape South-Easter, so it's a space we can always use even in summer when the wind is howling. It is a cosy, yet generous, space.

"The plantation shutters add so much to the space; they look fantastic, but are really practical because you can close them for warmth and insulation when it's cold, or use them as a shield in summer when the sun gets too harsh," says Annette.

The terrace allows you to take in the expansive view of the mountains and bush on one side, while the family pool - no, it's not Olympic-size - corners another side of the terrace.

"I always feel very connected when I am close to water. An added bonus is that I can sit and relax next to the pool while my kids are swimming. It is really the heart of our home (besides the wine cellar!)."

Annette says the terrace was inspired by many of the game lodges the family has visited over the years. "I love what South Africa has to offer in terms of décor, and I am a huge fan of the Out of Africa, colonial farmhouse feel. The terrace is not a showpiece, but rather a lived-in space for relaxing; a place to escape, with beautiful views of the mountains and vineyards. I love the rustic feeling under the rietdak."

Annette says the shutters, which come from The Plantation Shutter Co, are her favourite part of the room, but she also likes the "funky chandelier" which she commissioned Private Collections to make -"it's quirky and adds a different feel".

She constantly updates the cushions that cover the couches - most of them are sourced from L'Orangerie - and then there's the gemsbok horns on the wall.

"I know it's not very 'PC', but I love them. They always remind me of our trips to the bush."

Then there's the croquet set Annette bought for Jeremy from the now closed-down Summerhouse Antiques soon after they married; the polo stick and ball their friend Luis bought their son, Jordan, from Argentina; and the old frames which Jeremy found house the photograph of another friend, former Springbok rugby player Rob Louw, playing the fool.

"The picture reminds me to have fun and laugh in life, something Rob knows how to do well."

Annette says the terrace reflects the fact that she is a "frustrated artist or interior designer". "I love creating spaces, but once it's done I get bored and need a new project.

"My husband won't let me move house anymore, so now I need to keep inventing my space for different seasons."