The renovation project at St James Carisbrooke Court was a labour of love for Luke and his wife Amy Sharland. As a couple, they had always dreamed of owning a property by the sea, but they had struggled to find anything that was within their budget. In 2022, they stumbled across a small one-bedroom apartment in St James, Cape Town, which is tucked away in the mountainside overlooking False Bay.

Although the apartment was in need of a lot of work, with damp, mould and a cramped living space, Luke and Amy saw the potential in it and decided to take on the challenge of renovating it. Fortunately, Luke’s father Rick Sharland was a contractor, and with a shoestring budget and with the help from him and his right-hand men Robson and Calvin, they were able to turn the apartment into a beautiful diamond.

The renovation project was a true labour of love. They tackled the damp and mould, built a mezzanine level in the bedroom to create more living space, and installed new fixtures and finishes throughout.

Despite the challenges they faced along the way, Luke, Amy and Rick were able to bring their vision to life, and the end result was a stunning, cosy apartment that was perfect for their needs. The project was a testament to their hard work, style, dedication and love for each other, and it’s a place they can now proudly call home.