WATCH: Entrepreneur transforms rural homestead into stunning oasis

NESTLED within the lush Musasa woodlands in Mathambo area in Lupane district in Matabeleland North, the founder of Kingdom Blue Funeral Service, Mr Brilliant Ncube’s picturesque homestead is a haven of tranquillity and natural beauty.

Surrounded by towering trees adorned with emerald leaves, the homestead popularly known as Mazheke Palace, resembles townhouses, tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

As you approach the U-shaped homestead with several detached houses, a winding sandy gravel pathway, about 15km off the Bulawayo-Victoria highway leads you through the verdant woods, guiding you towards the heart of this enchanting retreat.

The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of wildflowers, and the gentle rustle of leaves creates a soothing melody that envelops you in serenity.

Emerging from the dense foliage, one catches the first glimpse of the homestead, a rustic yet elegant abode that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. At the heart of the homestead stands a quaint thatched cottage, its grey walls adorned with climbing ivy and trailing vines.

The structure is crafted from locally sourced timber, weathered to a warm, honeyed hue by years of sun and rain.

The sprawling gardens surrounding the homestead are a testament to the owner’s love for nature.

Mr Ncube (39) who is married to two wives with six children in total, relocated many years ago leaving the homestead in ruins.

A couple of years ago, he took a bold step to refurbish and modernise his father’s homestead, which today truly stands out from the rest, capturing the attention of passers-by.

The homestead, is a masterpiece of design, a harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair. But perhaps the most striking feature of this remarkable homestead is not its design or décor, but the sense of warmth and welcome that permeates every corner.

It’s a place where creativity knows no bounds, where imagination is celebrated, and where every guest is made to feel like family.

Mr Ncube said plans are underway to extend a two-metre-high precast wall by three more metres including putting two sliding gates while the entrance pavilion will be roofed to enhance security.

The driveway is a two-lane stretch running along the houses on either side.On the left side is a grass-thatched summer shed, which is used as a sub-kitchen, and next to it is a grass-thatched kitchen.

There is a storeroom used as a pantry and adjacent to it is a visitors’ house, which connects with the main house for the first wife. The last structure is a hut used as “indlu yamadlozi.”

Mr Ncube said his sister is a traditional healer and uses the house to conduct her business.There is an enclosed carport where vehicles are parked. On the right side of the front gate are the visitors’ ablution facilities. Stepping through the front door, you’re greeted by a burst of warmth and light.

The interior is a reflection of the owner’s eclectic tastes, with each room boasting its own distinct style and personality.

The living room is a riot of colour and texture, with plush velvet sofas arranged around a roaring fireplace, and walls adorned with family photographs and paintings. There is a huge flat-screen television mounted on the wall.

Next to the carport is an entertainment block comprising a bar, cinema, and snooker side.

Both wives share the kitchen but have separate bedrooms. The homestead has an active Wi-Fi connection, which Mr Ncube said is ideal for him to work from home.

“I have a passion for art so I designed this homestead, and if you check all my offices, I personally designed them,” he said.

Mr Ncube has cleared a piece of land behind his homestead where he intends to set up a greenhouse for a horticulture project.

“We will soon start landscaping for a greenhouse while work has started towards construction of a gym, family saloon, and an L-shaped pool near the front gate. There will be a fountain just after the gate and I have already ordered it from China and it is on its way,” he said.

“We want it to give the first impression of the hospitality at our homestead. On the right side of the gate, there will be a mini-park where people can relax. The homestead is solar-powered by 18 panels.

Mr Ncube has installed a solar-powered borehole that also supplies water to the local community.