Serenity – and a garden that has as a backdrop the three highest peaks in South Africa – draws writer James Siddall back to this quaint guest farm.

"The world is craving stories converted into beautiful products. If it comes from Africa the demand is even greater."

The Ceramic Factory in Johannesburg’s Linden is all clean lines and natural finishes, like wood recycled from factory pallets and concrete.

South African stocks were slightly lower at noon on Tuesday, pressured by miners on faltering metal prices, but improved sentiment in overseas markets restricted losses, traders…