BRIEF: European client has visited Cape Town over the years and wanted us to find him a home that he would use for holidays and eventually retire to. He preferred older charachter property preferably Cape Dutch with a large 2000 sqm garden in the southern suburbs.
AREAS: Constantia, Tokai, Zwaanswyk.
BUDGET: Up to 7 million ZAR.
OPTIONS PROPOSED: Three Cape Dutch style homes, one in Tokai and two in Constantia, in addition to modern homes in all areas of consideration.
At any given time, there are very few Cape Dutch properties on the market in Cape Town, despite this architecture being iconic to the area of the Western Cape. The majority of Cape Dutch buildings in Cape Town have been replaced by new, often high rise, developments in the city. They are very distinctive in style with a key feature being the ornately designed gables which are similar to designs found in townhouses in Amsterdam. They have distinctive white washed walls and often have thatched rooves and take the form of a “H” shape. Of those which are left, some have been renovated and some remain in a condition or layout very similar to when they were first built at the end of the 19th century.
Space sourced three fabulous examples of Cape Dutch architecture, along with other family homes in the same area to give context to the buyer. All of the properties had been renovated to a high standard, making them ideal for a owner who would not be spending a lot of time in the country in the early years. The chosen property is set on a plot which is over half an acre with mountain views and a beautiful landscaped garden. Parquet floorings and a period fireplaces added to the period feel of this house in a residential part of the semi rural suburb of Constantia, home to embassies and the ambassadors alike.
This home is truly a great place to entertain, with a large “stoep,” or covered patio overlooking the lawns and a large swimming pool. The main living areas open onto the patio and provide open plan living. There are four bedrooms, two of which have ensuite bathrooms, and the fourth bedroom occupies it’s own “wing” with an ensuite shower room also. There is a fourth “family” bathroom. In addition there is a study which could easily be converted into a fifth bedroom. There are high ceilings throughout, giving even more light and an even greater feeling of space. There is an additional bedroom situated away from the main house which has, in the past, been used to accommodate live-in staff. A double garage, separate office with it’s own entrance, full automatic irrigation for the gardens and excellent security features complete the picture.
The asking price of this property was 4.5 million ZAR, well under budget. Space negotiated a final purchase price of 4.24 million giving a saving of almost 6% on an already competitive price point. We also managed the ongoing occupation of the original owner and the subsequent lease contract to that effect, giving our client rental income from transfer.
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