A piece of heaven on sale
THE news that the Western Cape has attracted over R30bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) over the last three years has to be good news for property sellers, particularly those who are looking to move high-end properties in and around the Mother City.
Although stats aren’t readily available on how many foreign buyers are making Cape Town their home, the fact that a recent report noted that people from the UK were the top investors, closely followed by those from the US, is encouraging.
The British have long been engaged in a love affair with the Cape and, given the favourable rand/ pound exchange rate, a warmer climate and what is possibly some of the finest real estate in SA, it stands to reason that the city’s most prestigious homes are going to attract foreign attention.
Price Road in Constantia, in particular, has proved to be a favourite. The elevation provides outstanding views of the Hottentots Holland mountain range and Hangklip Mountain bordering Groot Constantia. All the properties in this street are set on large stands measuring an acre or more — no sub-divisions are allowed.
There are few property sales in this part of Constantia. This is due not to a lack of interest, but rather to those who invest here having no desire to leave, so a recent listing has caused some excitement.
Cielo nel Capo, Italian for “Heaven in the Cape”, was constructed between 1998 and 2001 in Tuscan style, and is set against the Vlakkenberg Mountain, south of the city and northeast of Hout Bay. The property is located in one of the most sought-after suburbs in Africa and features a breathtaking view of Cape Town and False Bay. The villa is tucked into the mountainside, on five levels, all of which are accessed by two elevators.
No expense was spared in the choice of finishes and functionality, and there are several large entertainment areas, a cinema that seats 14, a gym, a large heated indoor swimming pool, a steam room, a spa bath that accommodates eight and a flood-lit tennis court. The villa is considered to be one of the top properties in Africa, and has featured in several Hollywood, European and Bollywood films. The 1ha estate is fully developed and features formal gardens and a portion of mountainside that is planted with endemic Cape fynbos.
All buildings on the property underwent major renovations in 2010 and at the same time all the technology was upgraded or replaced to conform to the latest standards. The property is being sold fully furnished.
Cielo nel Capo is a five-minute walk from the Table Mountain National Park and a 15-minute drive from the world-famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Many celebrated wine farms are only five to 10 minutes away.
The estate is a 25-minute drive from all the renowned Cape beaches and downtown Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront.
The entire property is serviced by wired and wireless networks. It is integrated with an alarm system and a comprehensive security system protects the property.
Other comforts include double glazing, air-conditioning and under-floor heating throughout.
The top floor of the main house comprises the bedroom floor. The family wing features three bedrooms and a TV lounge. The master suite comes complete with a surround-sound audio visual system, an en-suite bathroom with spa bath and double shower cum steam-room and separate toilet, dressing room and balcony.
The second and third bedrooms are spacious with full ensuite bathrooms and walk-in cupboards. These two rooms share a private balcony. The TV lounge is a mini theatre and study with all the modern electronic gadgets.
The guest wing comprises three additional bedrooms with a VIP suite. This large room has everything that could be expected of a home of this calibre, including a private balcony. The other two bedrooms in this wing share a bathroom and a balcony.
The middle floor of the main house is where the living and entertainment areas are located. There are lift facilities to the pavilion, tennis court, gymnasium and pool. In addition to the sitting room and library, there is a spacious atrium. There is a separate scullery with a walk-in cold room, freezer and pantry.
The large family room features a sunken bar. The enclosed veranda off the family room has a built-in barbeque and pizza oven. Price: R87m Contact: Blue Chip Properties Fay Lamond 083 658 2226 Office 021 794 0266