1 Vineyard Close, Silverhurst Estate Kaapstad, West-Kaap 7800 Zuid-Afrika

This magnificent Constantia home is at once breath-taking in its sheer proportions and grandeur, yet peaceful, rejuvenating and welcoming.

Evoking images of a French manor house or Italian palazzo, the original design was assisted by architect Paolo Viotti who is known for his considered sense of scale, and use of both light and space.

As you step into the vast entrance hall, you are greeted by a sweeping staircase that leads the eye from the tumbled French-pattern travertine floors, up to the soaring ceilings. Craftmanship is evident everywhere – the uneven walls are achieved by hand-applied plaster, the imported American oak floorboards are hand-carved, and beautiful sash windows and American shutters add character.

The spacious living area is large enough to house three seating areas, with a striking sense of space created by the exposed gum tree beams on the high ceilings – a theme that is repeated throughout the house. The enormous fireplace in the lounge more than amply provides heating for this area. Four sets of tall French doors frame the lovely lawn and 18m solar-heated lap pool outside.

Leading off this central space is the fabulous eat-in farmhouse inspired kitchen, with a wonderful raised fireplace, doors to the the rear courtyard, and through a doorway at the far end of the room, is a separate prep area with second oven, to minimise clutter.

On the opposite side is a spacious undercover veranda with stack-back doors, high reed ceilings and exposed beams. Designed to make the most of the mountain views, this is a wonderful area for sheltered entertaining during the changing seasons. The interior and hearth of the feature fireplace are built with handmade ‘klompie’ bricks, and the wooden plinth above the fireplace was salvaged from a 15th century shipwreck off the Cape coast.

Upstairs, the sumptuous master bedroom suite is the epitome of indulgence, with a gas fireplace, large walk-though closet, and two bathrooms – one with a shower, and the other with a Victorian-style bath. The latter has French doors opening to a purpose-built flat roof that houses a one-of-a-kind outdoor bathroom with views across the Constantia hills.

Two further elegant bedroom suites are found on the ground floor, one opening out onto the pool area and garden. A doorway leads to a charming Tuscan-style courtyard, with a path to the good-size studio / guest suite with separate entrance.

This is a house to fall in love with, and living here will have you feeling like you’re always on holiday – perhaps even on a mini grand villa tour!

SPECIAL FEATURES

Internal wall heating

Imported American oak flooring

Feature fireplaces

High ceilings with selected large timber beams

Integrated sound system

18m heated swimming pool

5000 litre water storage tank

Large basement storage