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Urban SanctuariesStep inside our urban sanctuaries and you can almost feel your pulse slow. Perhaps it’s the

views —a lush and verdant garden, a cool Zen cour!ard, or a sparkling ci!scape, strewn be-low your feet like a jeweler’s treasure chest. Or perhaps it’s the sounds: the rustle of the breeze

through the treetops, a burbling mountain stream or tinkling fountain, a distant foghorn. Certainly it’s a sense of space, combined with the comfort of a cocoon—safely cut o", yet within

touching distance of the ci! you’ve traveled so far to see. It’s an indefinable atmosphere that sets our urban sanctuaries apart, but we handpick them much the way we do all our

villas —with an eye on overall design, a natural flow that leads you out onto sun-splashed terraces and pools, décor that invites decadence and relaxation in equal measure,

and an unpretentious comfort that says this is a real sanctua#. Because being in the heart of the ci! shouldn’t mean you have to dance to its beat.

B!"#$% H&'(%Included in the Phaidon Atlas of 21st Centu! Archi-

tecture, and recipient of numerous design awards, Bridge House is a true icon of Cape Town’s best

contemporary architecture. Timber walkways connect separate glass and steel boxes that appear to float at tree canopy height, while below Cape Town city and harbour views beckon. Furnished in a sleek and unclu)ered style, Bridge House —owned by modern design enthusiasts—is the ideal city pad for a group of friends who have gath-

ered here to celebrate their city sojourn in suitably glam style. Located on the mountain slopes, the house is totally secluded from its neighbours, yet the glass-walled bedrooms and public spaces all provide uninterrupted garden and city views. With numerous private decks set in the indigenous garden, and a heated rim-flow pool that appears to spill into the gurgling mountain stream that tumbles down the slopes of Table Mountain, this is the ultimate urban sanctuary: sur-rounded by birdsong, yet minutes from the city’s nightlife.

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LOCATION: 12B Glen Avenue, Higgovale, Cape Town. SLEEPS: 8 in 4 double rooms. LIVING SPACES:ceiling glass windows and sliding

(or ensure total privacy), the main

kitchen is well equipped and

Stairs lead down to another, smaller dining room and kitchenette with

daybeds and loungers alongside

abound throughout.

AT A GLANCE:

bedrooms connected via timber

with mountain or garden views. Bedroom one is reached via a

area; below is bedroom two, with its own lounge area. Bedroom three is in a separate wing, but together these share the small second dining room and kitchen. Bedroom

stream through the garden. Every

Natural

indigenous garden with mature

housekeeper. Serviced daily. Secure

Higgovale is the

The area boasts gorgeous city and

established trees: testament to the

As a result, Higgovale has traditionally attracted owners that value contemporary architecture, and has

modern homes in the city.

Ellerman Villa is in a class of its own. Like a 21st century ship floating from a spectacularly elevated cli!side site, there is nothing but a

sheer, dizzying drop between you and the crashing Atlantic Ocean below. Walls of glass disappear to cre-ate a seamless flow, leading you from the ultra modern interior spaces—a multitude of lounges, bedrooms and pools, all spread over large, open-plan levels—into azure shades of sky and sea. The lighting, fi"ings and

finishes are unrivalled, with essential creature comforts such as electronic drapes, a choice of spa rooms, resident therapist, a gourmet stocked fridge, and your personal choice of DVDs and CDs down-loaded into the villa’s main server. Housing one of the finest private art collections in South Africa, this is also the best introduction to South African art. It’s the most exclusive address, in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and—for as long as you want it—it’s yours.

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E##$%&'( V)##'

AT A GLANCE

LOCATION: Queens Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town.

SLEEPS: 6 (2 double rooms and 1 twin) or 10 (spa rooms turn into 2 doubles).

LIVING SPACES: Walls disappear from the main lounge-dining-study area, opening it to the pool deck. A separate entertainment

television, and two spa rooms. A high-tech stainless steel kitchen, fully stocked with gourmet delicacies.

BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: The three en-suite bedrooms (two king; one twin), all with sensational sea views, are on the top level. Bathrooms are

large showers and separate tubs.

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The downstairs spa rooms can be changed into two double rooms.

OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: Huge teak decks and plunge pool. The Ellerman Hotel gardens are adjacent.

SECURITY & SERVICES: Butler, private chef and housekeeping team. Rates include airport trans-fer, breakfast, laundry and local beverages. State-of-the-art alarm and CCTV cameras; gated entrance.

NEIGHBOURHOOD: On a virtually

views that evoke comparisons with the French Riviera, Bantry Bay is one of the most sought after Atlan-tic seaboard suburbs. Within easy striking distance of Sea Point’s boul-evards and Camps Bay’s beachfront strip. The city centre and Waterfront lie 15 minutes away.

S!"#$% V!&' Located on the peaceful slopes of

Signal Hill, above the gorgeous turn-of-the-century homes

that define the city’s architectural landscape, Signal View o(ers the best of both worlds: a contemporary home built in the most gracious city sub-urb, o(ering jaw-dropping views of Cape Town’s iconic mountain and its ever-changing moods. Aside from the stunning views of Table Mountain, the city is literally at your feet, while the Waterfront and beaches are a mere

10 minutes drive away. A beautifully furnished and supremely comfortable multi-level home, Signal View provides guests with the kind of space that you can disappear and congregate with ease, enjoying the flow from indoors to shaded terraces to enjoy the superb views, or curl up with a book in the secluded pool courtyard. Situated in a secure gated estate, this is arguably the most relaxing, peaceful holiday you can have within walking distance of the city centre.

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AT A GLANCEADDRESS: Tamboerskloof, City Bowl, Cape Town.

SLEEPS: 7 in 1 double room & 2 twin-bedded rooms & 1 single room.

LIVING SPACES: The double-volume lounge has huge windows and doors framing the Table Mountain and city views; opens onto an out-side patio. Luxurious furnishings,

make the most of the view. A few steps above this is the TV room with DVD and music system, furnished with large, comfortable sofa and armchairs. The adjacent dining and kitchen area is large and open-plan, with doors opening onto the pool patio. The dining table is a feature item: a long refectory table that can comfortably seat 12 people, it in-vites entertaining on a grand scale, as does the beautifully equipped granite-and-wood-topped kitchen, featuring all you need for gourmet entertaining, and more wonderful city and mountain views.

BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: The en-suite master bedroom has a queen-size bed and double doors that open onto a large, romantic patio with stunning city and moun-tain views. The second bedroom, the highest in the house, has two single beds, more gorgeous views and an en-suite bathroom (shower only). The third (two single beds) and fourth (one single bed and en-suite toilet) bedrooms share a third bathroom with shower. All three bathrooms feature quality

OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: Patio facing Table Mountain and city views with table and chairs. Outdoor covered living area (with comfortably fur-nished seating area) on protected north side of property. Pool (2.5m x 5.5m) with wooden deck. BBQ.

SERVICES & SECURITY: Daily maid service. Double garage. Gated security complex. Alarm system with armed response back-up.

Signal View offers the best of

both worlds: a contemporary

home built in the most gracious

suburb, with jaw-dropping views.

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M!"#$! V#%%!T ucked away on the historic Cellars-Hohenort estate, in the wine-

growing valley of Constantia, Madiba Villa is a peaceful idyll, ideal for a small family or couple who wish to escape the hurly

burly of the city. Surrounded by lush, award-winning gardens, guests enjoy verdant views from every window, and wonderful proximity to the Constantia wine route, where Cape wines have been produced since the 1600s, including the legendary Vin de Constance, favourite tipple of both Jane Austen and Napoleon. Providing all the facilities you’d expect from a Relais & Chateaux property (the hotel is adjacent), Madiba Villa combines decadent service levels with the atmosphere of a semi-rural retreat. Yet, for those who love to shop: the Villa is minutes from the shopping meccas of Constantia Village and Cavendish, less than 20 minutes from the city centre and Waterfront, and just over 20 minutes from the quirky antique and clothing shops of the coastal village of Kalk Bay.

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The villa combines decadent

service levels with the

atmosphere of a semi-

rural retreat.

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AT A GLANCELOCATION: Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town. SLEEPS: 4 or 6 in 2 or 3 double rooms. LIVING SPACE: Enter from your private courtyard and plunge pool into a com-fortably furnished sitting and dining

built-in bar and small service kitchen. BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: Two bed-rooms are located upstairs, with a large main en-suite double room (separate tub and double shower) and second en-suite bedroom (shower and tub combined). Both have walk-in cupboards and Juliette balconies. There is an optional third

area. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and have under-carpet heating. OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: The villa has a small private courtyard and plunge pool.

large heated swimming pools; two superb restaurants; boules pitch; a tennis court; a spa and hair salon, and a Gary Player-designed chipping and putting green. SERVICES & SECURITY: Part of the ultra-secure Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, Madiba Villa enjoys 24/7 butler service. Compli-mentary transfers at set times to Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Virgin (full-service gym), Waterfront, Constantia Vil-lage, Kirstenbosch and Cavendish. NEIGHBOURHOOD: Known as Cape Town’s ‘mink and manure’ belt, Constantia’s leafy lanes meander past paddocks and large country estates, and are surrounded by views of vineyards

Mountain. Home to one of the best shopping villages in the Cape, and (aside from the charming wine route), provides easy access to the quaint coastal villages of the southern peninsula.

V!""# V$%&

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I t’s the view that does it. But before you find yourself floating above the lush, treed valley of Hout Bay, there is the all-encompassing peace of the villa itself. Aside

from the size—a sprawling villa over 495 sq m, there is the harmonious and soothing pale'e: taupe and turquoise, mushroom greys and olive greens, a touch of bronze or drop of chocolate. And everywhere the raw honesty of natural materials—thick linen, pure co'on, real hide, quality hardwoods. It’s a sensual earthy home, a place to nurture the spirit, from the private steam room to the well-tended herb garden; spruce tennis court to elevated

(and elevating) yoga studio. Then there’s the accommoda-tion: three gorgeous light-filled bedrooms, and a separate three-bedroom lodge for guests. And of course, a view from every window. Gazing at the grandiose granite outcrops that define the valley, the sheer green slopes dropping into the unique ‘Republic of Hout Bay’, where horses graze on fields alongside some of the Cape’s quirkiest stores and fabulous restaurants, one can’t help but feel privileged. Seconds from the world famous Chapman’s Peak drive. Minutes from Llundudno beach or the Constantia wine-lands. But most importantly: at home, and at peace.

From here you can see Table Mountain Park undulate

its way to Cape Point, and at night the pulsating glow from

Kommetjie lighthouse as it glistens across the sea.

AT A GLANCE

ADDRESS: Stirrup Lane Extension, Hout Bay, Cape Town.

SLEEPS: 6 in Main House (2 double rooms and 1 twin) and 6 in Court Lodge (2 double rooms and 1 twin)

LIVING SPACES: The double-volume lounge, centred around a wood-

area (seating 10) and kitchen. Surrounded by windows, you are drawn by the valley views; step outside onto the timber deck and pool or slide back the glass doors opposite to relax on the shaded patio, back-dropped by a lush green dell. There is a separate entertainment lounge, with large-screen TV and surround sound sys-tem. Located above the tennis court, Court Lodge has its own lounge-cum-kitchen and

with quality furnishings.

BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: Two en-suite bathrooms (one furnished with a king-size bed, the other with twins) on the ground level. Both feature large bathrooms with walk-in drench showers and separate tubs. Both have gorgeous views, but the stunner is the main en-suite bedroom, located in the huge loft space. From here you can see Table Mountain Park undulate its way to Cape Point, and at night the pulsating glow from Kommetjie lighthouse as it glistens across the sea. Court Lodge features a main en-suite bedroom and two bedrooms (double bed; twin beds) sharing a bath-

OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: The main house has a large deck around the 13m pool, with bar and BBQ, and a table under shade seating 8. There is also a cool green garden area with patio furniture on the mountain side. Herb garden. Garage for 2 cars.

SECURITY & SERVICES: Full time house-keeper/maintenance manager. Serviced daily. Secure walled entrance and electric fencing. State-of-the-art alarm and CCTV cameras. Armed response back-up.

NEIGHBOURHOOD: A 15-minute scenic coastal drive from Camps Bay and the city, or 20 minutes through the wooded neck to Constantia, Hout Bay is ringed by majestic mountains. As such it has a unique charac-ter, so much so that it’s proud inhabitants have declared it the ‘Republic of Hout Bay’. Plenty of restuarants and shopping

And that’s before you’ve left Hout Bay!

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H!"#$%& H!'($Johannesburg, Jo’burg, eGoli, Jozi . . . ever-

evolving, the continent’s most happening city is home to a socially vibrant society

that entertains on a level only found in Africa’s big apple. And Hoëveld (“Highlands”) House is certainly designed to celebrate the high life. An elegant double-storey mansion, with gracious French-influenced interiors that flow into the two-acre garden, the Villa makes the most of the glorious highveld weather, with a magnificent garden embracing the huge pool and tennis

court. Interiors feel intimate enough for two, yet the house is able to absorb any number of guests (the pool pavilion alone can seat up to 80!) and is secure enough to house heads of state. But above all, we love this house for its soothing atmosphere: in this serene retreat, seated in the shade of a century-old tree, it’s hard to believe you are minutes from the urban metropolis of central Sandton, where the continent’s major financial deals are struck, and the country’s finest designers put up shop.

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AT A GLANCE

ADDRESS: 5th Avenue, Inanda, Sandton, Johannesburg.

SLEEPS: 8 in 4 double rooms.

LIVING SPACES: Two lounge areas and separate dining room. All the main living areas lead out to the expansive gardens. Aside from the study and cocktail bar there is a boardroom/function room seating up to 60 pax at round tables. Well-equipped kitchen. Massage/resting room.

BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: All four spacious bedrooms, individually decorated, are located on the second level. All bathrooms are en-suite with separate tub and shower. The main suite has his and her dressing rooms and bathrooms. All bedrooms have

OUTDOOR FACILITIES: Beautiful garden, huge pool and pool pavilion. Floodlit tennis court. Cricket nets. Secure parking for up to 20 vehicles.

SERVICES & SECURITY: Fully serviced. Full time estate manager/butler/gourmet chef, housekeeper, 2 butlers and a gardener; all included in the rate. High-level security, including 24/7 manned guard house, electric fencing, fully-monitored security camera system and armed response back-up.

NEIGHBOURHOOD: Within minutes of the city’s top shopping destinations—Sandton City and Rosebank. Aside from shopping, dining and nightlife in

some excellent drawcards such as the Apartheid Museum, Soweto tours, and the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site where paleoanthro-pologists are still unearthing clues to humankind’s origins.

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!! M"#$%##" R&'(Situated in one of Sandton’s most exclusive

residential suburbs, minutes from the city’s most sophisticated shopping and business

areas, 33 Melville Road epitomizes all that is best about living in Johannesburg: a rambling mansion, subtly African in style, with sprawling gardens, elegant, comfortable spaces that beg entertaining, and discreet, intelligent sta). Designed by Stefan Ahrends in the early 1950s, the house retains a gracious colonial feel, but it is the interiors that truly surprise and delight, augmenting the period detailing and materials in an authentic yet very o)-beat way. Having spent years travelling the

continent’s top safari destinations, the talented owner has reinvented ‘Afro-chic’ with an eclectic mix of vintage and modern, and a novel, playful approach to predictable ethnic artefacts. Walls display a superb collection of internationally renowned South African art, yet there is the wonderful irreverence of a collection of 60s terraco*a garden gnomes—just one of many delightful tongue-in-cheek touches. It’s this charming combination of class and humour that makes 33 Melville Road such an appealing home. One that welcomes those who know that true luxury is not defined by a price tag but by a discriminating eye for the rare and unusual.

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AT A GLANCEADDRESS: 33 Melville Road, Hyde Park, Johannesburg. SLEEPS: 6 in 3 double rooms (or 1 double and 2 twins). LIVING SPACES: Enter the grand entrance hall into all the main entertainment areas. The original ballroom is still the social heart of this gracious home, with a variety of seating areas (accommodat-ing up to 30 people comfortably), including a bar area. The room leads onto the deep shaded outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens and pool. The study lounge is a cozy

for all tastes in entertainment. The formal dining room (accommodat-ing up to 12 people) has doors opening onto the terrace; another leads to the breakfast room. The kitchen is large, open and sunny, with a breakfast table that can ac-commodate up to 12 people. More doors open to the patio, where there is another dining area shaded by umbrellas. BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: All bedrooms are equally spacious and overlook the gardens. Large, luxurious bathrooms (separate tubs and showers). Bedroom 1 (double bed; others have 2 single bases that can be made into king-size beds) has a comfortable anteroom. All bedrooms have TVs, individual sound systems and DVD players on demand. On the landing area (be-tween all three rooms) is another anteroom with doors leading onto a furnished balcony for relaxing and enjoying the garden views.

OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: Deep shaded terrace functions as outdoor room with comfortable lounge and dining area (seating up to 12 people) overlooking the rose gardens, rolling lawns, tennis court and swimming pool. High tech entertainment facilities throughout; centralized music system extends to the outdoor terrace. Double garage houses two luxury cars for guest use (driver included). Ample parking for up to 8 extra cars. A small gym (private gym and tennis instruction can be arranged). SERVICES & SECURITY: Serviced

and local beverages are all included in the rate, as is laundry. Airport and local transfers also included. The house is secured with walled entrance, state-of-the-art alarm and excellent armed response back-up. NEIGHBOURHOOD: Hyde Park, considered one of the most well-established, ‘old-money’ suburbs,

suburb’s up-market restaurants, shopping malls, and clubs for moneyed socialites. It’s also con-sidered one of the safest locations. Aside from dining and shopping,

excellent tourist drawcards—don’t miss an opportunity to visit to the Apartheid Museum, take a tour of Soweto, and time allowing, visit the Cradle of Humankind, a World Herit-age Site where paleoanthropologists are unearthing clues to humankind’s origins, or a visit the Origins Centre, where you can track your own an-cestors with DNA testing.