African Villas
&
Handpicked gorgeous
African Villas
&
Handpicked gorgeous
Con tent s PAGE EDS’ LETTER
6
BEACH VILLAS
8
Villa Blanc Gorge Villa Villa Yvette Villa Ava Llandudno Beach Villa Rodwell House The St James Birkenhead Villa Mosselberg Villa Villa David Pezula Castle McGrath Villas
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32
URBAN SANCTUARIES
34
Bridge House Ellerman Villa Signal View Madiba Villa Villa Vuyo Hoëveld House 33 Melville Road
36 38 40 42 44 46 48
WINELANDS VILLAS
50
Eagle’s Nest Journey’s End Paarl Rock
52 54 56
SAFARI VILLAS
58
1933 Lodge Ulusaba Cliff Lodge Pioneer & Granite Villas Africa House Royal Madikwe Morukuru Tarkuni Sarili & Bushman’s River Lodge Samara Manor House
60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76
REMOTE VILLAS
78
Mount Anderson Oceana Owner’s Villa Tamarina
80 82 84
4
M AP
A A A A A A A B B B C D
A A A A A E E
A A A
F F F F G G H I J
L K M
5
Journeys are the midwives of thought —ALAIN DE BOTTON, THE ART OF TRAVEL
I
am fortunate enough to do something I feel incredibly passionate about. I launched Icon Villas with just a few special places in 1997; since then I have visited and experienced literally
thousands more, slowly handpicking our portfolio. Over the years I have come to realize that luxury does not lie in the choice of finishes, the breadth of facilities, or the quality of the detailing— these are a given in an Icon Villa. What I really seek is something more intangible: the soul of a place must somehow root the visitor in this thrilling continent. An African Villa is not one that shouts its location with faux animal prints, or displays of ethnic crafts. It is a more subtle play of elements, such as a generosity of space, reflecting our huge skies and landscapes; the seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors to maximise the sublime weather; the use of vibrant or earth-like colours to excite or soothe in turn; an eclectic approach to décor that showcases the cultural melting pot that is Africa— an exhilarating mix of influences that has spawned so many design tomes. Icon Villas are all filled with a certain energy; decorated with flair and subtlety, and offering an ambience filled with subtle, rich textures: wine goblets that tell their own story; a set of locally crafted kieries; the book selection on the shelves; the confident mix of the weathered and the manicured. Aside from character and design, the other key criterion is privacy. The truth is, I deal essentially in experiences, not properties. My wish is to facilitate the unique bond that builds when an extended family or a group of friends spend uninterrupted time together, with no fixed itinerary or other social intrusions. To create a cocoon for you or your clients, in a home that is the equal of, or better than, your own. Here, then, is a selection of some of the most iconic properties in Africa, prepared and waiting, ready to become part of your journey…