The appearance of the EQS SUV promises a new era of luxurious electric driving. Iconic Mercedes-EQ design elements meet the aerodynamically optimised shape of a spacious SUV. This is electric excellence on a grand scale.
ISSUE 59 2023
IHAVE A THEORY that part of what makes South Africa operate is simply that the sun always comes out again. After another winter of discontent is over, and the smell of summer is in the air, our moods improve, along with our lifestyles – think long summer days spent outside with friends and family. What looked catastrophic in the bleak winter (and let’s be honest, there is some catastrophic business going down) somehow seems more manageable, fixable even. The sun brings with it a sense of optimism, a sense that anything is possible. And so we stay on, the foreign tourists arrive spellbound by our country’s extraordinary beauty (and affordable seafood platters), and we are once again filled with a sense of joie de vivre. Perhaps it is simply the sun that is the reason for the resilience South Africans are so well known for.
In this issue, we celebrate spring with stories that exude colour and light. ‘Voices from the sun’ (page 26) showcases South Africa’s soul-stirring opera voices, which garner such admiration on international stages that they’re believed to be the result of a mysterious alchemy of oxygen, water and yes, the South African sunshine.
In our beautifully colourful design story, we meet artists, designers and artisans from across the globe who are pushing the boundaries of creativity through their inventive use of colour in ‘True colours’ (page 30).
We talk to three chefs in ‘Food for the senses,’ (page 50) who explain how their restaurants are reimagining the dining experience by captivating the senses, and evoking memories and a sense of nostalgia.
In terms of travel, we journey through the Napa Valley in the most beautiful of
SUSAN NEWHAM-BLAKE EDITOR
cars, the Rolls-Royce Spectre, in ‘Valley of the Rolls,’ (page 56). In ‘London, for Longer’ (page 60), we find those hidden gems that allow for a longer stay in this vibrant city. Locally, in ‘Wanderlust Wonders’ (page 64), we explore three luxurious lodges by family-owned-and-run The Hunter Hotels Group. From luxurious treehouse living to an authentic safari experience harking back to a bygone era, you’re going to want to put these on your bucket list. Here comes the sun...
EDITOR SUSAN NEWHAM-BLAKE snewham@tppsa.co.za
ART DIRECTOR TINA REDDELL
COPY EDITOR WENDY MARITZ
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE
BERNICE BLUNDELL bernice@adplacements.co.za 073 618 1882
DIRECTOR SUSAN NEWHAM-BLAKE
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR JOHN MORKEL
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER LIZ WOLFE
FINANCIAL MANAGER NAEEMA ABRAHAMS
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Watch complications are becoming increasingly, well... complicated. This season’s offerings take the art of intricacy to new heights.
46 GOODBYE TO ALL THAT
Which of today’s cars will be the icons of tomorrow? As electric propulsion takes centre stage and the venerable internal combustion engine bids adieu, now is an excellent time to invest in the last of the greats.
Africa’s diamond and Tanzanite treasures captivate globally with beauty, rarity, and immense value. Diamonds shaped history and economy, while Tanzanite’s unique blue hues enchant as a sought-after gemstone found solely in Tanzania. Symbolizing luxury and elegance, these precious stones mesmerize admirers worldwide.
Discover ethically sourced diamonds and Tanzanite jewelry at Shimansky in Cape Town. With international certification and a commitment to sustainability, their exquisite pieces embody both beauty and ethical integrity. Enjoy guilt-free shopping and support responsible practices while indulging in the allure of their precious gems.
Visit the Shimansky jewelry showroom in Cape Town and discover your own treasure.
“Your African legacy for generations to come “V&A WATERFRONT | THE CLOCK TOWER WATERFRONT | THE ROCKWELL | WWW.SHIMANSKY.CO.ZA
50
Three top-tier chefs explain how their restaurants are reimagining the ways in which we dine out – by captivating the senses, evoking memories and transporting guests on a nostalgic ride.
56 VALLEY OF THE ROLLS
With its cutting-edge architecture, brave winemakers and fashion-forward wineries, it’s no surprise the Napa Valley was chosen as the location to launch Rolls-Royce’s all-new electric Spectre.
60 LONDON FOR LONGER
The notion of what a hotel is has evolved and adapted dramatically from a simple place to rest one’s head, to spaces across a spectrum of styles and levels of permanency to appeal to every type of traveller. We discover what London has to offer.
64 WANDERLUST WONDERS
Travel is more than the destination, more than what can be captured in a photograph. We explore two luxury destinations along the Garden Route and one in the Eastern Cape that offer the elusive ability to stir the soul.
WHISKY AFICIONADOS HAVE A REASON TO CELEBRATE AS WORLD-RENOWNED SCOTCH WHISKY BRAND JOHNNIE WALKER UNVEILS ITS LATEST MASTERPIECE.
AS THE MARKETING AND INNOVATION DIRECTOR at Diageo South Africa, I am delighted to connect with you and offer a glimpse into the realm of Johnnie Walker Blue Label – a symbol of elegance, excellence and timeless celebration.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is more than just a whisky; it's an embodiment of craftsmanship, tradition and the art of savouring life’s remarkable moments. With a legacy that spans generations, this blend has continued to capture the hearts of discerning enthusiasts around the world.
In the spirit of innovation that defines Johnnie Walker, I am excited to share that we are on the cusp of an extraordinary new chapter in our journey. The launch of the innovative limitededition Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami is set to redefine the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship, and we believe it's an innovation that aligns seamlessly with our dedication to showcasing the finest in luxury and lifestyle. This innovation is positioned to celebrate the harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary essence, embarking on a culinary voyage of flavour exploration that reflects Johnnie Walker's status of offering extraordinary whisky for extraordinary occasions.
Let us raise our glasses to the future of Johnnie Walker Blue. Our upcoming innovations stand as a testament to our unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of taste, craftsmanship and the art of whisky-making. As we move forward, we remain
committed to upholding the legacy of our brand – a legacy built upon generations of expertise, passion and an unyielding pursuit of perfection. Join us in toasting to the exciting journey ahead, where every sip will be a celebration of our rich heritage and a glimpse into the remarkable innovations that await. Here's to the spirit of progress and the pursuit of excellence.
NATALIA CELANI MARKETING AND INNOVATION DIRECTOR, JOHNNIE WALKER
LOUIS VUITTON’S NEW RELEASE BLENDS HISTORIC TRUNK-MAKING WITH VINTAGE LUXURY DESIGN.
Set to be the most sought-after leather-goods launch of the year for women, the new GO-14 bag is the nexus of entwined passions: a designer’s inspiration, a trunk-maker’s secrets and an artisan’s ingenuity. The GO-14 is an initiatory bag, one of Nicolas Ghesquière’s first designs. (Its name is code for Louis Vuitton’s Women’s Artistic Director and the date the bag first appeared on the runway: Ghesquière October 2014.)
It has re-emerged this year, in full spirit and with a unique characteristic that echoes the spirit of historic trunk-making: malletage. This refined crisscrossing pattern pads the insides of trunks, and the galon trim a simple ingenuity that kept documents secure during travel. Ghesquière rediscovered Louis Vuitton’s innovation and featured it in his first collection, reawakening an invisible luxury.
The GO-14 is a generous, sensual, padded lambskin bag, covered in infinitely soft malletage with overstitching highlighting the design’s curves and cushiony feel. A true sensual delight. louisvuitton.com
PARTNERS TAG HEUER AND PORSCHE JOIN FORCES AGAIN FOR A NEW BOLD AND SPORTY TIMEPIECE.
After five successful watches that have delighted fans of both brands, TAG Heuer and Porsche are now introducing their sixth creation: the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph X Porsche Orange Racing timepiece, a model that showcases their shared and enduring passion for racing. The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph X Porsche Orange Racing is based on the famous TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph and follows the TAG Heuer Carrera X Porsche Limited Edition. It upholds the quality and performance offered by the in-house Calibre Heuer 02, a movement manufactured entirely at TAG Heuer’s Chevenez facility, which consists of 168 parts, including a column wheel and a vertical clutch. These features allow for exceptional chronometric performance and offer an impressive power reserve of 80 hours. The design of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph X Porsche Orange Racing keeps with the unmistakeable Porsche aesthetic but also, most importantly, the racing universe that surrounds it. picotandmoss.co.za
THE HAZENDAL, A LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL AND SPA SITUATED ON THE RENOWNED HAZENDAL WINE ESTATE, IS OPENING ITS DOORS IN OCTOBER.
Indulge in contemporary luxury in a beautiful setting amid the historic Cape Winelands. Conveniently located at the gateway to the world-famous Stellenbosch Wine Route, The Hazendal offers an unforgettable destination for both leisure and corporate travellers seeking five-star luxury and refined hospitality. The 34-key boutique hotel offers a range of spacious room categories to suit a variety of tastes and needs, from superior 42m2 rooms to the hotel’s flagship 122m2 presidential suite complete with a bar, outdoor deck and private Jacuzzi. Guests also have access to a gym, spa and padel court, as well as a variety of restaurants and a cigar bar and lounge. The Hazendal also offers a wedding and events space for up to 200 guests. hazendal.co.za
MEET GENEVA’S NEWEST, AND SMALLEST, MAISON.
It’s not only the grand maisons that attract all the attention. Ateliers Hervé Schlüchter, which opened in March 2022, has been stunningly successful. The micro-manufacturer – just three watchmakers – crafts only one piece, the L’Essentiel. Schlüchter is L’École des Métiers Techniques trained and worked at Bovet before striking out on his own. The L’Essentiel features an hour hand indicated on a rotating 24-hour disc, with a night and day indication that is visible through a U-shaped cut-out in the dial; the minute is indicated by the long central hand, and the second on a subdial at six o’clock. Gorgeous. herve-schluchter.ch
A FRENCH CHAMPAGNE RECENTLY LAUNCHED IN SA MAKES A TOAST TO MOTHER NATURE.
Good news for bubbly lovers – the highly esteemed French Champagne brand Telmont has launched in South Africa. Founded in 1912 and run by the same family for four generations, Telmont is built on the principles of sustainability and investing in Mother Nature, not only to create the best juice, as they say, but also because good earth creates good wine. A lover of Telmont and recent investor in the brand, Leonardo DiCaprio, says, ‘Champagne Telmont, together with its partner wine-growers, has set its sights on producing 100% organic champagne, ensuring a completely sustainable production lifecycle in the coming years. From protecting biodiversity on its land, to using 100% renewable electricity, Champagne Telmont is determined to radically lower its environmental footprint, making me proud to join as an investor.’
Cheers to that!
champagne-telmont.com
FOR GOLF LOVERS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, STEENBERG WINE FARM OFFERS A SLICE OF PARADISE.
A mere 20-minute drive from Cape Town centre, in the lush Constantia Valley, you’ll find Steenberg Farm that boasts the Steenberg Golf Estate. Consistently named one of the bestconditioned golf courses in Golf Digest South Africa’s annual Top 100, it’s known for its hybrid design and offers traditionalists the opportunity to ‘bump and run’ (a rare shot in South Africa) in the rough around the greens, and to meet the challenges of strategically placed bunkers and waterways. The par-three, not-so-short 14th hole features the largest green in Africa at 76 metres. Indigenous shrubs guard the green and the mound has been shaped to echo the distinctive mountain range behind. The 18-hole golf course was designed to make full use of natural features and hazards such as the vineyards, pine forest and gentle
waterways. The well-designed and refurbished clubhouse has seen many golfers enjoying the 19th hole. The Steenberg Golf Club is open to the public, but priority and special green-fee rates are given to hotel guests and members.
If it’s a golfing week or weekend you’re after, the Steenberg Hotel & Spa offers a luxurious 5-star hotel situated on a historic wine farm, with access to a selection of award-winning restaurants and a world-class spa, all set on immaculate grounds with spectacular views of vineyards and mountains.
Tryn restaurant, dedicated to Steenberg’s 17th century founder, Catharina Ras, or Tryn as she was known to her nearest and dearest, is contemporary in spirit with delicious food, a bold and modern interior, gorgeous views and a relaxed atmosphere. And Bistro Sixteen82, whose menu is constantly evolving, keeps up with seasonal produce and features inventive dishes that complement the finest locally sourced ingredients beautifully executed by executive chef, Kerry Kilpin. With luxury accommodation, one of the best golf courses in the country, a world-class spa and delectable cuisine, what are you waiting for? steenbergfarm.com
In the realm of rare treasures, there exists a gem that nature bestows upon only one corner of the globe. Tanzanite is found exclusively in a small mining area approximately 7km long and 2km wide near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. It’s scarcity makes this a beautiful and elusive gemstone and one that Shimansky takes pride in offering. In the heart of Cape Town, Shimansky’s exquisite collection celebrates the unrivalled elegance of this gem that graces such a solitary source on Earth. Tanzanite, a symphony of violet or blue hues reminiscent of Africa’s majestic landscapes, finds its embodiment in every masterpiece at Shimansky. As pioneers in the world of tanzanite, Shimansky’s artisans meticulously craft each piece, ensuring its rarity is matched only by its sophistication. With a singular source known to humanity, this gem speaks to the essence of adventure and refinement.
shimanksy.co.za
BREITLING’S X DEUS IS RIDING A WAVE.
Collaborations are all the rage in watch-making circles and few are doing it better than Breitling. Successful associations with iconic car models – Mustang, Corvette, Triumph and Thunderbird – and adventurers have helped cement the Swiss brand as the go-to cool horologists. Enter the X Deus to underline that reputation. Co-designed with Australian surf-andmotorcycle outfitter Deus Ex Machina, Breitling’s handsome Top Time chronograph bears the words In benzin veritas (‘In petrol we trust’) on the dial. It also features a retro-inspired perforated leather racing strap, speed-measuring tachymeter scale and contrasting squircle subdials that give the feel of a vintage dashboard gauge. There’s also a special lightningbolt-shaped chronograph hand and, under the hood, a brag-worthy motor: the exceptional Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. breitling.com
There’s a lot for whisky lovers to get excited about with the launch of the innovative limited-edition Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami.
SOUTH AFRICA’S WHISKY aficionados have a reason to celebrate as the world-renowned Scotch luxury whisky brand Johnnie Walker Blue Label unveils its latest masterpiece: Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami. The limited-edition offering will be available for discerning palates in South Africa from October 2023. This collectible release is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and the art of whisky craftsmanship.
Master blender Emma Walker along with world-renowned chef Kei Kobayashi set out on an epicurean journey of flavour discovery to create a blend that encapsulates the enigmatic taste of Umami. The result is an expression of sumptuous taste, complexity and transportive depth; a beautiful balance of savoury-sweet qualities. This new addition to the Johnnie Walker Blue Label portfolio pays homage to the brand’s heritage while embracing innovation, resulting in a symphony of flavours that truly excites the palate.
Derived from the Japanese term meaning ‘pleasant savoury taste’, Johnnie Walker Umami is known for its rich and complex flavours that invite connoisseurs on an unparalleled journey, painting the palate with a symphony of opulent and robust flavours that are unique to Johnnie Walker’s master blend. With notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate and hints of seaweed, this exceptional blend tantalises the palate, leaving a lasting impression of sophistication and elegance.
‘Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami is a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship. We believe that great whisky is an exploration of flavours and a celebration of taste, and Umami embodies this philosophy perfectly. It’s an invitation to savour a journey of complexity and depth, inspired by the culinary world’s most elusive taste. The flavours of Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami ensure that even those who traditionally would not consume whisky enjoy it,’ says Thembeka Mgobozi, Innovation Manager at Diageo South Africa.
Johnnie Walker Umami will be available for purchase at select liquor retailers nationwide. Whether savoured neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in expertly crafted cocktails, this fine whisky promises an unforgettable journey into the realm of flavour.
For more information on Johnnie Walker Umami, please visit johnniewalker.com and follow @JohnnieWalker on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Follow the conversation using the hashtags #KeepWalkingSA #JWUmami.
NOT FOR PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
On international stages, South Africa’s soul-stirring opera voices are believed to be the result of a mysterious alchemy of oxygen, water and fierce sunlight. It is, however, as one virtuoso says, ‘in our blood’.
WORDS KEITH BAIN
WHILE THE BRITS were anointing their king, for music lovers worldwide the true crowning moment was hearing Pretty Yende sing. Yende, who has gone from rural Piet Retief to headline engagements at the Opéra Bastille in Paris, and now also into living rooms around the world during Charles III’s coronation, is about as close to a household name as one finds in the world of opera, a veritable soprano superstar.
From humble beginnings in Mpumalanga, where she learnt church choruses – or amakhorasi – from her grandmother and sang at home with members of her family, she developed, via school and community choirs, an earnest interest in opera.
But it was the singing competitions and eisteddfods that got her noticed, and winning a national schools championship performing Mozart’s ‘Batti, Batti, O Bel Masetto’ that landed her a place at the South African College of Music.
She was soon winning just about every competition she entered, and has over the last 20 years become a measure of the unprecedented potential and power of the trained voice; the apotheosis of what the human vocal instrument is capable of. That much was clear to the future King Charles when he witnessed her sing at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s 75th anniversary celebrations at Windsor Castle in 2022 and personally asked her to perform at his coronation.
And while that episode in her career has once-in-a-lifetime significance, Yende is by no means the only South African opera singer whose flame has ignited international stages.
There’s UCT-trained Pumeza Matshikiza, who was born in Lady Frere and now lives in Berlin; bass-baritone Musa Ngqungwana, another UCT graduate, who went from Gqeberha to Philadelphia in the US where he’s been based for several years; and virtuoso soprano Golda Schultz who, after two years with Africa’s premiere opera company, Cape Town Opera (CTO), successfully auditioned for the prestigious Juilliard School in New York.
Another showstopper talent is UCT-trained Levy Sekgapane whose bel canto tenor voice won him the Belvedere Singing Competition in 2015; it’s an achievement he shares with Yende, who won in 2009. He followed in Yende’s footsteps again, when he took top honours at Plácido Domingo’s Operalia The World Opera Competition in 2017, where Yende had triumphed in 2011.
Winning the world’s most prestigious singing competition significantly boosted Sekgapane’s international career. He tours Europe, and now also the US, almost constantly. For the better part of a decade he’s been based in Munich, Germany. He says being in
Europe is vital for his career since his engagements are tied to his specialised repertoire, those parts he’s most often hired to perform.
While Yende has, in part, made a name for herself by shattering various glass ceilings (such as being the first Black opera singer to perform Lucia in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor in Paris), Sekgapane has become an expert in the deeply demanding, specialised role of Count Almaviva, the young Spanish grandee in Rossini’s Barber of Seville. It’s the part he’s performed most in his career. ‘I cannot even count how many times I have sung the role,’ he says.
Recently he’s been touring Europe, performing a series of duets with American tenor Robert Brownlee, one of opera’s most in-demand singers. And he calls legendary Italian mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli his ‘stage wife’, having performed with her on a tour last year. He’s also sung with Plácido Domingo.
Quite a feat for a lad raised in the small Free State town of Kroonstad, where he sang at church, at school, and by age 13, was imitating Pavarotti, much to his friends’ amusement.
In May, shortly after Yende had raised Westminster Abbey’s roof, Sekgapane had a rare opportunity when his touring schedule enabled him to perform on home turf. He was in Cape Town (where he had – somewhat reluctantly – studied opera) to sing the role of Nadir, a lovestruck fisherman, in CTO’s semi-
staged production of The Pearl Fishers, an obscure early opera by Georges Bizet (who later wrote Carmen).
Much of the opera’s heart-stirring music results from a potentially lethal love triangle: Nadir is head-over-heels for a priestess played by Cape Town starlet Brittany Smith, who won this year’s Fleur du Cap Award for best female opera performance for her exhilarating turn in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, produced by CTO last year.
Despite its obscurity, The Pearl Fishers features fantastic duets and a very difficult aria that Nadir sings in the first act that totally breaks your heart.
Bizet’s music is beautiful, although it’s probable the full houses the show attracted would have turned up had Sekgapane been singing nursery rhymes – he is a true virtuoso who took Bizet’s challenging aria in his stride.
Audiences went wild, something Sekgapane has become used to in Europe, where at his many packed recitals, he says audiences express immense appreciation for South African voices. ‘They’re crazy about these concerts,’ he says. ‘People are talking about the talent coming out of this country. Everybody in the business is talking about us too. My colleagues say things like, “Oh, my god! What do you guys eat there?”’
But of course, it’s not the diet – and it’s not something in our water, as some suggest. ‘It is in our blood,’ Sekgapane says. ‘Music is in our veins, we are born with it, this something special.’
He believes it’s down to our country’s rich diversity and our culture of celebration that always involves singing. ‘We celebrate almost every moment. At funerals, at weddings, any big moment. And our huge choir competitions have long been an important tradition. So we are always singing – it’s part of our lives, part of who we are.’
Some of that celebratory spirit will be bubbling up in Cape Town this year, when the 30th anniversary edition of Operalia, the competition that helped launch Yende and Sekgapane internationally, will be held at the Artscape Theatre Centre from 30 October to 5 November. Hosted by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Cape Town Opera, it will be the first time the event will take place in Africa.
Sponsored by Rolex, the weeklong competition will not only see some top international singers visiting to compete, but will also spotlight several of the most promising opera talents from South Africa. Among the rising stars shortlisted to compete is Pretty Yende’s younger sister, Nombulelo, another skilled soprano who has been winning competitions and carving out a career for herself in Europe.
Who knows? Perhaps she – or another of our sun-drenched singing stars – will be raising the roof when a king called William is one day crowned.
TOP From Lady Frere in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, to the London Coliseum – Pumeza Matshikiza does justice to the character of Fox in the 2022 production of Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen RIGHT Bassbaritone and South African College of Music graduate Musa Ngqungwana portrays Lord Krishna in the English National Opera’s Satyagraha at the London Coliseum in 2021.
What better time to explore the adventurous world of colour than spring’s arrival? Meet a handful of artists, designers and artisans from across the globe who push the boundaries of creativity through their inventive use of colour.
WORDS MARTIN JACOBS
THE DESIGNERS ‘We are best friends, in sync in almost everything we believe in,’ say sisters Viveka and Rucita Vassen, founders of Cape Town’s Ananta Design Studio. ‘So, it was inevitable that we would one day build a creative business together.’ Launched in 2022, the homeware studio unites the talents of two creatives, neither of whom hails from a product-design background. Graduates of Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Viveka studied fashion design, her sister graphic design. Many years in the planning, the studio’s intended focus shifted prior to launching, as the pandemic’s travel prohibitions restricted the Vassens’ initial plans. But the sisters agree this was beneficial to promoting local craftsmanship.
THEIR WORK ‘Inspired by the traditional craft techniques and vibrant colours of Africa, and our ancestral India, as well as a need to create a visual language that represents our identity and crossover of cultures, we embarked on creating the wondrous world of Ananta,’ explains Rucita. The enchantment she speaks of takes the form of a sculptural collection of hand-beaded lamps and bud vases. ‘It was important for us to build a business that economically empowers under-resourced communities and positively contributes to a more conscious world,’ adds Viveka.
Designed and constructed inhouse, with patterns inspired by themes as disparate as parental love, Indian culture and the 1970s, the homeware is then outsourced to Monkeybiz’s beaders for finishing. In acknowledgment of their contribution, each product includes its beader’s name.
COLOUR THEORY ‘Our Indian heritage has shaped our bold sense of colour,’ Rucita explains. ‘We grew up wearing traditional punjabis and ghagra cholis in the brightest colours when celebrating Hindu festivals.’ For the Vassens, colour is synonymous with being Indian and integral to their visual language, a representation of how they regard themselves. ‘Through colour we have created products that evoke happiness, joy and celebration.’
@studioananta (Instagram)
‘Our Indian heritage has shaped our bold sense of colour,’ explain sisters Viveka (left) and Rucita (right) Vassen of their beaded Maata Pita table lamps and Purna vases. The design duo outsources the beading of their lamps, the patterning of which draws from their Indian culture, to Cape Town’s MonkeyBiz artisans.
From his studio, a creative space filled with his woodwork, ceramics, drawings, wickerwork and rugs, Mestiz founder Daniel Valero references centuries’ worth of Mexican craftsmanship when selecting colours for his pieces. Although drawn from a wealth of history, the colours in Valero’s creations are reworked in an entirely contemporary manner.
THE DESIGNER Following his studies in Mexico, France and Finland, 30-something architect and designer Daniel Valero founded design studio Mestiz in 2015 in San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico. In 2021 Mestiz collaborated with American retailer Joanna Williams of Kneeland Co. on a pop-up store in Los Angeles, and, being the rising star that he was, Valero graced the cover of Mexican Architectural Digest in the same year.
HIS WORK ‘We create wild objects and textiles inspired by the natural surroundings and cultural syncretism of Mexico’s artisanal techniques,’ Valero explains of his studio’s philosophy. Step into his workspace, filled with textiles, ceramics, furniture, wickerwork, drawings and rugs, and his celebration of Mexico’s cultural heritage is unmistakably apparent. ‘The objects in my studio have been produced in four regions of my country, with ethical awareness and a commitment to artisans, their techniques and knowledge,’ he says of wickerwork made in Querétaro, textiles made in Coahuila, and ceramics and woodwork handcrafted in his own Guanajuato.
COLOUR THEORY Known for its wicker lampshades in bougainvillea pink (‘The pink to end all pinks,’ as Williams describes it), Valero’s studio is an explosion of colour that harks back to centuries’ worth of Mexican craft and design. Against a backdrop of mustard walls, rich blue ceramics sit on red tables and forest-green totems reach for the ceiling. Mestiz’s newest collection, Wood Fauna, a series of zoomorphic wooden furniture pieces with scaly and jagged edges produced in collaboration with local craftsman Don Javier, looks as if it may bite if approached too quickly. Each painted in a monotone primary colour, Wood Fauna’s pieces are universally inviting, their carved wild shapes crafted using techniques rooted in the 17th century and, as Valero describes it, ‘are inspired by the figures and symbols of Novohispanic baroque’.
mestiz.mx
WOOD FAUNA’S CARVED WILD SHAPES [ARE] CRAFTED USING TECHNIQUES ROOTED IN THE 17TH CENTURY.
THE DESIGNER ‘I’m from a creative family, so I love using my hands,’ says Loughborough University Textile Design graduate Dalia James from her Walthamstow studio. For the weaver, this applies as much to her preparatory sketches as it does to her woven designs. She eschews planning designs in Photoshop, instead favouring watercolour drawings that allow her to carefully consider colour.
HER WORK James weaves tonal wall pieces using silk, bamboo and SeaCell (a seaweed and lyocell hybrid) yarns. While her compositions are abstract, they take as their starting point the physical world, specifically her interest in Bauhaus design and colour theory, as well as architecture. ‘My first large-scale artwork, ‘Intersection’, was influenced by Tuscan religious architecture,’ she explains. ‘Florence’s basilica is covered in a striking geometric pattern of green, white and pink marble, and this felt like the perfect starting point for a project.’ She’s equally inspired by British textile designer, writer and socialist activist William Morris’s commitment to elevating the status of craft and his interest in the natural. ‘The sheer variety of colour that he was able to achieve using only natural dyes fascinates me. He was committed to preserving the environment and saw the damage industrialisation, including the development of synthetic dyes, could pose to the natural world.’
COLOUR THEORY James’s research into, and use of, natural dyes is an ongoing project. ‘Despite using limited quantities of yarn and dye, I’m aware that the fashion and textile industry is one of the worst polluters in the world, so I like to do my bit.’ For more than a decade she has dyed her own yarns, experimenting with tonally-rich natural materials including cochineal and turmeric. ‘I’m interested in how people perceive the areas where two colours meet, as well as how they perceive those hues in relation to surrounding colours,’ she says of her compelling compositions. daliajames.com
‘Yellow Red Blue I’ and ‘II’ (left), both woven by James this year, are two pieces that immediately tell of the artisan’s love of colour. Increasingly working with natural dyes, James is influenced not only by William Morris’s use of colour, but by his awareness of the need for sustainable practice too.
THE DESIGNERS Founders Piotr Maciaszek and Karol Pasternak of multidisciplinary design studio Noke Architects pride themselves on working across several disciplines. They worked closely with the studio’s interior designer Aleksandra Hyz and lauded illustrator Ola Niepsuj on Va Bene Cicchetti, a small-plates bar in Warsaw.
THEIR PROJECT Commissioned by its owners to create an environment for Va Bene Cicchetti that was distinctly Italian, Maciaszek opted to reference the city of Venice, albeit in a subtle manner. ‘Venice is easily imagined based on a single postcard, but to live it is something completely unique,’ he explains. ‘Our challenge was to bring this experience to patrons.’ Here was an opportunity to dispense with the ubiquitous tropes of red-checked tablecloths popularised by a diaspora of trattorias. ‘We wanted the place to be unambiguously associated with Venice, but we also wanted this reference to be fresh,’ he continues.
COLOUR THEORY Va Bene Cicchetti’s interior and branding draw inspiration from the colours of the Venetian flag: red and gold. Warm hues dominate, with the bar counter, furniture, walls and ceiling in a deep red – which adds intimacy to the compact space – and gold used sparingly as an accent colour. The bar’s element of surprise, though, is delivered through Maciaszek’s unexpected use of green, which references periods of flooding (known as acqua alta) in Venice when the Adriatic Sea’s tide rises, with floodwaters covering the piazzas and streets. To recreate this flooded look Maciaszek explains, ‘Flood water appears in the form of sea-green floors and skirtings, and everything up to about 25 centimetres in height – table legs, chairs and display cases – are coloured in the same marine hue.’ Va Bene Cicchetti’s entire basement level, too, is coloured in this aquamarine tone, suggesting it is under water. nokearchitects.com
MICHAEL JOHANSSON SWEDEN
THE ARTIST ‘I describe my process as playing real-life Tetris,’ says Swedish-born sculptor Michael Johansson of his archaeological-like sculptures and installations that force viewers to reconsider everyday objects. A graduate of Malmö Art Academy (with a Master’s in Fine Art), Johansson lives and works in Berlin. He has exhibited globally, in cities including Reykjavik, Tokyo, Mexico City and Milan, often creating sitespecific public installations from materials sourced at and around his exhibition spaces.
HIS WORK ‘I usually collect things at second-hand stores and flea markets, because I like to use items that have lived a life before I find them, objects that have traces of the people who previously owned them,’ Johansson explains. ‘I use these items as building blocks to create different stories or small condensed worlds.’ Johansson’s worlds are predominantly rectilinear, taking the form of cubes, shelves and (more recently) ladders when exhibiting within the confines of galleries and, outdoors, of either larger installations (objects sandwiched between shipping containers, for example) or as interventions that fit snuggly within architectural gaps. Look closely at his mostly monochromatic artworks and you’ll notice plastic crates, mechanical devices and electrical appliances, storage containers, portable money boxes, plastic ice blocks and other household items. Meticulously arranged, with each item a perfect fit for its space, you may ask what these sculptures mean. ‘You could say my works are based on society’s overproduction of things,’ he offers by way of explanation.
COLOUR THEORY Repetition is an important component in Johansson’s work, by way of both objects and colour. By creating artworks either monochromatic or limited in tone, Johansson brings cohesion to disparate objects, resulting in unexpected beauty. His use of colour equally offers insights into how we live; the many items he collects are modern-day artifacts, cultural indicators about the communities from which they come.
michaeljohansson.com
THE DESIGNERS Branding and interior design consultancy Masquespacio was founded by Ana Hernández and Christophe Penasse in 2010. Over the past 13 years they’ve worked on projects in countries including France, the US, Cambodia, Germany and Qatar, and are the recipients of multiple awards, from the likes of Elle Deco International, Wallpaper*, and The New York Times.
THEIR PROJECT Masquespacio was commissioned by fashion retailer Mango to conceptualise the interiors of Barcelona’s flagship Mango Teen, a brand division catering to teenagers. The results are a newly-opened store that’s a visual response to teen consumer data provided by Mango.
Hernández reflects on how colour and a craving for the experiential and interactive topped teen expectations. ‘The best thing about being a teen is that you’re living in a world full of dreams and discovery. It’s an age when you start to dream big, without factoring in limitations,’ she says. ‘The store’s entrance tunnel takes shoppers back to the surrealism of dreams, and to a future in which conventional elements from our past are being considered futuristic for new generations.’ A washing machine, intended as a receptacle in which to leave old clothes for recycling, and which releases bubbles when opened, is one such conventional element.
COLOUR THEORY Colour is also approached with a sense of the surreal in mind. ‘We initially chose a pinkish palette, but as this is getting a bit outdated, we decided to play with two colours that are less explored instead,’ explains Penasse. Pastel orange and green coexist with their neon counterparts, with hard distinctions between the two defining retail subspaces. Reflective surfaces, like the fitting-room walls, mark a secondary approach to colour. They’re considered by Masquespacio to be a connection to a futuristic digital world, a metaverse. Their optical effect not only distorts colour and reality, but creates an unusual backdrop for selfies. masquespacio.com
Pastel oranges and greens coexist with their brighter equivalents in Masquespacio’s interior design of Mango Teen, Barcelona. Following research into teen consumer insights, the design duo introduced neons and optical-effect surfaces into the changing rooms, which they hope will inspire shoppers to shoot and upload images to social media.
Complications – anything on a watch other than the time – have become ever more... complicated. This season’s offerings take the art of intricacy to new heights.
WORDS PETER FROST
IT’S GENERALLY AGREED that the masters of complications are Vacheron Constantin. The bespoke maison specialises in audacious complexity, notably the famed 57260 that managed to pack 57 complications into a timepiece that weighed little less than a kilogram. It has 2 826 parts, 31 hands, took eight years to make and, should it be put up for sale, would fetch in
the region of R180 million. It was a celebration, a milestone to mark the 260th birthday of the watchmaker. It inspired the only slightly less elaborate Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon of 2021, today a sought-after collector’s item.
Vacheron Constantin isn’t the only maison to venture where angels fear to tread. Complications, grand and otherwise, have long been a way of showcasing expertise and creativity. From early on, as timepieces moved from pockets to wrists, makers such as Patek Philippe and Breguet introduced calendars and dates, then moon phases, chronographs and dual-zone complications. As time progressed, the challenges increased – perpetual calendars, rattrapante (recording two separate measurements), tourbillions to counter gravity, depth gauges, jump hours and mechanical arms added interest and intrigue.
Contemporary horology now has the benefit of technology, and while most ultra-luxury watches are still handmade, advances in materials mean case thickness and reliability are increasingly improved upon. Patek Philippe’s Quadruple Complication, shown in Tokyo this June, is a case in point. The elegant timepiece represents the sharp end of a very long and distinguished complications history for the maison. It features a minute repeater, split-seconds chronograph and an instantaneous perpetual calendar with windows, all exquisitely bound in sapphire crystal and rose gold. It’s also masterfully thin, belying the complexity within.
By far the most common complication is the chronograph, or stopwatch, an almost standard feature on adventure watches. Tudor’s latest Pelagos FXD Chronograph pays homage to the partnership between Tudor and the Alinghi Red Bull Racing yacht team.
FAR RIGHT Patek Philippe’s Quadruple Complication, a statement watch if ever there was one, especially with the rose-gilt opaline dial.
RIGHT Omega’s latest Speedmaster references the original’s asymmetrical 42mm case.
COMPLICATIONS POINT TO A BRAND’S CORE IDENTITY, HARK BACK TO A SPORTING HERITAGE AND UNDERLINE A COMMITMENT TO TECHNICAL INNOVATION.
Legibility is everything in a high-stress environment and the matteblue face ensures no reflection. Tudor’s trademark luminous square hour markers and snowflake hands help too. The chronograph itself registers seconds, minutes and hours. Taking a leaf out of the Arnaud Psarofaghis-skippered yacht, the timepiece features a blend of carbon composite, titanium and stainless steel.
Not to be outdone on the high seas, Panerai, sponsors of the Luna Rossa team in the 37th edition of the America’s Cup in 2024, have revealed their latest Luminor chronograph. Of the four watches in the special collection, the chronograph is the standout; its case is made of Carbotech, a carbon-fibre composite also used for the hull of Luna Rossa’s AC40. The handsome piece features minutes, chronograph, small seconds and hours.
Tag Heuer are in the America’s Cup fray as well – their latest Carrera Skipper celebrates the colours of the yacht Intrepid, which won the America’s Cup in 1967 and 1970, and inspired the initial Skipper timpepiece in the late 1960s. Its complications are interesting too: the three-colour regatta countdown indicator includes vivid orange to alert crew to the five minutes remaining before departure; green to recall the boat’s rigging; and light teal to echo the colour of the Intrepid’s deck.
Breitling, too, take to the water with the Superocean Heritage Chronograph 44 Limited Edition. Leon Breitling’s sportcentric company is a champion of complications, notably chronography; he ostensibly invented the modernday speedometer, and the company was the first to patent the modern chronograph. Breitling’s Superocean Heritage 44 Chronograph has echoes of the past – the original ’50s piece – but is bang up to date with its iconic triangular-shaped hands, unidirectional bezel and that very 2023 red-gold case.
As Tudor and Panerai celebrate their association with the high seas, so Omega and Rolex accent their stellar relationship with the night sky, Omega, quite literally, highlighting their 54-year relationship with the moon landing. The maison was there, on the wrists of Apollo 11 astronauts, back in 1969. The 21 July anniversary is marked every year with a celebratory update of the iconic Moonwatch, and this year the design draws from the original Speedmaster: hesalite glass, asymmetrical 42mm case and now, domed minute and second chronograph hands. Importantly, the watch has a Master Chronometer certification (no mean feat), improving the power reserve, chronometric performance and magnetic resistance. Rolex’s popular new Sky-Dweller, updated for 2023, shows two time zones simultaneously and sports an annual calendar. It’s also had an ‘operating system’ update. Calibre 9002 enables the Sky-Dweller to display the date and the month, an additional time zone in 24-hour format, as well as the hours, minutes and seconds. It’s available in Rolesor, Rolex’s patented combination of gold and oystersteel, and comes with the maison’s distinguished mint-green face.
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s
the choice of a sober conventional dial or, flipped around, a skeleton case exposing the mechanics of its complications.
Complications needn’t be intricate, or necessarily related to the world of sports – some of the simplest are the most striking. Cartier’s evergreen Ballon Bleu, shown again recently with the trademark sapphire cabochon crown protected by the integrated crown guard, is both simple and unusual. So too is Bulgari’s beautiful Aluminium Capri Edition, limited to 1 000 pieces, a tribute to the company’s Mediterranean roots. Grand Seiko’s Tentagraph, meanwhile, is its first mechanical chronograph and carries the company’s ‘simple is best’ ethos while offering improved functionality: a running seconds sub-dial at the three o’clock position, a 30-minute chronograph counter at nine, and a 12-hour chronograph counter at six. For elegance, IWC’s Portugieser is unbeatable. The simplest of faces, barely recessed chronograph dials, and a thin bezel make it distinctive, easily worn as a dress watch. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s audacious Reverso and Zenith’s new Defy Skyline Skeleton Boutique Edition are almost the polar opposite, proudly elaborate pieces that accent the unusual. The Reverso gives owners the option of a skeleton look or a simpler, more conventional face simply by flipping the watch, while Zenith highlights its daring palette of grey and silver with golden highlights. The complication, a 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock, stands out proudly, a real talking point.
Complications remain the added value of the ultra-luxury watch world but represent far more than just one-upmanship. They point to a brand’s core identity, hark back to a sporting heritage and underline a commitment to artistry and innovation – something to be celebrated in our increasingly electronic world.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT
Bulgari’s stunning, limitededition Aluminium Capri Edition pays homage to the maison’s Mediterranean roots.
Zenith’s new Defy Skyline Skeleton Boutique Edition – a proudly elaborate piece in a new chromatic palette of grey and silver, with golden highlights.
Paying tribute to the America’s Cup, Panerai’s current Luminor takes its name from the Luna Rossa team. The case of the chronograph is made of Carbotech, a carbon-fibre composite also used for the hull of Luna Rossa’s AC40
COMPLICATIONS NEEDN’T BE INTRICATE, OR NECESSARILY RELATED TO THE WORLD OF SPORTS – SOME OF THE SIMPLEST ARE THE MOST STRIKING.RIGHT Cartier’s instantly identifiable Ballon Bleu, its sapphire cabochon crown protected by the integrated crown guard.
FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS of the luxury saloon EQS and the sporty executive saloon EQE, the EQS SUV is Mercedes-Benz’s third model in its series of electric vehicles. This exciting SUV offers plenty of space, comfort and connectivity for up to seven passengers in its avant-garde, luxurious interior. Thanks to powerful electric motors, responsive 4MATIC all-wheel drive and an intelligent Offroad driving mode, the EQS SUV is also capable of tackling light terrain with ease.
‘The EQS SUV has everything our customers love about the EQS - and combines this with the strengths and versatility of an SUV that can seat up to seven people. With the EQS SUV, we are continuing to consistently implement the strategy of making our vehicles more sustainable and digital, with the goal of building the most desirable electric cars in the world,’ says Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
The new EQS SUV shares the long wheelbase of the EQS Saloon, but is more than 20cm higher. The interior dimensions benefit from generous SUV dimensions and from the advantages of the purpose-design tailored to the electric platform. For instance, the second row of seats can be electrically adjusted as standard and up to four golf bags fit in the boot. A third row of seating with two additional individual seats and extensive comfort features for all passengers are also available as an option.
With the EQS SUV, Mercedes-Benz is taking a major step towards zero-emission mobility. The model is produced in a completely carbon-neutral way. The EQS SUV puts real solutions for emission-free mobility, intelligent resource conservation and responsible circular economy on the road.
There are plenty of other features to be excited about with the EQS SUV, including Energizing Air Control Plus, a holistic approach to air quality. The system is based on filtration, sensors, a display concept and air conditioning.
Another highlight of the interior is the MBUX Hyperscreen (special equipment). Three screens sit under a common glass
cover and merge visually. The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger gives them their own display and control area. In addition, the Dolby Atmos® sound system takes the audio experience in the EQS SUV to a new level.
‘The EQS SUV ushers in a new level of all-electric automotive luxury in South Africa. As the flagship SUV within the Mercedes-EQ range, the EQS SUV offers unmatched levels of refinement and electric battery technology. Customers will also benefit from true SUV qualities in terms of practicality and usability. The EQS SUV sets a new benchmark within the segment. It truly epitomises the phrase: Electric, crafted by MercedesBenz,’ says Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s Justin Jacobs.
OPPOSITE PAGE A vehicle for the new age: in keeping with the car marque’s wish to design the most desirable electric cars in the world, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV combines driving superiority with sustainability. THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Thanks to its powerful electric motors, responsive 4MATIC all-wheel drive and an intelligent Offroad driving mode, the EQS SUV can tackle light terrain with ease; Energizing Air Control Plus, the MBUX Hyperscreen and luxe leather interiors are only a few of the features you can enjoy on the ride; good looks, luxury and performance come standard in the EQS SUV.
Which of today’s cars will be the icons of tomorrow? As electric propulsion takes centre stage and the venerable internal combustion engine bids adieu, now is an excellent time to invest in the last of the greats.
WORDS PETER FROSTDID PAUL BRACQ KNOW that he’d created a masterpiece back in 1962 when he penned the design of the Mercedes-Benz SL ‘pagoda’ roof? Or Gale Halderman when he made that first clay model of the Ford Mustang in 1963?
It’s unlikely. Both were knee-deep in corporate design work and it was left to the motoring public to give the thumbs up to both, years later. Today, as then, design is key, but there’s another factor playing out – electric models are superseding their fossil-fuel siblings and the run out of legendary engines means 2023 is the time for canny investors and collectors to stake their claim.
In the pantheon of memorable engines, Bentley’s legendary W12 stands proud. The butter-smooth, elegantly brutal 6-litre unit powers the Bentayga, Flying Spur and, most memorably, the Continental GT Speed. Come 2024, all will make do with the company’s V8 and soon after that, electric. The GT Speed rates as one of the world’s most alluring grand tourers, a combination of effortless urge, peerless luxury and surprising dynamism. A raft of recent electronic aids, including intelligent, adaptive suspension, have made the Continental as close to perfection as it’s possible for a two-and-a-half-ton behemoth to be.
Another legend bidding adieu to the world is Aston Martin’s Ford-Cosworth-derived 5.2-litre V12, but the good news is
THE GORGEOUS TWO-DOOR ASTIN MARTIN VALOUR WILL BE AVAILABLE WITH A MANUAL GEARBOX, SOMETHING OF A RARITY THESE DAYS AS AUTOMATICS BECOME EVERMORE UBIQUITOUS.
that aficionados can have it in the last-hurrah Valour, a glorious homage to Aston’s 110 years in the business. Intriguing certainly, because the gorgeous two-door will be available with a manual gearbox, something of a rarity these days as automatics become evermore ubiquitous. Valour’s numbers speak for themselves: 533kW, 753Nm of torque, 0-100kph in three seconds. If ever a car had future classic written all over it, Valour is it.
Porsche, too, is getting ready for the electric future by shedding cylinders and models. The iconic flat six gave way to a powerful, turbocharged four cylinder in Boxster and Cayman models, which in turn are being phased out. But, like Aston Martin, the Stuttgart company is giving fans the chance to own the
final effort. The company has shoehorned the 4-litre flat six cylinder from the 911 GT3 into the tiny, mid-engined Spyder RS as a swansong. Imagine that – a Wagnerian soundtrack of howl and bellow, so much more thrilling with the roof down.
The other iconic engine of the past 10 years is MercedesBenz’s 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Many of the marque’s finest driver cars have used it and, sadly, all are now gone, recently consigned to history. Which one to collect? Purists will opt for the rear-wheel-drive C63S of yore, but experts suggest a nearlynew AMG GTR will be the icon – it’s beautiful to behold, sounds the part, is all-wheel drive and has the benefit of electronic safety aids that help tame the otherwise challenging chassis.
Three other fossil-fuel superstars stand out as excellent investments. Audi’s supercar masquerading as a family wagon, the RS 6, has just received a makeover and it’s beautiful. The company has finally decided to throw caution to the wind and give the RS 6 Avant Performance the full racer treatment, with extra power to the 4-litre V8, and new 22-inch wheels. It is now the racing wagon it was always meant to be, giving new meaning to the moniker ‘fastback’. That self-same engine is to be had in the only SUV worth cossetting in a heated blanket for posterity – the Lamborghini Urus. Fast and capable though it is, history will remember its looks, part pterodactyl, part origami masterpiece. It looks like nothing else on earth, and is already a firm favourite in collections around the globe.
So to the last, and something of a surprise. It’s not every day a lowly Toyota makes a best-dressed list, much less a keep-forever register but that’s what GR Yaris has managed.
The tiny rocket is unequivocally the pinnacle of rally homologation specials, meaning it is a limited-edition roadlegal track car. The obsession of ex-Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda,
it is the world’s most powerful three-cylinder car and will appreciate in value like few supercars.
Laterally, it’s also a good time to be investing in the best of the first electric cars. Time will tell, but likely BMW’s early i8, Kia’s gorgeous EV6 and Rolls-Royce’s Spectre, their first electric car, will grow in value. Indeed, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, has already warned that any clients ‘flipping’ their Spectre (buying and immediately selling them on for profit) will be blacklisted from future sales.
Europe has decreed that it will be fully electric by 2036 and the rest of the world will follow suit soon afterwards. By the turn of the half-century, today’s engineering marvels will be specialist weekend warriors and, much like developing film after digital cameras took over, owners will need to travel distances to find fuel and in-the-know mechanics. A good idea then to choose carefully, for longevity and reliability, but, mostly, let’s face it, for the sound and the fury. Goodbye to all that.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Mercedes-Benz’s AMG GTR has icon written all over it, a classic before it even hit showrooms.
Audi’s latest RS 6 Avant Performance has been given the full racer treatment, and is now the racing wagon it was always meant to be.
If the Audi RS 6 Avant isn’t design-forward enough, Lamborghini’s Urus uses the same 4-litre V8 engine, sports out-of-this-world looks and is missile-quick to boot.
BOTTOM Rolls-Royce’s new Spectre will be eminently collectible – the marque’s first electric car has already proved to be a global sales success.
ELECTRIC MODELS ARE SUPERSEDING THEIR FOSSILFUEL SIBLINGS AND THE RUN OUT OF LEGENDARY ENGINES MEANS 2023 IS THE TIME FOR CANNY INVESTORS AND COLLECTORS TO STAKE THEIR CLAIM.
Theatre on a plate: flavours, colours, textures, even the white spaces in between... Each dish at any of Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen's restaurants is greater than the sum of its parts.
Captivating the senses, evoking memories, transporting us on a nostalgic ride…. fine dining offers far more than a checklist of starched tablecloths, fancy amenities, foams and gels. Three top-tier chefs explain how their restaurants are reimagining the ways in which we eat out.
WORDS KEITH BAIN
LEFT At Salon, Luke Dale Roberts has reimagined a typical UK Sunday roast by giving a high-end twist to this traditional family meal.
TOP Luke Dale Roberts (left) says the atmosphere at Salon, situated in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, Cape Town, should transport diners to a place where the food can touch them emotionally.
IT’S LIKE STEPPING into the world of my favourite series, Peaky Blinders,’ says veteran chef Luke Dale Roberts of his latest venture, Salon, in Woodstock, Cape Town.
Like so many of his restaurants, from The Test Kitchen to The Shortmarket Club, Salon whisks you away, reorders your sense of place, disrupts time and flips reality.
‘It’s the transportation into another world with all those feelings you get when you watch a great movie. I want people to feel they’ve been transported back to the era of the 1920s and ’30s,’ says Dale Roberts.
Salon opened not long after a furore consumed the culinary world: Copenhagen’s Noma, purportedly one of the world’s greatest restaurants, announced its imminent closure. Its media statement pronounced fine dining ‘unsustainable’.
The announcement sent food writers into a frenzy; many declaring fine dining’s demise.
Of course, it begs the question: what even is ‘fine dining’?
‘It’s a term loosely thrown around,’ Dale Roberts says. ‘The food scene has evolved; the essence of fine dining is no longer about padded tables, perfectly starched tablecloths, waiters in bow ties and that kind of thing – the fineness comes from our passion, from our belief in and dedication to quality.’
Then there’s the notion of being moved – touched emotionally – by the entirety of the dining experience.
‘You are stepping into another world, with all the romance and intrigue of a different era. A feeling of being somewhere else; a unique and beautiful space that complements the food and drinks we’re serving.’
Salon’s time-trip aesthetic was achieved by designer Maurice Paliaga. He incorporated rich golden hues and deep greens, velvet banquettes and Venetian plasterwork, Art Deco artworks, chandeliers, fringed vintage-style lamps and tinted, textured glass panels to create a stimulating, captivating environment.
Food, meanwhile, is Dale Roberts’s career – thousands of hours in numerous kitchens transformed into a menu that figuratively transports you around the world. There are dishes inspired by formative food memories, paying homage to UK pub culture in the form of wafer-thin pork scratchings served with creamy Guinness dipping foam. There are dishes from the East: Singapore chilli langoustine, Malaysian laksa, Korean kalbi, fresh and fruity ‘tropica’ from the Philippines… Each a memory of his time as a hotel chef in Southeast Asia.
South Africa, where he’s lived for almost two decades, has inspired a lavish rendition of the traditional ‘smiley’ – pork jowl accompanied by celeriac blue cheese cream. And malva pudding is reinvented using Jerusalem artichoke and served with amasi ice cream and coffee-flavoured custard.
All in all, it’s a deeply personal multicourse summary of his culinary exploits around the world. The ‘fine-dining’ part, he says, comes down to ‘where it transports you to emotionally’.
At The Red Room, another restaurant that opened in Cape Town this year, diners are carried away to an era of lavish dining at the Mount Nelson, where the long-vacant Grill Room has been revived and transformed by the Chefs Warehouse group.
At the helm is David Schneider, a chef with extensive experience, including time at The Test Kitchen and several Chefs Warehouse outposts.
Too young to remember David Lynch’s groundbreaking TV series, Twin Peaks, in which the mysterious ‘Red Room’ was an extradimensional alternate reality, Schneider’s point of reference for the restaurant is more visceral: ‘It’s those old Chinese kung-fu movies but with a Tarantino feel – think of that scene in Kill Bill where Uma Thurman takes on the yakuza, an entire samurai army. It’s James Bond meets Tarantino.’
The moody colour scheme, the windowless underground location and the timeless atmosphere are complemented by artistic nods to the pan-Asian food that’s served, Schneider says.
‘We wanted the room to be a sort of guiding force with a specific tone. As soon as you go down those stairs, you could be anywhere in the world. It could be night, it could be day; there’s definitely a transformative rabbit-hole element.’
The menu here reflects Chefs Warehouse founder Liam Tomlin’s love of Asian flavours, picked up during his many travels: Filipino-spiced squid and Korean BBQ beef steamed buns are served in the bar, and there’s a delectably good pork belly served in The Red Room’s own XO sauce.
‘YOU ARE STEPPING INTO ANOTHER WORLD, WITH ALL THE ROMANCE AND INTRIGUE OF A DIFFERENT ERA.'
‘Our Peking duck gets amazing feedback,’ says Schneider, ‘but I don’t consider our food to be the only star, it’s just one element in harmony with all the others, a layer within a rich narrative, part of a story we’re telling.’
Schneider says a great restaurant is always evolving. ‘If it’s ever perfect and we’re completely happy with it, we would quit. Because there should always be the next step. And the next.’
What will hopefully remain, though, are the emotional highs of a classic night out. ‘I want it to be a fun restaurant, a cool place for special occasions, but also somewhere people meet up and let loose a bit, maybe get a little bit loud, even have a dance.’
Schneider calls it a ‘reimagining’. ‘Fine dining has gone into a cocoon, is being reborn. It’s not about Michelin-by-numbers or meeting a set of criteria. It’s about the philosophy, the intent. I would never tell anybody we’re a fine-dining restaurant. I’m not into labels. I want people to come down those stairs and decide for themselves. We’re more concerned about still being considered luxurious and timeless in 10 years’ time.’
Another chef who shares this gut instinct for crafting a timeless, ethereal restaurant experience is Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, the first South African to have created a restaurant that garnered a Michelin star... on the French Riviera.
‘We are architects of pleasure,’ he says of the work that he and his ‘tribe’ do at the various JAN restaurant outposts.
Apart from the original in Nice, there’s Klein JAN in the Kalahari, the Innovation Studio in Kloof Street in Cape Town, and now a pop-up experience in Franschhoek, in a little old farmhouse on a wine estate.
How his team creates pleasure is perhaps best expressed at the iconic Klein JAN, where guests are transported into an alternate universe via a tiny 100-year-old farmhouse. It’s like
being on a movie set, with alternating scenes for various food courses. First, a palate cleanser on the front stoep, then into an antique farm kitchen where Van der Westhuizen’s grandmother’s stove stands like a museum exhibit. Then, through the back door, across a dusty courtyard where dishcloths are drying on a line, and into the guts of a wind pump where, as at The Red Room, you head down a stairway into a subterranean space. There, after passing through a cool-temperature cellar stocked with produce, you taste your way through a bread-and-butter course in a dedicated room with the baker in attendance.
And then it’s onto another stoep, where you’re, quite magically, no longer underground but gazing up at a starlit sky, a silhouetted fever tree looming nearby.
‘Spaces are really important to me. At all the restaurants, we use the space to transport you to a new reality,’ says Van der Westhuizen. ‘At JAN in France, you cross the road with a tannie walking her dog, then step into a version of my grandmother’s dining room filled with 91 plates of cheese. In Franschhoek, JAN is in a small house set in a lavender field that just takes you back. It’s not just four walls and some décor, it’s a personal story.’
The idea is to make you, as a diner, surrender, to let yourself get lost for a while, to time travel. He says that, immersed in these spaces, diners become receptive to new ideas, more willing to experience food that pushes boundaries, sometimes pushing a few buttons too. In Nice, it’s created an opportunity to introduce pernickety Europeans to traditional South African recipes.
At Klein JAN, food does not pander to expectations nor is it guided by trends; instead, it is subject to the dictates of the season, the whims of climate, and the availability of produce and foraged ingredients within a strict 300km radius of the restaurant, which is a three-hour journey from the nearest decent supermarket. Some seriously strange Kalahari ingredients make an appearance, plus lots of game, and wines from unheralded Northern Cape cellars.
‘People have been saying fine dining will end ever since Marie Antoinette’s head came off,’ says Van der Westhuizen of the furore around Noma’s closure. ‘But fine dining will never die. The important thing is to keep it relevant. And to keep reinventing – that’s where I think fine-dining’s cream is going to be scooped.’
TOP
THE IDEA IS TO MAKE YOU, AS A DINER, SURRENDER, TO LET YOURSELF GET LOST FOR A WHILE, TO TIME TRAVEL.
Rolls-Royce’s choice of Napa Valley as the location to launch their all-new electric Spectre was no coincidence. Cutting-edge architecture, brave winemakers, fashion-forward wineries, the parallels were fully intended.
YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER your first, and RollsRoyce were determined to ensure that the launch of their pivotal electric car was entirely memorable, as much by association as by the drive itself. The paradigm-shifting coupé took up summer residence at Napa Valley’s decidedly au courant Four Seasons Resort and Residences, with drives to other trendy Napa Valley lodestars.
THE DRIVE
Open the huge carriage door, climb aboard the car of the moment and it’s a cross between Rue Cambon and Christina O, part Chanel boutique, part Onassis yacht. Hand-dyed contrast leather, hand-stitched steering wheel, understated digital instruments that mimic analogue dials, a thousand stars in the roof lining and, all around, the pervasive sense of deepest quality. Press the brake pedal and the door automatically closes. Press
the start button and... nothing. Which of course is no shock – Rolls-Royce has traded in silence for decades, and it feels somehow predestined that the marque now substitutes electric propulsion for its iconic V12. Squeeze the accelerator and there’s a palpable sense of building expectation; not for Rolls-Royce the jarring immediacy of most electric drivetrains. They have built in a degree of wait, all the better for creating that sense of imperious, effortless ‘whoosh’ they are so famous for. On the road there is no getting away from the fact that this is the world’s largest coupé – a full five-and-a-half metres long – and on Napa’s winding, holiday-dense roads, it’s a challenge, rather like guiding that Onassis yacht into Port de Saint-Tropez.
But as soon as traffic clears, call on the substantial battery reserves, feel the bass torque and realise this is indeed a coupé, capable in the corners and dynamically able to play both rogue and patrician. For that, thank the all-wheel drive and Planar
suspension system, which automatically reads both driver attitude and road conditions to provide optimum support. Soon enough it’s a ballet, choreography as driver and car learn and grow together. Big, yes, undoubtedly, but agile too; clearly this is a Rolls to be driven. The company’s evolving clientele has moved up front.
And so to the exploring. Napa Valley is an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, a glut of wine farms and weekend getaways sandwiched between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Pacific Coast. One doesn’t simply turn up at Napa Valley’s finest wineries though, one applies. Needless to say an all-new RollsRoyce lends a certain cachet to the application. Promontory is arguably the biggest Napa prize, the Harlan family’s secluded estate set in a canyon between two geological fault lines. Its various vineyards benefit from volcanic, sedimentary and metamorphic soils, lending the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant produce an enviable reputation. (Investment wine, thy name is Promontory.) But if the wine is distinctive, Promontory’s style is unforgettable. Howard Backen is the godfather of Napa design, his BAR Architecture laid the groundwork for the region’s ethos: uniformly modern, landscape-inclusive, austere and often heroic. So it is with Promontory, where inside/outside merge invisibly and every space incorporates a Mayacamas Mountains vista. Equally progressive is Progeny Winery, further south outside Salvador, the work of architect du jour Juancarlos Fernandez. Discordant angles, grandiose glazing and sharp-cornered concrete supports are softened with desert planting, collectible
Alexander Calder weavings and the inevitable filter of vines through the windows. Fernandez’ work is to be seen across the valley, increasingly daring, a natural risk-taker.
Brave, too, is The Prisoner Wine Company’s approach –to culture as well as winemaking and design. The St Helenabased winery gets its name from Goya’s ‘Le Petit Prisonnier’ etching, which decried the horror of the Spanish War of Independence, and which symbolises the winery’s commitment to social change, particularly the repair of the broken US prison system. Step into the main restaurant and Richard Von Saal’s post-industrial landscape is astonishing – part warehouse, part Left Bank rendezvous, it’s a triumph of imagination. Prisoner’s red blends rewrote local rules of winemaking back in 2000, their design ethos attempts the same, from labels to public spaces.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre has a range of 530km, plenty for the Napa Valley excursions (north to south is just 70km). Down
the clogged CA-29 the going is slow, time enough to enjoy the bespoke interior. Coupé though it is, Spectre is a full fourseater, a must for any Rolls-Royce. It’s cosy in there, with its high waistline and prominent dashboard. Almost every Spectre will be a bespoke motor car; one popular option is to design the passenger side facia as per a client’s needs. Whatever the design, it’ll always be illuminated, a Spectre signature.
Back at Erin Martin’s beautifully designed Four Seasons, the surprises continue. There is almost no signage up, giving it a boutique feel. Martin’s vision was to reference the agricultural history of the area, even as she tipped her hat to Napa’s current Modernist trend.
Four Seasons clearly knows its Napa market – bespoke, understated, elegant and crafted. Indeed, suites and public areas exhibit the kind of attention to detail sorely lacking in many five-star hotels. The same could be said of Rolls-Royce’s new Spectre, which is, of course, exactly what the good folk at R-R HQ Goodwood set out to achieve. Job done.
OPPOSITE PAGE Spectre’s tail-lights are integrated into a single piece of aluminium that extends from the front all the way to the rear, a massively difficult undertaking, both in design and engineering.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Spectre’s instrumentation is digital but references an analogue past.
Tradition dictates that every Rolls-Royce must be a four-seater and Spectre is no different – indeed, rear occupants are lavishly catered for.
Local architect Juancarlos Fernandez’s trademark Modernism at Progeny Winery. Promontory is arguably the most celebrated of the Napa wineries, the Harlan family’s secluded estate set in a canyon between two geological fault lines.
The notion of what a hotel is, and can be, has evolved and adapted dramatically from a simple place to rest one’s head, to spaces across a spectrum of styles and levels of permanency to appeal to every type of traveller.
WORDS JULIA FREEMANTLE
TYPICALLY MOST TRAVELLERS, regardless of personal taste and the purpose of their visit, would agree that they want to feel immersed and enveloped by their surroundings, while at the same time enjoying the comfort, convenience and ease of ‘home’. London is a past master in the hospitality game and its hotels are an expression of exactly that. These boltholes bring you the best of all worlds – picturesque quintessentially London neighbourhoods, infused with history and character – and allow you to linger a little longer, as a local.
Located in the heart of Whitehall, in the landmark Grade II* listed former Old War Office building, it doesn’t get more British than Raffles London at The OWO. Or more grand. Within walking distance from Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Westminster and an abundance of art galleries and theatres, the site was once home to historical figures such as Sir Winston Churchill and Lord Haldane, and has played host to icons such as Ian Fleming, with many scenes from James Bond movies being filmed here. It’s as culturally rich a venue as they come.
Meticulously restored over eight years – with the skill of hundreds of craftspeople contributing to historical interior elements like delicate hand-laid mosaic floors and oak panelling – and reimagined by EPR Architects, the hotel is a unique proposition beyond its enormous historical clout. Eighty-one rooms and 39 suites designed by the late Thierry Despont occupy five floors, with five Heritage Suites (the Haldane, Churchill, Raffles, Granville and Turret) being the most storied and occupying the former offices of influential political and military leaders.
Enjoy the culinary offerings of nine destination restaurants, including the London debut for threestar Michelin chef Mauro Colagreco, a sake bar and restaurant by Michelin-starred chef patron Endo Kazutoshi and global restaurateur Misha Zelman, and the first London opening for Milanese restaurant Langosteria. The eateries are complemented by four event spaces (including a ballroom set up for West End theatre-level productions), and three bars. The cherry on top: a spa spanning four floors launched in partnership with world-leading brand Guerlain and featuring movement and nutrition experts Pillar.
Taking it up a notch is a residential component adjoining the hotel element of The OWO. Eighty-five
spectacularly appointed spaces by 1508 London offer the ultimate in exclusivity, including a residents-only private dining room, gym and fitness studio, a games room and 16-seat cinema. theowo.london
The first impression of The Twenty Two, once you’re beyond its stately façade and standing in the lobby, is created by the personable staff (outfitted in bespoke suits by Charlie Casely-Hayford) who encapsulate the playful but polished energy of the hotel – a hideaway for the ‘creative and curious’.
The English Edwardian manor, consisting of 31 studios/suites and manor rooms, and the self-contained The Mews House, all individually designed, is situated in elegant Mayfair. Giving way to maximalist interiors by Natalia Miyar that draw on influences from Christian Dior’s Parisian apartment to Château de Malmaison (once owned by Joséphine Bonaparte), the combination of English restraint and French opulence purposefully defies easy pigeonholing.
Not only does it feel like you’ve been warmly welcomed in however, it’s a literal in. As guests you also benefit from access to The Club for the duration of your stay. Offering private previews with leading galleries like Gagosian, wellness workshops with cult fitness and beauty brands, and talks from industry experts, The Twenty Two’s private member’s club is an invitation to the city’s cultural and creative scene.
In the suites themselves, four-poster beds, antique chandeliers, specially commissioned passementeries by Samuel & Sons, velvets from Designers Guild, and wallpapers by Iksel and Pierre Frey create lush and welcoming cocoons. Thoughtful touches like handwritten ‘Do not disturb’ tags and minibars stocked with own-brand spirits, artisan kombucha and a variety of CBD oils further emphasise the personal and boutique feel of the hotel.
On a purely functional level, The Club’s spaces (The Living Room, an all-day hub and workspace; The Music and Dining Room for dining, dancing and DJs; and The Vaults, an outdoor terrace with chic cabanastyle seating) cater to shifting needs throughout the day, while The Restaurant, also open to the public, is an elegant powder-blue space spearheaded by Alan Christie serving modern British fare elevated by Mediterranean flavours.
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Located in some of London’s most desirable locations, and with an instantly recognisable identity, Kit Kemp’s Firmdale Hotels offer a fresh, modern take on English tradition, and the unmistakable warmth of home. Something of an institution – as a designerowned hotel group, the eight boutique hotels in London and two in New York are uniquely interiorforward – they’re also known for their particular brand of unstuffy luxury.
It’s the group’s three London townhouses, however, that perfect the neighbourhood immersion that makes staying longer seamless and so appealing. From the Knightsbridge Hotel, located on a quiet tree-lined street in Knightsbridge, and Dorset Square, a Regency townhouse in Marylebone overlooking the private square which was once Thomas Lord’s first cricket ground, to Number Sixteen, part of a string of mid-Victorian white stucco terraces with a tree-filled, oasis-like garden in the heart of South Kensington, all are within easy distance of museums, cafés and parks.
In all the hotels, each room is individually appointed in Kit Kemp’s uplifting and dynamic signature style. It’s a touch that sets Firmdale apart and adds to the sense of home. With curated art, music and culinary events (anything from gallery walkabouts, yoga and brunch mornings to cooking courses and private cinema screenings), you’ll be plugged into the cultural heartbeat of each location. And with your newspaper of choice delivered to your door each day, afternoon tea in the drawing room or morning coffee by a wood fire, and a casual and convivial honesty bar, it will feel as though you’re staying with a friend, but with the luxuries and convenience (24-hour room service, concierge and valet services) of a five-star hotel included. firmdalehotels.com
THIS PAGE Firmdale’s three London townhouse hotels offer the perfect balance of home comforts and hotel luxuries.
OPPOSITE PAGE The Twenty Two’s intimate scale belies its grandeur. During their stay guests enjoy the scenery of one of London’s most elegant neighbourhoods, and access to exclusive benefits.
ONE OF THE MOST PLEASURABLE and often exciting activities we as humans pursue is travel. While we’re inundated on where we should travel to, there’s less written on why we travel. What is the point of it?
In The Art of Travel, Alain de Botton explores this uniquely human phenomenon. ‘Travel agents would be wiser to ask us what we hope to change about our lives rather than simply where we wish to go,’ he suggests.
For many, travel is not only an escape from the monotony of daily life but also an escape from those strung-out, overwrought versions of ourselves we know aren’t really us. Our travel selves are far more interesting – adventurous, spontaneous and energised as we stand staring in awe at the unexpected scenes before us. A snow-capped peak or a quaint barber shop nestled in an ancient cobbled road.
De Botton says travel puts us in our rightful place, and gives clearer perspective to our own lives and problems. ‘See how small you are next to the mountains. Accept what is bigger than you and what you do not understand. Our life is not the measure of all things: consider sublime places a reminder of human insignificance and frailty,’ he writes.
In South Africa there is no shortage of unique and sublime destinations to put us in our rightful place when the urge to travel bites. One such family-owned-and-run hotel group, Hunter Hotels, offers three unique establishments set in dramatic locations providing the discerning traveller with a memorable and soulful travel experience.
Inspired by ancient African ruins, the exclusive Tsala Treetop Lodge is tucked within the canopy of a pristine indigenous forest along the much-loved Garden Route. Arriving at Tsala is an aweinspiring experience. The majestic stonemasonry of the entrance gives way to an extravagant structure of timber and glass that overlooks age-old trees and out across rolling hills and valleys. It is impossible not to be impressed.
From the main lodge, a wooden boardwalk meanders through the lush forest to take you to your private treetop villa perched on a cliff edge overlooking the valley below. Then you enter your luxurious treehouse. The fully equipped open-plan kitchen and dining area with well-stocked bar invite a feeling of being at home, while the lounge area with fireplace allows for lazy afternoons spent watching vervet monkeys and listening to the sounds of birdlife in the surrounding trees. Outside you can enjoy a coffee on the verandah overlooking the forest or take a dip in your own private infinity pool while sipping a G&T.
Meals at Tsala are beautifully presented using sustainably sourced ingredients to produce culinary excellence enjoyed in the glass-walled dining room. Guests staying at the lodge also have access to Hunter’s Country House facilities, such as the yoga and Pilates studio, a gym and swimming pool, all within easy walking distance, as well as in-room pamper treatments.
Without leaving the grounds, you can take a stroll through the pristine gardens (tended to by the owner who lives on the property), and if you’re lucky spot a bushbuck, or take an easy walk to one of South Africa’s award-winning restaurants, Zinzi, also on this beautiful property.
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Another of Hunter Hotel’s establishments can be enjoyed on the same property as Tsala. Here, the original farm manor house, where the Hunter Hotel owners first lived, has been transformed into Hunter’s Country House, a beautiful hotel with an air of gracious elegance. One of the first things you’ll notice about Hunter’s is the sense of being at home, starting as you drive through the beautiful gardens abundant with flowers and butterflies. On arrival, staff are welcoming and the service is impeccable. A combination of thatched and unthatched rooms and suites are tastefully decorated and privately positioned in a tranquil garden setting lending itself to calm and relaxation.
Like Tsala, Hunter’s Country House has two beautifully appointed restaurants, Sage and The Conservatory, as well as easy access to the spectacular Zinzi restaurant. There’s also a large pool with loungers as well as a gym, yoga studio and library with a fireplace. This is the most family-friendly of the three Hunter establishments (Tsala and Gorah allow children over 10) with a cubs’ corner and babysitting facilities. With Plettenberg Bay and Knysna in close proximity, the area offers a range of other gems such as elephant sanctuaries, golden beaches, vast lagoons and lush indigenous forests, as well as activities like quad-biking. countryhouse.hunterhotels.com
OPPOSITE TOP TO BOTTOM The stonemasonry of the entrance to Tsala Treetop Lodge gives way to an extravagant structure of timber and glass that overlooks age-old trees; the lounge area of the villas allows for lazy afternoons spent watching vervet monkeys and listening to the sounds of birdlife.
THIS PAGE TOP TO BOTTOM
The grounds of Hunter’s Country House are impeccably kept; thatched suites are warmly decorated; the sumptuous and spacious bathroom creates a homely feel.
The thrill of watching a herd of elephant stroll by while enjoying a sumptuous high tea on the verandah of a stately colonial manor house is reminiscent of the safari experience of a bygone era. This exclusive tented safari lodge overlooking a watering hole is situated in the only private concession and camp situated in the Addo Elephant National Park. Home to the Big Five, the park is in a malaria-free zone, and has the highest density of elephant on earth.
Game drives at Gorah, expertly led by professional guides, take you through beautiful landscapes and allow guests the privilege of being up close to these gentle giants and experience the fascinating social family interactions between different herds. Gorah also offers the unique opportunity of an early-morning habituated meerkat experience where, leaving your game vehicle, you can sit at sunrise right next to a meerkat den and see these small creatures climb out to bask in the first rays of sunlight. This rare opportunity has been made possible by the rangers who, during Covid-19, spent hours sitting near the dens to patiently garner the meerkats’ trust and acclimatise them to people.
Gorah is a self-sufficient property, primarily driven by solar power and gas. Reminiscent of a bygone era, dinner at Gorah is a candlelit affair in the main manor house, a National Monument that has been restored to its 19th century colonial splendour. The three-course meal is enjoyed off fine china and silverware, and the wine served in crystal. At night, back in your tent, you can enjoy the 5-star treatment of bathrobes and slippers, bespoke body products, a turndown ritual and complimentary sherry before falling asleep to the nighttime sounds of hyena and jackal. gorah.hunterhotels.com
Asking: R38 million | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Parkings
With three world-class, en-suite bedrooms and an open-plan living area seamlessly flowing into a top-of-the-line, high-spec kitchen, this apartment embodies elegance in every aspect. Step out onto the entertainers’ deck and indulge in the sparkling blue plunge pool, all while being mesmerized by the breath-taking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, which spreads out in front of you. Included are 2 underground parking bays and a spacious storeroom. This remarkable property also boasts a sound system, built-in appliances, underfloor heating, AC & heating, an outside gas braai, heated towel rails, a small jacuzzi plunge pool and more. Munya Mutanga: 074 762 2237; Maxine Schofield: 073 338 5827; Office: 021 401 4338; Web Ref: SIR107192.
Asking: R40 million | 8 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms | 4 Garages
An opulent home offering multiple indoor and outdoor entertaining areas together with two kitchens, as well as an elegant bar allows for flexibility in how the space can be used, whether for accommodating large gatherings or maintaining separate living quarters. Sliding glass doors lead out to an exquisite terrace with breathtakingly beautiful sea views. Two swimming pools enjoy Lion’s Head views as well as a direct access gate to the beachfront. There are eight bedrooms. The lavish main bedroom suite and study boasts a wraparound balcony with astounding views. Perfect for the car enthusiast with parking for seven vehicles. Andrea Glew: 079 893 9197; Web Ref: SIR107469.
Asking: R110 million | 4 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Situated along the prestigious millionaire’s row at the foothills of Lions Head, this exquisite property is now available for acquisition. Boasting picturesque views afforded by its elevated position, this exceptional offering features expansive living areas and the potential to craft additional spaces tailored to the discerning proprietors of this contemporary marvel, designed by the renowned SAOTA firm. The entirety of the upper level is dedicated to the owner’s suite, featuring an expansive bedroom that seamlessly connects to a large balcony, offering panoramic vistas encompassing the entirety of Fresnaye and Sea Point below, extending across the blue Atlantic. Grant Bailey: 083 444 5171; Office: 021 401 4338.
To view these properties visit www.sothebysrealty.co.za
Asking: R23.995 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 4 Garages
Waterstone Isles – Voted as the top residential area to live in South Africa by SAPOA. This luxury waterfront development positioned on a private, man-made island is one of Cape Town’s most exclusive addresses. From Century Boulevard through Waterstone Square and over the single carriage bridge, you will enter the spectacular security estate of Waterstone Isles. Contemporary and comfortable, this luxurious estate is the flagship development in Waterstone Estate. We present a rare opportunity to own this palatial home on the water canals in Century City, with unsurpassed finishes and amenities. Steve D’ Hooghe: 082 654 9707; Office: 021 401 4338; Web Ref: SIR104824.
Asking: R12.750 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Discover your very own “Forest Retreat” in the heart of West Cliff - This home is situated in sought after boomed roads and gated security. Off the gridBorehole, Solar Panels, Invertor. Designed to accommodate large families who love to entertain, this home offers an open and airy entertaining area, seamlessly extending to a pool and a spacious covered patio. Indulge in breathtaking sunsets with magnificent views. Beverley: 082 412 0010; Web Ref: 6028460.
Asking: R8.9 million | 4 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 5 Garages
Elite Landmark Home with Cape Cod Charm in Prestigious Road - 2 Stunning Dwellings Main Home & Self Contained 2 Bedroom Home. One of the most attractive landmark homes in the prestigious Shakespeare Avenue. This home has the melody of Cape Cod and is flanked by the most magnificent Oak Trees. Not to mention prestigious neighbours!! And in fact it is two homes – equally accommodating and beautifully finished and maintained. Ample secure parking!! Charlene: 082 448 0440; Jodi: 072 110 0276; Web Ref: 5941446.
Offers from R14.5 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages
This remarkable cluster is located within a prestigious 24-hour secured complex, providing you with the utmost peace of mind and a sense of belonging to a community that prioritizes safety and privacy. With no road exposure, you’ll enjoy a serene and tranquil environment. The traditional exterior architecture exudes a sense of charm and sophistication, while the interior boasts modern finishes that reflect the latest design trends. Marc: 082 854 7272; Alan: 082 490 0940; Web Ref: 5985268.
Asking: R39.995 million | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms | 8 Garages
A stunning Titanic-ship design six-bedroom mansion that is truly one of a kind. This masterpiece is complete with a connecting hang bridge, leading into a double-story entertainment building that is sure to impress. Step inside the three-story main residential house, where you’ll find five luxurious bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathrooms. A spacious study and wine cellar are also included, as well as an indoor pool and Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation. Outside you’ll find a mini soccer field, a 15m tall lighthouse with 360-degree panoramic views, and a nine-hole mini putt-putt course. Luciana: 082 809 9973; Marco: 083 353 0050; Web Ref: 5880635.
Asking: R2.450 million | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Sophisticated European flair in a quiet, leafy part of Melville. When so much love and passion for life is present in the creation of a space, it can only go one way, and that is what this home is all about, living fabulously! With a keen eye and a knack for design, our sellers have put together an oasis of beauty that serves a purpose of leisure and functionality. The pragmatic side of this stunner is powered by state-of-the-art water & solar back-up systems, and always ready to lock-up and go. 2 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms. Separate guest suite. Willem: 082 442 1497; Cornel: 082 468 8247; Web Ref: 6026741.
Asking: R10.750 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Brand New. Secure Living, north facing, light and bright in a complex of 3. Superb quality, taste, and top end finishes throughout. Interleading reception areas, formal lounge with bay window, airy dining room overlooking the expansive outdoor patio, modern open plan kitchen, and sun filled family room. Downstairs guest bedroom en suite, 3 well-appointed bedrooms en suite upstairs, and pyjama lounge. Engineered Oak wood floors throughout add natural warmth. Double-glazed windows. Lacunza fireplaces, shared borehole, state-of-the-art security, Egoli gas, 5kwh solar & inverter with batteries, staff accommodation, offstreet parking. Sabina 083 254 6981, Kobus 083 632 2623; Web Ref: 6052494.
Offers from R3.350 million | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Welcome to your dream home! This characterful home boasts 2 lounges, 2 dining rooms an entrance hall that leads to an open plan area of a well-fitted kitchen, dining room, and family room with a gas fireplace. The family room opens to a covered patio with a gas braai and pool, perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing with family. Good light with skylight and atrium. Double garage and extra off-street parking. The property is secured by high walls topped with electric fence and security beams. A computerized sprinkler system, solar panels, solar geyser, and municipal gas provide energy-efficient living. Pool with solar heating.Theodora: 082 553 8525; David: 082 565 6367; Web Ref: 5981815.
To view these properties visit www.sothebysrealty.co.za
Asking: R5.4 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Exceptional 4-bedroom home PLUS a Modern Second Home/Cottage (2 bed, 2 bath) as well as an Office Suite with separate access. This remarkable property is a masterpiece of elegant design and offers an array of captivating features, making it the epitome of family living. Step into the heart of the home, where three distinct reception areas await. The dining room sets the stage for intimate gatherings and shared meals, while the lounge (with a Morso wood-burning fireplace) and the Family room, both of which are very generously proportioned, seamlessly spill onto the beautiful undercover patio via Wall-to-Wall glass stacking doors, overlooking the lush, established garden and exquisite pool. Debbie 082 218 2719, Pamela 078 370 9629; Web Ref: 5940738.
Asking: R3.5 million | 7 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Experience the epitome of luxury living in this grand 672m² double-storey home on a spacious 1346m² land. Bright open-concept spaces include a TV lounge, family room, dining, bar, and office. With 7 bedrooms, including an en-suite 1-bedroom flatlet and impressive walk-in closet, comfort abounds. Outdoors, a stunning Lapa with braai, pizza oven, boma, fire pit, and jacuzzi awaits amid a manicured garden. Luxuries like a double garage, AC, security system, CCTV, staff quarters, and more enhance the lifestyle. Proximity to Cooper College, schools, malls, and hospitals adds convenience. Don’t miss out, call now for this ultimate living experience! Tania Fourie: 082 331 6948; Office: 011 476 8303; Web Ref: 5838332.
Asking: R5.59 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Luxurious Fairland home, a blend of modern elegance and functionality. Architectural masterpiece on 1459m² with industrial aesthetics. Open living-dining area with high ceilings and ample windows for light. Classy kitchen with Smeg appliances, island, and scullery. Four bedrooms with private bathrooms and highquality finishes. Outdoor patio, boma, and pool for relaxation. Dedicated bar and cigar lounge exude sophistication. Upstairs office, flexible playroom/gym. Selfcontained cottage for guests, separate servant’s quarters. Double garage, carport, irrigation, borehole, electric fence for convenience and security. Meticulously designed for aesthetics, comfort, and practicality. Contact for a private viewing. Ria de Wet: 082 824 6925; Office: 011 476 8303; Web Ref: 5972918.
Asking: R6.85 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Discover your dream home nestled on a 3445m² stand in Northcliff’s Lower, Northern Slopes. This family home blends modern luxury with warmth, offering a double volume entrance, inviting atrium, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The lounge with a gas fireplace and dining room open to an enclosed patio with a built-in braai, overlooking the lush garden and pool. A gym, playroom, and study enrich the layout, while the bespoke kitchen with premium SMEG appliances shines as the heart of the home. The upper floor houses sleeping quarters, including a main bedroom with dressing room and balcony. Special features include underfloor heating, borehole, solar panels, and security enhancements.Your Northcliff gem awaits! Heloise Azar: 072 294 4901; Office: 011 476 8303; Web Ref: 6074020.
Asking: R5.9 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 3 Garages
Discover elegance and tranquillity in this Tuscan gem nestled in Northcliff. Secluded on a panhandle, this sophisticated home combines privacy with security. A grand entrance, expansive windows, and double-sided fireplace infuse warmth into the space. Stacker doors extend the living area to a covered patio with a built-in braai, overlooking the garden and pool. Upstairs, find bedrooms with en-suite baths and balconies. Special features include electric fencing, alarms, underfloor heating, and solar-heated pool. Triple garage, games room with potential for a flatlet. Embrace secure, elegant living in Northcliff’s heart. Erf size: 999m², Under roof: +/- 550m². Schedule a viewing today! Heloise Azar: 072 294 4901; Office: 011 476 8303; Web Ref: 6045914.
To view these properties visit www.sothebysrealty.co.za
Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty - Randburg is an independently owned and operated franchise business of Bleauprint Realty (Pty)Ltd Reg - 2014/239443/07 under sub licence from Geffen International Realty Franchises (Proprietary) LimitedAsking: R36 million | 4 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 4 Garages
A magnificent escape with views to take your breath away. Boasting an array of sleek finishes and a thoughtful open plan layout, this home is one in a million and offers the discerning buyer everything they could dream of and much more besides. This is that one that stands out in a crowd. Enjoys this 4-bedroom, all en-suite home with unobstructed views that stretch out over the adjacent vineyards and town to the Winelands mountains beyond. Feeling free never looked this good! Karlien vd Walt: 079 891 1317; Retha Liebenberg: 082 413 2390; Office: 021 870 1011; Web Ref: SIR107407.
Asking: POA | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Calling all lovers of decadence and self-indulgent luxury. This shamelessly hedonistic home conjurers up visions of lavish, Eastern palaces with opulent finishes and a unique style that transports you into another realm. The owners created this exceptional property on one of the most sought after plots on this desirable De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate. The home offers complete privacy with expansive views on 3 sides. The North facing entertainer’s patio has views over the vines and the dam. The bedrooms benefit from morning sun and mountain views and Table Mountain is visible to the West. Chris Cilliers: 082 568 1122; Office: 021 809 2760; Web Ref: SIR107384.
Asking: R16.95 million | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
This exquisite home, positioned in the much sought-after Fransche Hoek Estate, offers an idyllic way of life. This is where nature, the mountains and a village lifestyle, blend seamlessly. T onto a sunroom with undercover braai and on to the pool and stunning large lawned garden, with breath-taking vistas of the mountains. Gary de Valle: 082 464 8038; Bev Malan: 082 901 6966; Moira Barham: 082 896 3597; Office: 021 876 8480; Web Ref: SIR106967.
Asking: R29.9 million | 42 Hectare Farm
Scenic farm with wedding venue in picturesque Wellington. This captivating venue is situated on a 42 ha hospitality farm - perched on the mountain slopes from where it offers panoramic vistas as far as the iconic Table Mountain. Conveniently located 50 minutes’ drive from the Cape Town International Airport and almost 6 km from Wellington. The farm boasts water rights from the Berg River as well as boreholes, earth dams and reservoirs, ensuring ample water supply. The heart of the farm resides within the elegant manor house, where a splendid venue awaits. This distinguished space encompasses an intimate hall, an equipped kitchen, a luxurious bridal suite and more. Danie Hauptfleisch: 083 627 2148; Office: 021 870 1011; Web Ref: HEKRDZ (www. sothebysrealty.com).
Asking: R22 million | 10 Bedrooms | 12 Bathrooms | 4 Garages
Master-built entertainer’s dream house bordering the Eerste River and surrounded by sweeping mountain views. Style is the hallmark of this gorgeous family home. This elegant and timeless home is the epitome of luxurious living in Stellenbosch. Fine taste and the best fittings ensure a harmony of light and space. Experience ultimate levels of comfort along with privacy, security and exceptional entertainment facilities. Situated in a prime area within walking distance to leading schools, a shopping centre, a Medi-Clinic and Stellenbosch Town Centre. And for the enthusiastic golfer not far from both Stellenbosch and De Zalze Winelands Golf courses. Leonie Nell: 082 773 0655; Office: 021 809 2760; Web Ref: 5129167.
Asking: R5 995 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
This immaculate property offers a lifestyle of unparalleled comfort, combining meticulous craftsmanship with an array of desirable features. Boasts a luxurious lifestyle and elegant design which creates an atmosphere of sophistication and opulence. Prime position situated next to a greenbelt in the prestigious Sitari Country Estate, this home offers an unparalleled living experience. Well designed with large windows throughout the house which allow natural light, creating a warm and inviting ambience surrounded by nature’s beauty. Sitari Country Estate offers exclusive amenities such as an artisanal Merkava coffee shop, gym, and lifestyle center. Chantal Botes: 083 702 5460; Office: 021 851 4450; Web Ref: SIR107206.
Asking: R27.5 million | Commercial Property on 6,740m²
Mix use commercial and residential property in Franschhoek. This exceptional property on the R45, measures 6740sqm in extent and offers 4 different entities viz. a coffee shop with a mezzanine office that opens to the landscaped gardens, a large restaurant with bar, seats 60 patrons inside as well as seating in a pretty courtyard, Spa building and a lovely 4 bedroomed home. There is also a loft flatlet above the restaurant. Bev Malan: 082 901 6966; Moira Barham: 082 896 3597; Gary de Valle: 082 464 8038; Office: 021 876 8480; Web Ref: SIC189.
Asking: R11.955 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
A state of the art 4 bedroom house with ponds, splash pool and fruit trees is the perfect way to enjoy the best of both worlds - the convenience of modern living and the tranquillity of a rural lifestyle. The house itself is a beautiful example of contemporary architecture , with plenty of large windows to let in natural light and a spacious open plan layout. The kitchen is well-equipped and there is plenty of room for entertaining. The bedrooms have been designed to provide maximum comfort, and plenty of storage space. De Balke is a small estate just outside Stellenbosch of only 6 plots with easy access to the R44. Phoebe Van Reenen: 082 331 8827; Office: 021 809 2760; Web Ref SIR104892.
Asking: R19.950 million | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms | 3 Garages
Sumptuous interiors, high ceilings and generous reception rooms compliment the style and stature of this magnificent home. Elegance is the hallmark of this gorgeous family home. The home epitomizes sophistication and character where you can experience unsurpassed quality of life. Bordering on a green area with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains this house offers a peaceful and relaxing lifestyle. Leonie Nell: 082 773 0655; Office: 021 809 2760; Web Ref: FGSHY3 (www.sothebysrealty.com).
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Asking: R4.55 million | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
These modern, single-story 151sqm homes set on 375sqm stands, with top quality finishes throughout are now available. Starting at R4 550 000 the homes feature two bedrooms one with en-suite bathroom, second bathroom, an open plan living area with study nook/dining area, modern kitchen, undercover patio, double garage and lovely garden. Evergreen is a recognized and respected retirement brand in South Africa and coupled with the extensive facilities offered in this world class estate, there is no better place to spend your retirement years. Esme Wildman: 083 307 8039; Kevin Layden: 082 300 9446 Office: 021 867 0161; Web Ref: RL106938.
Asking: R29.95 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 4 Garages
Pristine Modern home on an acre. The ground floor welcomes you with a family room with wine cellar and pallet fireplace, adjacent to the open-plan dining room and newly renovated kitchen area. Also on the ground floor is a guest bedroom en-suite. The lower level boasts an entertainment room/ gym/teen pad. The Upper level has a master bedroom with full en-suite, two further bedrooms en-suite and a gym room/fourth bedroom with a family bathroom. This triple storey property stands as an embodiment of luxury and seclusion. Rouvaun McKirby: 071 671 0821; Jo Thomas: 084 404 4120; Office: 021 701 2446. Web Ref: SIR107482.
Asking: R23.95 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Positioned centrally within Constantia’s premium gated estate of “Silverhurst” – overlooking the beautiful Constantia greenbelt and Silverhurst lawns, this prestigious and substantial home is nestled within 60-acres of never-ending views and gardens. This elegant home has a wealth of character with wonderful architraves and detailed moldings everywhere. Dave Burger: 083 458 3333; Steve Thomas: 084 471 4722; Office: 021 701 2446; Web Ref: 5448290.
Asking: R14.85 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 4 Receptions | Pool
Have peace of mind in prestigious 24 hr guarded Firgrove Security Estate. This home is off the grid and enjoys stunning mountain views. The spacious openplan lounge and dining room with fireplace flow seamlessly to the large covered patio, pool and established garden. There is a separate family room which also opens to the patio. The designer kitchen has an abundance of cupboards, a centre island prep area and is open plan to the dining and lounge area with a separate scullery. There are four generous en-suite bedrooms, the master suite has a walk-in dressing room and luxurious bathroom. Eileen Mc Kirby: 082 410 7204; Matthew Raubach: 072 382 7949; Office: 021 701 2446; Web Ref: SIR107072.
Asking: R14.5 million | 6 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
European-style villa with extraordinary views in secure Trovato Estate. This beautiful 6-bedroom home is situated on landscaped grounds (2477m²). It is meticulously designed to cater to an extended family, offering spacious reception areas that lead out to a sheltered garden terrace and pool, providing the perfect setting for leisurely Sunday lunches or sophisticated entertaining. Homes in Trovato Estate seldom become available, making this an exceptional opportunity not to be missed. Barbara Manning: 083 407 3656; Office 021 701 2446; Web Ref: SIR105092.
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Asking: R8.3 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 5 Garages
Substantial, double-storey 5 bedroom family home in the heart of Golden Mile. Over 900 sqm with an established and pretty garden. This north facing family home has been loved and enjoyed by one family for 20 years. The time has come to pass on the benefits to a new family. Jane Stirton: 083 613 7863; Office: 021 701 2446; Web Ref: SIR106776.
Asking: R69.95 million | 6 Beds | 6.5 Baths | 6 Receptions | Pool
Exquisite Stonewood Lodge - A Craftsmen’s Masterpiece in Enchanting Hout Bay. Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Hout Bay, Cape Town, awaits a truly unparalleled masterpiece of architectural brilliance - the Stonewood Lodge. This one-of-a-kind estate marries timeless craftsmanship with modern luxury, offering an oasis of comfort, privacy, and opulence. Indulge in the epitome of refined living where every detail has been meticulously designed to create a harmonious blend of elegance and functionality. Terri Steyn: 082 777 0748; David Burger: 074 148 6464; Office: 021 701 2446; Web Ref: 107366.
Asking: R24 million | 3 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
This glorious beach house exudes a soul filled experience. A magnificent private setting at the waters edge where the central living spaces and 2 of the 3 bedrooms frame the ocean vistas. The kitchen and scullery provide the perfect area for meal prep and the hustle and bustle of beach living. The entertainment facilities include a spacious patio, rim flow pool and hot tub overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The 3 gorgeous suites offer beautifully appointed bathrooms, where the emphasis is on relaxation. The open plan living area flows seamlessly with the entertainment spaces and is both functional and comfortable. Making this the perfect choice as a permanent or holiday home. Natalie Cooper: 083 630 0911; Office: 021 783 8260; Web Ref: SIR105680.
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Asking: R9.95 million | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms
A contemporary, elegant Villa with panoramic mountain views in a prime location in Newlands Village. Located close to the hub of restaurants, coffee shops and the local vibe of Newlands. Discover the perfect blend of accessibility and privacy. A dynamic contemporary-style design with geometric shapes, open plan concept and striking modern lines, all luxurious features that you can expect from the high-end property. With its perfect blend of beauty, style and functionality, this property is truly unlike any other. Brandon Challis: 084 491 2446; Jennifer Lee: 082 562 5139; Web Ref: SIR107122.
Asking: R10.75 million | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Fabulous 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home in Whale Rock. Designed for entertaining with spacious living areas, deck, chef’s kitchen (separate scullery), dining area, breakfast area or extra lounge space, separate lounge opening out to the view, gym room (or 6th bedroom), walk-in-storeroom, covered carport, double garage and ample off-street parking, pool, and manicured garden. Ideal for a large family home or upmarket guesthouse. The fifth bedroom has a separate entrance, bathroom and kitchenette. Solar, inverter, two gas fireplaces and a chiminea are added extras. Immaculate, modern finishes (recently renovated), attention to detail and just waiting to welcome you home. Carrie Maclean: 082 566 1881; Office: 044 533 2529; Web Ref: SIR107042.
Asking: R6.45 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Spectacular, north-facing 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (2 ensuite), sea view home with spectacular views of the river, beach, ocean and mountains, kitchen with a pantry and separate scullery, open-plan dining and lounge area leading to a private patio, guest toilet, separate self-contained 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom flat, 2 garages. The architecture offers privacy to the extended family for carefree holidays and a cosy permanent home for the larger family. Within five minutes drive of Plett’s beautiful beaches and all amenities of central town. This seaview home has a lot to offer. Paul Jordaan: 082 876 0577; Office: 044 533 2529; Web Ref: SIR106961.
Asking: R3.1 million | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1 Carport
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom triplex apartment in an ideal central location with coffee shops, salons and boutiques nearby and less than a minute’s drive to the beach, with open-plan modern kitchen, dining room and living room, guest toilet, top floor main ensuite bedroom with private balcony that gives you a glimpse of the ocean and Tsitsikamma mountains, superb and cosy entertainment courtyard with built-in braai. Ideal for those lazy summer holidays, large comfortable family living or to be used, as it currently is, as a highly sought-after short-term Airbnb rental property. Werner Harris: 084 351 8992; Office: 044 533 2529; Web Ref: SIR107157.
Asking: R9.25 million | 4 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Elevated multilevel 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom family home with fantastic ocean and mountain views perfect for entertaining, with open-plan lounge and dining area, a gourmet kitchen (separate laundry and scullery), sunny extra lounge area, 2 guest toilets, large family room or office, fabulous wine cellar, enclosed patios, extra space for teenagers, entertainment area with a pool table, bar, a comfortable lounge/rumpus room, lovely private garden with a sparkling pool. Includes underfloor heating in the main bedroom, irrigation system, solar panels, inverter, extra space in the double garage, ample parking space, and carport. Furnished. Quality, well-loved, immaculate home. Carrie Maclean: 082 566 1881; Office: 044 533 2529; Web Ref: SIR107218.
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Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty - Plettenberg is an independently owned and operated franchise business of Bahia Formosa Estate CC – Reg# 1997/005096/23 under sub licence from Geffen International Realty Franchises (Proprietary) LimitedAsking: R5.95 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
4 bedroom house for sale with one bedroom flatlet in Featherbrooke Estate. Nestled within a safe and secure lifestyle, this property is a masterpiece awaiting its new owners with an appreciation for the finer things in life. This stunning residence sits majestically on a generous 902 sqm stand, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms with sleek fixtures to luxurious finishes. The kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, ample storage space, and a scullery for seamless meal preparations. High ceilings, a large flatlet with ample parking for guests. Embrace the tranquility of nature as you step onto the deck. Fully equipped with a solar system. Charmaine: 079 882 3360; Bianca: 083 645 6590; Office: 010 900 3450; Web Ref: SIR106971.
Asking: R6.95 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 1 Carport
Beautifully positioned modern home with unobstructed views boasting 4 bedrooms/study, large open plan living area leading to outside entertainer’s dream patio and sparkling pool. High-end finishes throughout with amazing views from every room. Separate cottage with ensuite, lounge, and private garage. Architecturally designed with minimal footprint in mind, this modern Monaghan Farm home has all the attributes to be a forever home. Ryan Davies: 063 683 4319; Henry White: 082 884 4409; Office: 010 900 34 50; Web Ref: SIR103485.
Asking: R5.6 million | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Discover a stunning property seamlessly blending modern design with comfort. A grand double-volume staircase anchors the entrance, while the open-plan layout connects living spaces. Glass stacker doors and a gas fireplace enhance the lounge’s charm. Outdoors, a pool, Jacuzzi, and braai area extend entertainment possibilities. The kitchen’s glass sliders lead to this oasis. Upstairs, a study area promotes productivity, and all bedrooms feature balconies for sunset views. Safety is paramount in the gated community with walkways. The property’s street appeal is enchanting, leaving a lasting impression. Zona Coetzee: 084 626 6119; Office: 010 900 3450; Web Ref: SIR107409.
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Asking: R4.875 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
This stunning property exudes contemporary charm and comfort, seamlessly blending style with practicality. The open-plan main area effortlessly combines a modern kitchen for entertaining. Downstairs, is a cosy lounge featuring a fireplace. Upstairs, four bedrooms and three elegant bathrooms offer luxurious living. The main bedroom boasts a refined en-suite, while a spacious pyjama lounge enhances relaxation. Outside, a covered balcony captures sunset views, while the ample patio with a built-in braai and sparkling pool elevates outdoor living. A capacious garage with attic storage and a separate staff quarter add functionality. Nestled within a secure estate, it epitomizes outdoor living. Zona Coetzee: 084 626 6119; Office: 010 900 3450; Web Ref: SIR107576.
Asking: R10.5 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Garages
Absolute privacy! Bounded by Wilderness Lakes National Park, with never-ending views over forested kloofs, the river below, and mountains beyond. Wargundy is a private nature reserve, comprising over 3.4Ha. The characterful homestead provides open plan, interleading living areas, opening out to the magical gardens. The enchanting kitchen is finished in antique yellow wood and the self-contained spacious guest suite is an appealing feature. Owning a piece of true Wilderness, with a high biodiversity of wild plants and animals, creates a specific ethos, affording the owner the privilege of being the custodian of this very unique property. Tim Kirby: 082 900 7088; Office: 044 873 2519; Web Ref: SIR107054.
Asking: R16 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 4 Garages
Beach front Splendour – A multi-level architectural masterpiece, feel the warmth and love in the design itself. Generous dimensions, good flow from indoor to outdoor entertainment areas. The curved glass windows and sky lights allow you to bask up the light and enjoy the never-ending ocean views. 5 well-appointed bedrooms, 4 ensuite. An executive lounge and study, entertainers dream downstairs offering dining area, lounges and an entertainment room with a pub, Rim flow pool and jacuzzi. Tanning deck, private access to the beach. “boathouse” to store your water toys.
Asking: R17.5 million | 7 Bedrooms | 6.5 Bathrooms | 4 Garages
Luxury living in Fourways Gardens Estate, experience unparalleled elegance and comfort. Indulge in a lifestyle of luxury and sophistication within the prestigious Fourways Gardens Estate. This extraordinary residence is a sanctuary for those who crave the ultimate in opulence and refinement. This residence has a total of 7 bedrooms, 6.5 Baths, Cinema, two bed cottage, games room with cellar, 2x double garage, resort sized pool, jacuzzi and set on over 2500 sqm stand and more. Luxury has never looked so good. Call Adam for a private viewing. Adam Brown: 072 026 4571; Office: (010) 823 2205; Web Ref: SIR106651
