Nettleton Road Castle

Gracious and commodious living is afforded in this eight-storey residence of imposing splendour. The property is an uncompromising architectural statement occupying three consecutive plots in the most sought-after secluded location on Nettleton Road. Suspended on the edge of the hillside, one enters the residence on the sixth floor as greeted by two Chinese terracotta warrior replicas framing the entrance. Four metre high ceilings and half-metre deep cornices frame eclectic interiors of self-consciously untraditional taste accommodating collections of both distinguished local contemporary furniture by Pierre Cronje and French antique pieces from the Dordogne. The South African architectural designer Craig Kaplan is responsible for the elegant proportions of the upper three living floors that house distinguished European and such local artwork as by Francois Krige in addition to choice chinoiserie designed around a grand central staircase. The design was conceived to provide ever-changing framed vistas that open up the property to the exterior from all angles. The opulence is underscored by rich fabric hangings and silk rugs contrasting with deep mahogany and warm walnut wood tones. The elegance of grand pianos and formal dining furniture reflects a sophisticated ambience of discernment. Through the main reception rooms and informal dining terrace your eye is drawn to an arresting sculpture at the perimeter of the substantial landscaped garden that commands a vantage point overlooking the Clifton beaches and Camps Bay coastline beyond. One can also see the Table Mountain upper cable car station through the trees from here while the garden is set against the surrounding woods. A curvaceous swimming pool with an archway formed of touching boulders and private bench seat recesses is complemented by a sauna, steam room and sunbathing deck. One can survey all below from here as you find yourself at a truly commanding height. Suitably, the signature Keith Calder sculpture of an athletic man seizing the wing of an eagle in a triumphant posture speaks to the sense of superior overview here. The triple height volume sweeping staircase, adorned with Irma Stern portraits, takes one up to the seventh and eighth levels. To the left is a large suite with magnificent views of the hillside backdrop, a double bed and en suite bathroom. To the right is the library. Superb views are to beheld from every window. The library flows round to the study and a second bedroom with double bed, sea views and an en suite shower. One then climbs to the audacious main suite which takes up the entire eighth floor. One feels as if suspended in the sky with the space opening up to full spectacular seascape panoramas. A staircase takes one down to the fifth level with a second informal lounge and two further bedrooms. Both bedrooms have splendid sea views and en suite bathrooms. The first bedroom has two single beds and the second has a double bed. One then descends the staircase to the bottom floor with pool table, storage room and laundry facilities. A self-contained one bedroom studio allows one the privacy to be independent from the rest of the villa. The studio is equipped with its own kitchen, lounge and en suite bathroom. Again from here magnificent views of the ocean and mountain coastline can be seen from every window. Under cover parking is available for four vehicles.