The former residence of the Dutch ambassador in Cape Town will go under the hammer on Thursday 10 December.

According to the ClareMart Auction Group, the appointed auctioneers, the luxury property in Constantia will be sold at public auction in early December. Jonathan Smiedt, Claremart CEO, confirms that they received their instruction from the Hague to dispose of the property.

The current consul-general, David de Waal, confirms the instruction and explains that the decision to sell the residence, which has been Dutch property for 43 years, forms part of the Dutch government's international drive to ensure cost-efficiency. "The property has served the Netherlands very well and large official receptions and functions were hosted here over the years. With less extensive visits by the ambassador, the property became under-utilised. The Dutch government believes in times of recession it is responsible to downscale operations and manage our representations in a business-like manner - in doing so we will be saving taxpayers money," says De Waal.

"The auction method is widely regarded as a transparent and effective method of achieving optimum market related prices. It is an ideal method for governments or public corporations to dispose of large assets in a democratic way," says Smiedt.

According to Smiedt the unprecedented sale of the massive estate is already attracting attention. "It will be ideal as a gentleman's estate, corporate head quarters or embassy," says Smiedt.

Situated at 87 and 89 Southern Cross Drive, this 975sqm residency includes a homestead and a granny flat all on 16,191sqm erf (4 acres). The homestead comprises four bedrooms, with a main en suite bathroom and dressing room, built-in cupboards in every room, a reception room, a large dining room, a pantry, laundry, two guest bathrooms, four storerooms, and a library.

The house further comprises domestic quarters with a bathroom, security doors, burglar bars, an alarm system, five fireplaces, two patios, a pool, three garages, an irrigation system and a one-bedroom guest wing with an en-suite bathroom and shower.

Those interested may view the property on Sunday 6 December from 12:00 to 15:00, and it will be auctioned on site on Thursday 10 December.

For more information contact Andrew Koch on 021 425 8822 or click here to visit the website.

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