In what could be interpreted as a positive sign for almost all high-end properties in Cape Town, Constantia seems to be emerging strongly from the recession in a big way judging by its year-on-year (y/y) sales figures.

Thys Human, who has been a Constantia resident for 15 years and is currently Vineyard Estates’ local agent, says R436m worth of property (above the R4m mark) was sold in Constantia in the first four months of 2010. “These sales considerably outweigh the R127m for the same four months of 2009.”

On average, said Human, sales took place at 16% below the asking price and were listed for 127 days.

“Considering that they are some of the highest priced homes in South Africa and that 2009 was a year of recession, these figures are far better than most would have expected,” he said.

The majority of all Constantia sales for the first four months of 2010 were in the R2,5m to R11m bracket with a strong demand in the R2,5m to R6,5m range, but sales as high as R37,5m also took place. “In my opinion, it is still a buyers’ market with more stock than buyers.

“From a buyer's perspective, this is the time to be investing in Constantia property because there is good quality stock available and less competitive pressure. Market analysts have predicted that residential property values should increase by no less than 5% for 2010 and this is almost certain to be the case in Constantia,” said Human.

Meanwhile, a property on Spilhaus Avenue, Constantia, has come on to the market for R39m.

Pam Golding Properties’ MD for the Western Cape metro region, Laurie Wener, says the property consists of some 6,500sqm, occupying the only North-facing aspect in the whole of Spilhaus Avenue. “It is generously proportioned yet well-balanced, with over 1,700sqm of built space. Architecturally in sync with the natural surroundings, it offers ample accommodation for a large family or those who entertain guests frequently.

“This is a home for a captain of industry to call his or her castle and it is ideal for someone who values quality and style, without ostentation. It would make an ideal home for a growing family, as there are superb facilities for entertaining everyone from energetic younger children to partying teenagers, relaxed extended families or more formal business associates.”

The slate-roofed house offers five en suite bedrooms, four of them situated upstairs, with doors leading onto an expansive North-facing balcony with an outdoor seating area.

The main bedroom suite includes two dressing rooms with extensive cupboard space, a bathroom with huge walk-in shower and a double bath, as well as a private outdoor shower. The room includes a seating area for relaxed TV viewing, and has its own mini kitchenette and private balcony.

The remaining four bedrooms all offer their own en suite bathrooms, while the home also has a number of guest cloakrooms in the entertainment areas. A separate guest cottage on the grounds offers a further en suite bedroom with open-plan kitchen and living areas, accessed separately from the house.

The home’s modern country-style kitchen includes fitted Gaggenau appliances, and countertops of wood and caesarstone. There is a scullery and a pantry, as well as a separate laundry leading onto a private drying yard.

PGP’s area manager for the Southern Suburbs, Howard Markham, says the property offers a variety of family living spaces and entertainment areas. “There is a drawing room with a huge hearth and Jetmaster fireplace, leading onto a wide covered veranda,” he says.

“This veranda includes both an outdoor dining area and a lounge area, with plantation ceiling fans and remote-controlled sun shades to keep it cool in summer, and a built-in fireplace to ensure warmth in winter. Additional outdoor entertainment space is provided by a gazebo with a built-in braai.

“The more formal indoor dining room has its own gas fireplace, while a family room and separate breakfast area lead onto a private garden with a koi pond. There is also a gentleman’s billiard room with a mahogany bar, a cinema room for home theatre, and an exercise room with fold-back doors opening onto the garden and pool. The home spa is of resort standard and includes a gym area with its own shower and change rooms, as well as a sauna and Jacuzzi.”

Other luxury features of the home include a temperature-controlled wine cellar, luggage and linen rooms, and a homework room with built-in desks. A home automation system controls the climate all year round via under-floor heating and air-conditioning systems, and also controls the home’s surround sound system, lighting and security.

Besides a perimeter wall with its own guardhouse, the property is protected by electric fencing and 14 security cameras, as well as an alarm system and electronic beams. Garaging is provided for five vehicles, and the property also has an office suite with three offices, a walk-in safe and separate entrance.

Furthermore, a home with three wings and an 800sqm floor area in the Constantia Valley has come onto the market at a price of R17,9m.

Sited in the exclusive Peter Cloete Avenue, the home, designed in a style reminiscent of many French chateaus, is tiled throughout with Travertine tiling and has full underfloor heating.

“Each of the wings is in fact a self-contained home with its own entrance. Each home also has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, living rooms and kitchens or kitchenettes,” said Gerald Romanovsky, a Rawson agent.

The home is situated on high ground and has views across the valley. The plot covers a full 3,845sqm.

The terraced garden is automatically irrigated from its own borehole and has a large chlorinated pool.

“Constantia has never been more sought after than at present and this home offers the occupants a semi-rural but sophisticated lifestyle.” – Eugene Brink

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