Taj Cape Town's historic city homes

The Taj Cape Town located at the corner of Wale Street and St Georges Mall is a historic property and a must-visit destination.

This unique hotel combines the comfort and convenience of a modern luxury hotel and the opportunity to own an exclusive piece of real estate history in one of the world’s top cities, sure to become an heirloom for early investors,” says Michael Pownall, Taj Cape Town general manager.

Now a popular 'home away from home' hotel location in Cape Town, Taj Cape Town opened its doors in 2010, and this luxury five-star hotel is renowned for its refined Indian hospitality offering 166 rooms.

Originally home to the South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, later the Board of Executors (BoE), the property combines the heritage of the old with the luxury of the new.

History of Taj Cape Town

The Taj Cape Town is jointly owned by Eurocape, Tata Africa and Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces.

The hotel was built at a cost of over R500 million that included the restoring of the original South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers.

Eurocape is a South African and development company and is known for the R1 billion development of the Mandela Rhodes Place in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD.

The hotel property occupies two historic buildings built in 1890 and its doors open to a precinct that includes the national and provincial parliaments, Government Avenue leading through the 350 year-old Company Gardens from St George’s Cathedral, the St George’s Mall and Greenmarket Square.

The site on which the property has been built, holds a significant importance within the city of Cape Town. The old Reserve Bank building located on the corner of St Georges Mall and Wales Street was designed by renowned Cape Town architect, James Morris, and completed in 1932.

Its street facades constructed of Paarl Granite were designed to symbolise the financial strength and stability of the Reserve Bank.

The Temple Chambers at the corner of Adderley and Wale Streets has a history dating back to 1896. It was significantly altered in the late 1920s and the name Temple Chambers was given to the building out of courtesy to the Barristers of the Supreme Court who had offices in the building.

Pownall adds that Cape Town’s successful inner-city rejuvenation has seen a boom in urban living and apartment developments over the past 10 years and the Taj Residences are a welcome addition

The building of the hotel property ensured that the internal historic structure of the building was retained giving it a blend of 'old world charm meets new luxury'.

The Banking Hall, now the hotel lobby, is a work of art by Morris who is said to have bullied the Astronomer Royal into measuring the position of the sun every day for a year to ensure the area would be bathed in Cape sunlight.

The chandeliers are the same pieces used back then as are heavy grills and doors at the pedestrian entrance still bearing the Reserve Bank’s lion heraldry.

Even the clock, which first kept the banking hours in 1932 has been polished and repaired.

“The Taj oozes old world class with interiors that blend classic and contemporary luxury with marble, plush carpeting, soft lighting, earthy tones and comfortable and classic furniture to create a relaxing and welcoming environment,” says Pownall.

Every room, a historical luxury

Whether a guest has a preference for the Classical Heritage Rooms on the lower floors (old Reserve Bank building) or the more modern floor-to-ceiling glass fronted Tower Rooms, the walk through the hotel speaks of history and luxury.

The Banking Hall, now the hotel lobby is a work of art by Morris who is said to have bullied the Astronomer Royal into measuring the position of the sun every day for a year to ensure the area would be bathed in Cape sunlight.

Pownall describes how guests are taken aback by the beauty and splendour of the 17 storey property.

He says it is how it intricately links pedestrians and street facade to the history and luxury found within the rooms as one explores the property.

Pownall explains that the hotel has 166 rooms and guests can choose from the Heritage Rooms and Suites, Tower Rooms and Suites, the Presidential Suite (Tata Suite) and the Taj Club.

The Heritage Rooms are situated in the historic BoE and Reserve Bank buildings characterised by high ceilings, are spacious with old word style and modern furnishings.

A luxury Heritage Room measures from 40 square metres while Heritage Suite measures from 60 square metres.

All the rooms offer views of Table Mountain or over the city.

Luxury Tower Rooms also measure from 40 square metres while a Tower Suite is from 60 square metres. These also have similar views with a 'city centre style' decor that depicts contemporary living.

Described as a perfect intimate venue location, the Tata Suite is located on the 16^th and 17^th floors and measures 194 square metres offering unobstructed views of Table Mountain, Lion’s head, Signal Hill, the South African Parliament and the Company Gardens from every room.

It has two bedrooms, a lounge, formal dining area, pantry, spa treatment area, steam room and a personal exercise room.

“Our central location ensures that we are right in the centre of many wonderful Cape Town attractions and activities making a stay at the hotel, a memorable one,” says Pownall.

Asked what the hotel is doing to reduce carbon footprints, he says they are undertaking many small green initiatives with the key for 2012 being the conversion of old-style light bulbs for new low energy use long lasting LED lights.

He says this will save electricity and reduce the impact on the environment.

With lots to do in and around the City of Cape Town, he says guests often find comfort in true style when they indulge at Jiva Grande Spa, which brings a spectrum of authentic traditional Indian wellness treatments and experiences in a stylish and soothing setting.

Taj Cape Town offers meeting rooms and banquet facilities, restaurants including Bombay Brasserie (fine Indian dining), Mint as well as The Twankey Bar, Cigar Lounge and Lobby Lounge.

There is also a fitness centre for health fanatics and Taj Club Rooms for exclusivity purposes.

Taj Cape Town was chosen by Centurion magazine readers as their second favourite hotel in the Business Hotel Africa and Middle East category in the Centurion Magazine Readers’ Choice 2010 Awards.

It is also listed as one of the leading hotels of the world among the likes of 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Camps Bay, Cape Grace at the V&A Waterfront, Fancourt in George, The Michelangelo in Johannesburg, Saxon Boutique Hotel Villas and Spa in Sandhurst, Thanda Private Game Reserve in Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal and The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City

Taj Residences Cape Town

If you love the refined living in the heart of the city concept, then Taj Residences is an ideal place to be at.

There are only 10 residences available for purchase or long-term rental, which come with luxurious and personalised services and facilities.

Choose from spacious studio apartments to one and two bedroom units fully furnished and self-contained with a fully-equipped kitchen.

“This is the first time that a limited number of private residences have become available for permanent ownership in the new globally awarded Taj Cape Town,” says Pownall.

There are currently six units available and these include a studio apartment, one and two bedrooms with prices ranging from R2.995 million for a studio apartment, and R6.35 million for a two bedroom residence.

Sold two bedroom units were priced between R4.3 million and R6 million, according to Jason Paans, Seeff Properties agent.

He says the units range in size from 80 to 136 square metres and are priced from R2.995 million for a studio apartment to R6.35 million for a two bedroom residence.

Each of these residences is spacious and opulently furnished to the Taj Group’s highest international standard and attention to detail.

Paans says owners have benefits which include a serviced apartment, 10 room night credits in the first year of ownership, Gold status within the Taj Inner-Circle, the loyalty programme and qualify for tax depreciation due to being in an Urban Development Zone.

“This is a unique opportunity to invest with a leading global luxury hotel brand in South Africa for the first time,” says Paans.

Government and business sectors such as mining, energy, oil, film, legal and accounting and those with business interests in the city will find this an attractive and cost-effective investment given the rising costs of travelling and accommodation,” he says.

Paans says owning a Taj Residence would be equally attractive to those looking for a weekend or holiday apartment in the heart of the city.

Pownall adds that Cape Town’s successful inner city rejuvenation has seen a boom in urban living and apartment developments over the past 10 years and the Taj Residences are a welcome addition. – Denise Mhlanga