Do you love the idea of owning a house that is famous, has been seen and revered by millions of fans and top décor magazines around the world, and where celebrities, royals and popstars have even spent time in?
Cape Town’s exquisite scenery and world class real estate has for years acted as backdrops for many international films, high fashion photo shoots and reality TV shows. Since then, demand for owning these properties have grown.
One such property that is currently on the market, is the UK’s much adored Love Island Villa, perched at the top of a hill in the leafy suburb of Constantia.
At 14,500sq ft, the villa comes complete with pool and four-person hot tub, not to mention killer views.
The current Italian owners enlisted prominent Cape Town based architect, Jon Jacobson of Metropolis Design, to transform it into a gorgeous and glamourous sprawling mansion. Constantia is one of Cape Town and South Africa’s more expensive suburbs and is a popular neighbourhood for celebrities, politicians and royals who have in the past rented holiday homes or owned property here.
The most famous must be Earl Spencer’s home which is situated just down the road from the Love Island Villa. This is where his sister Princess Diana used to visit often, and which sold in 2020 for over R53 million.
READ: Amazing Spaces |'Rare designer penthouses and celebrity homes' for sale in SA
The Love Island Villa is listed for R105m and forms part of the recently launched, Amazing Spaces Lifestyle Investments portfolio.
Co-founder, Julia Finnis-Bedford has specialised in film location homes for over 20 years and has a keen eye for what makes a property amazing pairing up some of the world’s top film directors and photographers with homes that match.
'The value of prestige'
"All around the world, real estate, previously owned or let by celebrities, royals, politicians, or industry moguls, are often more expensive per square foot due to luxe interiors and attention to the detail you’ll often find within them. Just the mere fact they are owned by somebody famous, can have an influence on the price," says Finnis-Bedford
"However, while the prestige of owning such a home may see some investors spending more on it, there is also a chance that you’ll be able to get a good deal, depending on market value.
"Famously owned homes have also been known to influence the prices of neighbouring homes and in Hollywood, this has for a long time been a strategy for investors looking to rent out or flip homes that are next door to one of these famous homes.
"The Love Island Villa has not only been the hero house for the hit reality TV series, but Miley Cyrus was filmed in the home for an episode of “Black Mirror”. Other films to use this incredible home include the Netflix TV series “Kissing Booth,” “Resident Evil” and “Origin”.
'Art and architecture'
Finnis-Bedford says investing in designer and famous real estate is very much like investing in rare artwork.
"The two share a deep connection in that they are united by design, their designers, and their individual meanings. Just as artists shape an object to visually express a complex set of ideas, which the audience interprets, an architect creates spaces that are significant beyond their functionality.
"Historic and architecturally significant homes therefore attract more than just your real estate market, they also pique the interest of the design crowd. These types of investors carefully consider the architect, the homes heritage, the significance of its location, the scarcity of the architectural features present, and any rare materials used in its construction. The types of properties are certainly not average and will hold and increase their value as time goes on.
'Global post-pandemic property trends'
"There is a growing trend for properties that can improve quality of life. Buyers are looking for high-end designs with open spaces that bring the outdoors in, custom kitchens fit for a queen with top-of-the-line appliances, huge floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on amazing views, and smart technology," adds Finnis-Bedford.
"There is no doubt that homes of this calibre are equipped with the latest in smart technology. From energy-saving light dimmers, switches, and shades to home security and multi-room entertainment server technologies that you can control either with your voice or from your device whether you are at home, or at a restaurant or skiing in the Alps. Each home’s technology can also be personalised based on the homeowners needs.
"The Love Island Villa offers glazed walls, clean lines, exposed concrete, hardwood floors and generous outdoor living space. State of the art security with beams and electric fencing. At its core is an imported Italian kitchen with jaw-dropping views that opens to the outside lap pool providing optimal flow. It even has its own luxury spa, with a spacious and fully equipped gym and a steam room, plus indoor and outdoor showers.
"What appealed to the producers of Love Island was ultimately the villa’s swimming pool and just how much space it had around it, as well as the 360-degree views.
"For star-struck buyers the Love Island Villa is set to tick all the right boxes."
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