This unique landmark mansion on the other side of the mountain in Cape Town is on the market

With prime-located, upmarket seafront property a prized commodity globally, especially in major cities – where space is at a premium, for the affluent, privacy is now the new luxury, says Sam Nel, a Western Cape area manager for Pam Golding Properties.

A landmark property called ‘Graceland’, built in 1914 for John Garlick, a renowned departmental store developer, is now marketed through Pam Golding Properties priced at R57 million.

Comprising a total of 774sqm under roof, the property is set on an exclusive private estate of 10 800sqm stretching from Main Road up to Boyes Drive, in the St James area, on the Cape Peninsula’s False Bay coastline. The main house, lodge house, staff quarters and garage comprise 668sqm and undercover patios 106sqm.

Graceland is an early example of what came to be known as Cape Mediterranean architecture. Elements of Spanish and Italian features such as pergolas on columns and generous arched verandahs are delicately combined while high ceilings, perfectly maintained wooden floors, doors and sash windows feature throughout.

Stone walls define the lower perimeters and a gently curving driveway leads from an imposing entrance gate to the residence with its distinctive chimneys, elegant loggias, covered porticos and signature Majolica roof.

On the lower level, the formal dining room and lounge lead off a grand wood-panelled entrance hall, both with views of the sea and mountains across the Bay.

A tranquil library area and study open to a wide breezeway bordered by an ivy-clad mountain stone wall, while the kitchen area encompasses the rear of the residence and connects with an informal ‘chef’s table’ dining area leading onto a sea-facing columned patio.

A classic wide staircase leads from the hallway to the upper floor, which comprises a spacious landing opening to a pillared verandah and four very generous bedrooms ensuite. Two sea-facing suites open onto private balconies which face the sea and overlook the gardens and mountain behind.

The swimming pool is surrounded by plants and large established trees for the utmost privacy. There are many vantage points in the grounds from which to enjoy panoramic ocean and mountain vistas to take in the crisp sea air while the front patios which flank the entrance provide cool and serene spaces with intimate ocean views.

Designed in keeping with the architecture of the main house and with independent access, a comfortable Lodge House with sweeping sea views is located at the entrance above the garage.

Graceland was originally called Watergate after a waterpoint which was built into the lower boundary wall, and which was fed by a perennial mountain stream. It was known specifically as a rest and drinking point for horses pulling carts and carriages on their way to Kalk Bay and Simonstown.

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