Designed by celebrated English architect William Grant in 1914, Watergate is set against the dramatic natural beauty of St James, Cape Town. An early, and perhaps the first, example of what would become known as Cape Mediterranean architecture, the homestead harnesses a timelessness in her stance. A distinctive architectural presence, with terraced gardens and sweeping ocean and mountain views create an evocative setting for film and photography shoots in South Africa.

With its romantic European sensibility and unmistakable coastal character, Watergate is rooted in the African soil it occupies, yet transports you simultaneously elsewhere. Spanish and Italian influences reveal themselves in generous arched verandahs, pergolas supported by columns, and elegant architectural proportions. The unique, imported green-glazed roof tiles lend the house an unmistakable identity. Against the surrounding mountainside and the expansive body of water beyond, the exterior could easily be mistaken for a luxurious estate on Italy’s Lakes Como, Garda or Maggiore. Or even an exclusive retreat in Hawaii, Morocco or the Caribbean.

For creative teams seeking unique shoot locations in Cape Town, Watergate evokes a sense of international escapism without leaving the Western Cape. Its architecture provides a compelling canvas for luxury lifestyle campaigns, fashion editorials, travel narratives and film productions in search of a setting with both history and character.

The homestead’s terraced gardens follow the natural contours of the land, creating a seamless relationship between cultivated grounds and wild mountainside. Three stone staircases ascend from the upper gardens towards the rugged terrain beyond, introducing a beautiful interplay of stone, foliage and natural texture. These transitions between architecture and landscape offer a wealth of visual possibilities, from composed editorial frames to more spontaneous, nature-led scenes.

For photographers, the gardens are particularly rewarding for their variety of perspectives. The stonework, mature planting and changing elevations create depth and dimension. Every turn offers a different relationship between the house and its setting, allowing productions to create a varied visual story within one private estate.

The mountain behind the house provides a welcome degree of shelter from the winds that often move through nearby Muizenberg and Kalk Bay. This natural protection contributes to the feeling of seclusion, allowing the grounds to feel removed from the pace of the surrounding coastal towns.

Watergate is particularly well suited to morning shoots. The mountain casts its shadow over the house earlier than it would across a property on flatter terrain, offering a softer, more diffused quality of light during the earlier hours. For productions seeking gentle tonal transitions, considered architectural imagery or an understated, romantic mood, this can be a distinct advantage.

For brands, photographers and filmmakers seeking exclusive locations for shoots, these contrasts provide an opportunity to create imagery with depth and character. The house conveys elegance without formality, seclusion without isolation, and luxury without excess. It’s this combination that makes Watergate such a distinctive proposition among photography shoot locations in South Africa.

This shoot location works for:

As a location rental for shoots in Cape Town, Watergate offers an appealing balance of architectural character, natural beauty and practical versatility. Its Mediterranean influences provide a sense of grandeur, with the gardens and mountain setting introducing an organic quality that is increasingly sought after in contemporary visual storytelling.
The arched verandahs and columned pergolas lend themselves to elegant fashion editorials, luxury brand campaigns and scenes inspired by European summer living.
The green-glazed roof tiles and distinctive exterior provide a recognisable architectural signature. The terraces and patios create more intimate compositions for lifestyle, leisure and hospitality imagery.

Written by Colleen Ogilvie