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When given free rein to design and build that dream house – the house you’ve been building in your imagination throughout your life – it’s likely to be an arduous architectural feat attempting to parlay that depiction into form. This was not the case with the Interior Designer owner of Villa Intaba. After amassing years of avant-garde greatness in many a Moscow mansions, alongside the genius of Chilean architect, Luis Mira, her vision of a family home was brought to life and thus a masterpiece created. 

Set on 2.5 acres of acacia trees and restionaceae grasses, old Ficus trees, trickling water features and meticulously tiered hedges, with the lush greenery cascading the back of Table Mountain commanding your attention, Villa Intaba is a monolithic statement of linear perfection. Inspired by the “haiku” effect of Japanese architect Tadao Ando’s style of spatial circulation, light bounces off every symmetrical surface of the Indian Dholpur sandstone that dominates throughout – a relentless reflection of nature in all its glory.

Vast, open spaces summon you in through the monumental entrance hall that’s flanked by lavish living areas and a state-of-the-art French copper kitchen – all leading out to the magnificent mountain that’s a bountiful backdrop to the swimming pool. Bodies of water continue on throughout the interior from ornate ponds to spring water showers that offer respite from the heat of the Hammam. A sophisticated games room and wine cellar, a cinema, a study and a bar, a squash court and a spa are extra perks to the property that incite seduction on every level. Upstairs to the colossal bedrooms and their bathrooms with perpetual views. One of which has an overtly invigorating onyx shower that transforms with the light during the day, radiating its translucent colours in the night. Minimalism being the underlying statement throughout the villa, glass balustrades soften the sandstone that’s embellished with copper fittings. Sporadic signature pieces of art by renowned world artists Peter Eton Gurntz, Beezy Bailey and Cathy Abraham plus a triptych by Nelson Makamo, elevate the poise of the space further, evoking one’s own inner artisan. With its marriage of modern symmetry and classical contemporary, all adorned in opulence Villa Intaba becomes a physical embodiment of our own energy, perception and reflections on life.

What we love!

• The undeniable drama of the property that impresses from the moment you enter the iron gates and drive the winding driveway past an avenue of acacia trees, up towards the grand entrance of the villa.
• Spectacular sweeping views of Table Mountain, the Bishopscourt valley below it and the northern suburbs beyond that sit beneath the Durbanville Mountains.
• The most perfect swimming pool that sits on the very edge of the first level of garden, banked by lawn and massive daybeds, where you can wade about for hours, lapping up the energy of the mountain.
• Gathering everyone around the 20-seater dining table where suppers last for hours, with the moon rising in the horizon and setting behind the mountain, making way for the stars.
• Whilst some of you might be in the kitchen, others are in the pool. Whilst some on the squash court, others in the Hammam. Some might be napping whilst others are munching popcorn in the cinema room…there’s an abundance of space that either segregates or congregates depending on what you and your clan fancy. 

What you need to know…

• Villa Intaba sits within the hilly suburb of Bishopscourt – a mere 15-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre.
• Cape Town’s Constantia wine region – home to some of the country’s finest restaurants and wine estates – is a 10-minute drive away. Take a short drive and explore all that the region has to offer including Buitenverwachting, Beau Constantia (spectacular views of the valley), Steenberg Vineyards – home to Bistro Sixteen82 and Catharina’s – and of course Silvermist Wine Estate where La Colombe’s kitchen cooks up the most iconic and internationally acclaimed menus in South Africa.

Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie