It’s as though Villa Oasis has slipped from the margin of an illustrated fairytale and taken root in the Atlantic Seaboard. Its white timber bones towering above the seaside suburb of Bantry Bay, defying the architectural trends of Cape Town, this hideaway exists as a world unto itself.
Layered, tiered, interlaced, verdant, and sublimely removed from the crowds. With the ocean never far from view, and lush greenery enveloping every space, it nods to an idyllic place in the tropics. Where you and your clan can embark on an extraordinary escapade in the Mother City.
Arranged across three expansive levels, the house is anchored by four master suites occupying the upper tiers. These are divided into two self-contained living domains, each with two colossal ensuite bedrooms, its own lounge, dining area, kitchen, and accompanying scullery.
A sage solution for two families or groups of friends wishing to share space without surrendering that much-needed holiday independence. The upper level offers the most commanding sea views, while below, the outlook softens into a tapestry of foliage, with glimpses of the ocean woven through. Courtyards and outdoor seating nooks appear unexpectedly, lending the impression of a cultivated rainforest that’s lush, immersive, and faintly utopian.
Both levels are open-plan, with wood-burning fireplaces and generous dining spaces. When a chef is in residence – should you wish to have your meals catered to – the middle level becomes the culinary stage, though each floor is equally equipped.
The interiors are beautifully curated, exposing a restrained, considered aesthetic. Scandinavian influences mingle with pieces sourced from afar, creating a narrative that feels incredibly personal rather than prescribed. A gallery of collectables that flirt with your own inner artist, evoking a holiday hedonism that reminds you not to take life too seriously.
The lower level introduces a more elemental rhythm. A long passage leads from the garage to a three-metre-deep indoor swimming pool. Accompanied by a spa room with a massage bed should you wish to summon a masseuse during your stay. A spiral staircase threads all of the levels together, though a lift offers discreet efficiency for those that don’t need to count their steps.
Living between leaf and tide
Outdoors, the blissful experience unfolds further. An additional pool fitted with BADU jets lets those keen on a little resistance swimming tend to their training, with a seated jet area for the more relaxing moments. There’s an outdoor shower next to the pool area for a rinse off after all the laps. The garden is a tropical wonderland, shaded by erythrina trees, palms, rhus, ferns and long stretches of lawn. A rooftop deck crowns the house, surrounded by fynbos beds, a drinks fridge to hand to fully embrace those sweeping sunset views.
Positioned just below Lion’s Head, Villa Oasis occupies an enviable balance of the Mother City’s greatest attributes. Within easy reach of the beaches, you could walk down to one of the quads of Clifton. Dip into the ocean and return to the villa for a long brunch around one of the dining tables. The mountain trails are no more than a 5-minute walk away for you to venture onto the rugged pathways that circle Signal Hill. Sea Point is down the road for all the essentials.
Bustling streets filled to the brim with fantastic eateries. Cafés, trendy breakfast spots, ramen restaurants, burger joints and juice bars. The V&A Waterfront is no more than a 10-minute drive away, if you feel like immersing yourselves in the masses. Trips to the markets, the museums, or the Constantia wine estates a little farther afield. Drives along the coast in the direction of the magnificent Southern Peninsula. Absorbing the mesmerising landscape that escorts you on your day trip.
That’s for when you do choose to leave this magnificent garden of Eden, this tropical, tranquil wonderland that is Villa Oasis. The majority of your holiday time will be spent immersed in your own urban wilderness, surrounded by lush foliage, birdsong and the gentle orchestra coming from the waves below.
Al fresco evenings beneath the stars, occasionally excusing yourself from the table to enjoy another dip in the pool. Resuming those riveting conversations with a fresh perspective. As you glance across the table, taking in the scenes that resemble something out of a fairytale. It’s all as magical as you’d imagined.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie