Where Cape legacy presides
A bold architectural statement in the affluent Southern Suburbs, Burnished Earth is a lavish contemporary escape for you to savour in the heart of Constantia.
Stoically standing on the verdant grounds of a prestigious family home, in the revered village of Constantia, sprawling itself across two acres of lush greenery, Burnished Earth upholds the reputation that this area so vehemently carries, as being one of the most sublime suburbs to settle within. Whatever the size of your travelling team, this hideaway generously hosts as many as you can muster, with its six bedrooms, additional loft apartment, grand reception rooms, state-of-the-art kitchen, ample dining and entertaining spaces, a pizza oven and a swimming pool, a tennis court and a mammoth family TV room. The list goes on with all of the abounding pockets of comfort and languid seating areas, reading nooks and bar counters to occupy. All enrobed in the finest of furnishings, an eye for avant-garde design and classical art pieces, and enough open space to draw you out from the inspiration of its interiors, across the enchanting gardens, and up to the mountain. This hideaway is so much more than a home immersed in nature, it is an urban sanctuary as such, where you and your favourite people will find it rather tempting to remain put, for the duration of your stay in Cape Town.
The beautiful grounds will set the tone for that opulent escape you and your clan are after. Days spent around the pool, snacking on homemade pizzas and a perfectly seared sirloin off the braai. Sipping on Pimm’s whilst the tennis gets underway. Others are opting for a workout session in the gym whilst some like to tend to that chef’s role of slicing and dicing in the kitchen, sourcing some of the herbs and citrus fruits from the garden. There will be those moments of quiet repose in the reclining areas of the home – of which there are plenty. Catching up on those much-needed family bonding chats or a few chapters of that holiday novel you can’t put down. It’s wonderful when the merriment of a holiday is all happening under one roof.
An exceptional house for memorable moments.
When the moment does arrive for you to venture off the property, the choices of where to go and what to tap into are also endless. Being a swift drive away from some of the finest wine farms in the country, you’ll be spoilt for choice for where you’ll be tasting and dining. Perhaps a bit of forest foraging or mountain hiking and biking. Visits to the esteemed art galleries or quaint little beach hamlets are just a scenic drive away. You’ll love the excursions out in the wilderness of the urban adventures, but you’ll equally love returning home to Burnished Earth. Where your bountiful bonding resumes, around the supper tables, on the lawn – barefoot beneath the stars – beside the fire places and certainly next to the fancy bar. Regaling the day’s adventures and all that’s still to come.
What we love!
- Every item of furniture and signature piece of art, the layers of texture and tones that carry the interiors through every space of the home have been consciously considered. In keeping with the sentiment of the name, everything is finely burnished.
- There are so many activities for the whole clan to partake in. Whether it be working out in the gym or on the tennis court, swimming or snoozing in the shade. There is ample space for all to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the property, yet feel nicely secluded at times, too. To enjoy some solitary time.
- The New York-inspired apartment / cottage that offers additional accommodation for when the numbers in the team increase. It’s set over two levels, fully self-contained and beautifully furnished.
What you need to know…
- The property is located in the suburb of Constantia, no more than a twenty-minute drive from the city centre.
- The villa also has a guard house, staff accommodation for the resident housekeepers and enough garage space to accommodate five cars and plenty of additional parking space. The high-tech security on the property provides that extra peace of mind during your stay.
- When you want to visit the Constantia winelands…there are a number of wonderful estates to visit for dining and tasting.
- For those night matches when the competition stakes are high, the tennis court is floodlit so you can play to hearts’ content.
- Perhaps some walking in the Constantia Forest – A great activity for the whole family to enjoy. Or a hike through the Tokai Forest Walk – There are a number of scenic routes to explore the whole forest area by foot or by bike. There is also a lovely secret café spot tucked away in the trees.
- If Burnished Earth is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Constantia.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie