Once an historic farm house surrounded by farmlands centuries ago, this Cape Dutch-style Constantia home – now with soft terracotta-coloured walls rather than the traditional whitewash – has cleverly retained its poise, position and discreet charm in the heart of an established garden. Through the gates and up the driveway and you are immediately private and secure. Walls of greenery and sturdy, mature trees create a secret garden on a property surprisingly, only a few minutes’ walk from Constantia Village shopping centre. It’s a home for all seasons; cool in summer with its thick walls and terracotta tiles underfoot, large double doors lead from one informal living room to an enclosed pool area for high summer and lazing about on loungers. The grass remains green despite the year’s low rainfall with borehole water used sparingly so that the hibiscus and hydrangeas retain their pink and purple blooms.

The garden so pivotal to the character of the home survives and thrives. In winter under-floor heating in the bedrooms, an open fireplace and a wood-burning fireplace stove entice you indoors for red wine, crusty home baked bread and ripe Brie, perhaps the spoils of your morning out at the markets or the nearby wine farms. Stacked at the fireplace dense, hard Kameeldoring wood adds russet warmth to the room and when the wood burns, the house is fragrant with its distinctive musky, aromatic scent. By night, the exterior of the house is lit to create welcoming pools of warm light. ‘Calm, quiet and solid,’ say the owners about their special retreat. ‘We love the fact that we sleep so well here.’ With three suites and an extra loft, this is where a family can call Limewood Lodge home – a base from which to explore Cape Point, the city and Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, all easy drives and all in a day.

What we love!
A rare centrally situated property but with the serenity and seclusion of a country estate
Limewood Lodge in the suburb of Constantia is perfectly situated with the freeway easily accessed.
The design and decor calls for easy, relaxed living.

What you need to know…
The house is fully serviced by regular staff: fireplaces are stacked and prepared: pool loungers are set out with swimming towels and all laundry services done on the premises.
While stringent water restrictions remain in place, the water from the property’s borehole ensures an uninterrupted supply.
The swimming pool has a net and the home is totally child-friendly.

Reviewed by Les Aupiais