1 Bedroom House in Observatory

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1 1 130 m² 58 m²

Entertainers home in an urban oasis, artists studio, a private retreat.

There is very little from the street to suggest what lies behind this creatively reimagined Observatory home.

Set well back from the road at the end of a lush, private garden, the house was created from part of an older Observatory property and has been thoughtfully reworked by its owner, an architect and designer.

The original character of the building is still very much there, but the interior has been opened up into a generous, loft-like living space with high ceilings, exposed beams, stone-tiled floors and windows set high into the walls, bringing in soft natural light.

Central to the whole space is a freestanding fireplace, while the open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas flow easily into one another. The working part of the kitchen is tucked into a recess, keeping the main space open and uncluttered.

Large custom-designed windows and French doors open directly onto timber decking with space for both outdoor dining and seating. From here, a brick path leads through the established garden, which surrounds the area with greenery and gives it a wonderful sense of privacy.

The bedroom sits in its own recess, with a direct view into the garden and a walk-in dressing area alongside it.

The bathroom has the most whimsy of all. A freestanding Victorian-style bath, walk-in shower, stainless-steel basin and toilet sit behind custom-made double doors that open fully onto the deck and garden. With the doors open, it feels almost as though the bathroom is part of the garden.

Throughout the house there are unexpected details and a sense that the spaces have evolved naturally over time. It feels relaxed, romantic and full of personality without being precious.

It is also a house that lends itself beautifully to entertaining. The kitchen, living room, deck and garden all connect easily, while the position of the house makes it equally appealing as a quiet and very private retreat.

This is not a conventional Observatory home, and that is a large part of its charm. Its combination of older architecture, imaginative design, privacy and strong connection to the garden gives it a character that would be difficult to recreate.

A very individual home with atmosphere, originality and plenty of whimsy.

The location

Observatory has always attracted an interesting mix of academics, medical professionals, students, young professionals and people working in the creative industries, and its central position is one of its great strengths.

The property is in a quieter, more residential part of the neighbourhood, close to the Theatre Arts building and within easy walking distance of local coffee shops, restaurants and the everyday life of Obs. It is also close to UCTs Medical Campus and Groote Schuur Hospital, with UCTs main campus, the city centre, Woodstock, Salt River and the Southern Suburbs all within easy reach. Quick access to the N2 also makes Cape Town International Airport particularly convenient.

There is strong demand for homes in the area, especially from people associated with UCT and Groote Schuur, as well as professionals working in town.

For an owner-occupier, or even as an Airbnb, it offers something increasingly difficult to find this close to the city: a quiet, private and green home, with established trees, birdsong and a real sense of retreat, while still being exceptionally well connected

At a glance

Architect-designed and owner-occupied Observatory home

Set back from the street in a lush, private garden

Open, loft-like living space

High ceilings and exposed beams

Stone-tiled floors

High-level custom windows

Freestanding fireplace

Open-plan kitchen, dining and living area

Large timber deck for outdoor dining and entertaining

Established private garden

Bedroom recess overlooking the garden