ARCHITECTURAL ICON CHANGES HANDS

Herbert Baker’s Historic First House in SA Sold

 [Cape Town 27 March 2003] Sunningdale Estate, the historic Kenilworth home, which was the first designed by Herbert Baker in South Africa, has changed hands for a record sum for upper Kenilworth. 

Newly appointed managing director of Cluttons, Andrew Smith, said today that the 1893 property, which was on the market for R6.5 million, had been acquired by foreign investors. 

“The buyers are Spanish and British architects who were specifically looking for a landmark residential property which reflected South Africa’s rich architectural heritage. 

“Sunningdale Estate, which was sold by Cluttons agent, Douglas Fleet,  was the first home designed by Baker shortly after setting up his practice at the Cape and reveals the influence on his work of traditional English architecture and the Arts and Crafts movement.  The house subsequently became famous as the home of Lady de Villiers Graaff, widow of Sir David Peter de Villiers Graaff.  She bought the property on the advice of General Jan Smuts, who was a close family friend and regular visitor at Sunningdale”.

Mr Smith said that the property had changed hands for “a record amount for upper Kenilworth.”  The 110 year old home has recently been fully restored and renovated, and furnished in period style.  Also notable are the award-winning gardens, redesigned with Baker’s sense of proportion by top city landscaper, Francesca Watson.

“The sale of Sunningdale to foreign investors, who intend living in Cape Town, is further evidence of the city’s appeal in the international market.  This is a place where people find value, and lifestyle qualities increasingly seen on par with, or better, than cities such as San Francisco, Sydney and Vancouver”.

Founded in 1765 and based in London, Cluttons is one of Europe’s best established property advisory businesses.  The firm’s business is focused on institutional property owners, pension funds and

high-worth private individuals throughout the world.  Its first South African office was opened in Cape Town in March 2001, and today there are four offices in the city, with more to follow. 

“Notwithstanding, the appreciation in the rand, Cluttons has seen a dramatic growth in interest from British buyers in the top-end Cape Town property market.  In part, this is derived from historical associations, common language and legal systems, and relative closeness.  But mainly, investors are buying into the Cape Town ‘experience’, and quality of life”, said Smith.