Estate in South Africa once owned by British nobility goes up for sale
The Tarrystone Estate in Cape Town, previously owned by Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, has been listed for sale.
The 1,029-square-metre home has nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms, along with three separate studies, a pool, and several smaller flatlets on the property.
One of these flatlets was Princess Diana’s cottage, which she used when she visited South Africa.
Tarrystone said the cottage “Served as the late Princess Diana’s private sanctuary and peaceful retreat during her visits” on its website.
The cottage has been preserved with the original decor and furnishings, maintaining a part of the property’s history.
The property also served as Princess Diana’s residence in 1997, when she visited South Africa to meet former President Nelson Mandela.
The main home on the Tarrystone Estate was previously the residence of Earl Spencer, but today it is owned by a French family of entrepreneurs and art collectors.
The current owners oversaw the world’s largest contemporary African art event, with over 700 artists in attendance.
Today, the home is filled with artworks across its mix of formal and informal living spaces, “each possessing its own character.”
“The entrance hall, also centred around a fireplace, creates an immediate sense of warmth and occasion, setting the tone for the remarkable spaces that unfold beyond,” Tarrystone describes on its website.
“A monumental staircase forms a striking architectural statement, rising elegantly from the entrance level towards the mezzanine and first floor.”
“Beyond its practical purpose, it provides a dramatic visual axis and reinforces the impressive scale and grandeur of the residence.”
The main residence also houses a screening room, equipped with a projector, two rows of recliners, and a fireplace.
There is also a private wine cellar that celebrates the wine culture often associated with Cape Town and the Western Cape.
“A beautifully appointed private wine cellar, celebrating the Cape’s rich wine heritage, creates an intimate setting for collecting, tasting and entertaining,” Tarrystone said.
The property itself stretches across 8,759 square metres, filled with gardens and offering a view of the nearby Table Mountain.
Up for sale
The Tarrystone Estate is listed for sale by Greeff Properties, which described the residence as “a home touched by royalty and defined by timeless elegance.”
The group said the property is a sanctuary, with several luxury amenities including guest cottages and a private vineyard.
“A private vineyard and two guest cottages extend the life of the estate with space to gather family and friends or find a quiet corner of your own,” it said.
“Surrounded by magnificent gardens, breathtaking mountain views and timeless architecture, Tarrystone offers a rare opportunity to own not only one of Cape Town’s finest estates but a home whose legacy can never be re-created.”
The property also has private tennis courts, three garages, 24-hour security, backup power, and closed-circuit TV (CCTV).
Greef added that the property is filled with carefully selected furniture and an extensive collection of artworks.
“The residence is thoughtfully furnished with a carefully curated selection of furniture, complemented by an extensive array of artwork,” it said.
Greef Properties has a sole mandate to sell the property and does not provide an asking price on its listing.
While no specific price is mentioned, it can be safely assumed that the estate will be costly due to its size, history, and location in South Africa’s most expensive city for real estate.
The home is situated in Constantia, where homes have sold for an average of R20 million in 2026, according to Property24 trend reports.
While the average selling price across all Constantia properties is R20 million, 5-bedroom homes have an average asking price of approximately R30 million.
A price was not listed, with speculative pricing putting it far higher.
Photos of Tarrystone Estate
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