Inside the R45 million ‘National Monument’ for sale in Cape Town

For the first time in many years, the Trovato House in Wynberg, Cape Town, has gone on sale at a price of R45 million.

Pam Golding describes Trovate House as a manor house in Upper Wynberg with late Victorian and neo-classic architectural details.

It was designed by acclaimed architect Sir Herbert Baker’s practice and took four years to build—from 1898 to 1902.

The exteriors have several characteristic Baker signature features, including mullioned bay windows, pediments and prominent chimneys.

The original owner was Carl Jeppe, a prominent Pretoria lawyer who became a member of the Cape Bar and had been appointed Consul-General for the Transvaal in Cape Town.

He named the property Trovato, Latin for ‘I find’.  “Trovato is the most sought-after and prestigious suburb in Upper Wynberg,” said Pam Golding.

The 2,100 square meter house has 20 rooms and six bathrooms and is situated on over 1.6 hectares of wooded gardens.

The property was previously used for convalescent soldiers during World War 1, a farm supplying produce to the Union Castle shipping line, and various commercial concerns.

The Trovato House was declared a national monument in 1987. As the property has not always been a residence, the house has not been continually updated.

This means that many original features have been preserved, such as hand-painted ceilings, imported brass bath fixtures, and Victorian wallpaper and furniture.

Samantha Nel, an area manager for Pam Golding Properties in the Western Cape, said the house has many features that testify to the skilful craftsmanship of the period.

This includes original carved features, wood panelling, decorative fireplaces, window detailing, silk wall dressings, hand-pressed ceilings and wood flooring.

“This property would be ideal as a diplomatic residence. However, the general business zoning also makes it suitable for business headquarters or a boutique hotel,” she said.

Several bedrooms and recreation rooms have balconies with views of the tree-lined surroundings. The large main bedroom has an en suite bathroom and a walk-in dressing room.

There is also plenty of parking space, which is unusual in this exclusive suburb where parking is at a premium.

The parking area at the back of the property has fifteen shaded parking bays and several open bays.

The home still has several modern features such as a three-phase generator, a borehole and a sophisticated security system with CCTV.

“Heritage homes are becoming increasingly popular investments for various reasons – their timeless appeal, cultural importance, distinctive character and charm,” said Nel.

“Some buyers are drawn to the history of a home, whereas others find the spacious rooms, high ceilings, thick walls, architectural detailing and grand finishes appealing.”

“Trovato House is a Cape Town landmark that has been standing for more than 100 years. Whoever buys the property is sure to appreciate the significance of preserving such a remarkable piece of South African history.”

Inside Trovato House