For the first time in many years, the Trovato House in Wynberg, Cape Town, has gone on sale at a price of R45 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pam Golding describes Trovate House as a manor house in Upper Wynberg with late Victorian and neo-classic architectural details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was designed by acclaimed architect Sir Herbert Baker\u2019s practice and took four years to build\u2014from 1898 to 1902.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The exteriors have several characteristic Baker signature features, including mullioned bay windows, pediments and prominent chimneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He named the property Trovato, Latin for \u2018I find\u2019. “Trovato is the most sought-after and prestigious suburb in Upper Wynberg,” said Pam Golding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 2,100 square meter house has 20 rooms and six bathrooms and is situated on over 1.6 hectares of wooded gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This means that many original features have been preserved, such as hand-painted ceilings, imported brass bath fixtures, and Victorian wallpaper and furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This includes original carved features, wood panelling, decorative fireplaces, window detailing, silk wall dressings, hand-pressed ceilings and wood flooring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis property would be ideal as a diplomatic residence. However, the general business zoning also makes it suitable for business headquarters or a boutique hotel,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is also plenty of parking space, which is unusual in this exclusive suburb where parking is at a premium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The parking area at the back of the property has fifteen shaded parking bays and several open bays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The home still has several modern features such as a three-phase generator, a borehole and a sophisticated security system with CCTV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHeritage homes are becoming increasingly popular investments for various reasons – their timeless appeal, cultural importance, distinctive character and charm,” said Nel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTrovato 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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