537 SQM ERF | HISTORIC VICTORIAN/EDWARDIAN HOME | HERITAGE CHARACTER | PRIME CITY BOWL LOCATION
A rare opportunity to acquire a substantial 537 sqm property in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after and historically significant City Bowl locations, positioned on the border of Gardens and Tamboerskloof.
Dating from approximately 1890–1925, the property forms part of one of the older residential pockets of Gardens and retains the character of a late-Victorian to early-Edwardian Cape Town home. Although the property has undergone a number of alterations and renovations over the decades, it retains important elements of its original structure, including solid masonry walls, timber features and a particularly striking historic floor.
A PROPERTY WITH CHARACTER, HISTORY AND POTENTIAL
The main residence is a free standing characterful Victorian house on 537m2 site, comprising:
Entrance hall - 1,6 x 9,75 m, Oregon floor & mosaic tiles
Lounge/ Library - 5 x 7,25m, Oregon floor, high volume, original fireplace, sash windows, door to covered stoep.
Bedroom 1 - 4,5 x 4,5m with Oregon floor and sash windows
Bedroom 2 - 5,6 x 5,5m with (dis-used/disconnected) shower and toilet en suite)
Bedroom 3 with adjoining office – 4,75 x 8m Oregon floor, sliding door between.
Bathroom and laundry and WC
Family Kitchen/entertainment area – 4 x 7,5m - bath and toilet just off kitchen area
Garage (front closed up) – approx. 26m2 (converted into Studio control room)
Pantry and Servant’s room (The closed-off Garage and adjoining pantry and servant’s room currently used together, with access from the courtyard)
Outside area:
Single garage with access from Carstens Street and doorway into courtyard.
Courtyard with entrance from Carstens Street • Large Stoep, under cover of polycarbonate roof, with broekie-lace features
Garden area on two sides of the property.
Wisteria-covered pergola
The solid masonry construction, consisting of brick walls with lime-plaster finishes, remains a defining feature of the property.
The house has been renovated and altered during various periods, including approximately 1925, 1940, 1970 and 1995, creating an interesting combination of historic Cape Town architecture and later adaptations.
A RARE HERITAGE DETAIL
One of the property's most remarkable features is the historic geometric floor in the entrance hallway leading towards the veranda.
The ceramic floor belongs to the High Victorian geometric tile tradition and is believed to date back approximately 121 years. The tiles are understood to have been imported from Minton & Co. in Sheffield, UK, adding considerable rarity and heritage interest to the property.
The floor forms part of the architectural character of the entrance and provides a tangible connection to the home's early history.
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
The property is zoned GR4, presenting an exciting opportunity for purchasers looking at development, redevelopment or a carefully considered residential/heritage project.
Importantly, the property is also subject to a Heritage Protection Overlay (HPO) however it is graded NCW, providing substantially greater redevelopment flexibility than a conservation-worthy heritage building, while the property remains subject to the controls applicable to its HPOZ location.
AN EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION
Carstens Street occupies a quiet residential position in the heart of Cape Town's City Bowl, on the desirable border between Gardens and Tamboerskloof.
The setting combines the tranquility of an established residential street with convenient access to the CBD, Kloof Street, Gardens, Tamboerskloof and the wider City Bowl.
Situated in the residential suburb of Tamboerskloof, one of the most popular areas in the City Bowl. A few minutes walk to Kloof Street with its restaurant strip, café bars and shopping centres. Schools and the University of Cape Town’s Michaelis campus are all within close proximity.
The immediate area is also home to a number of established boutique accommodation properties, including Parker's Cottage and An African Villa, highlighting the area's enduring appeal to the boutique hospitality and lifestyle market.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is far more than a conventional residential property.
It is an opportunity to acquire a substantial City Bowl site with GR4 zoning, historic architectural character, unusual heritage features and significant potential for transformation.
Whether the vision is a boutique hospitality concept, a creative/live-work environment or a carefully designed development subject to the necessary approvals, this property offers a rare combination of location, land, history and opportunity.
537 SQM | GR4 | GARDENS / TAMBOERSKLOOF | HERITAGE CHARACTER | DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
A property with history — and the potential for a remarkable next chapter.
Sole Mandate
E&O