The most affluent property buyers all over the world are now increasingly choosing upscale apartments as their city and business residences - and those in Johannesburg are clearly following suit, judging by the high number of luxury apartment sales in Sandton, Hyde Park, Houghton, Rosebank and Melrose Arch over the past few years.
Chas Everitt Luxury Portfolio® CEO Rory O’Hagan says the main factors driving this trend are of course concerns about security and the convenience of never having to commute or negotiate traffic.
“But ultra-wealthy investors are always also on the lookout for something more - an X-factor that is only to be found only in those very few instances where property developers manage to achieve the perfect combination of location, architecture and lifestyle,” says O’Hagan.
And, he says, the recently completed penthouse in the final phase of The Houghton development is exactly that kind of property - an exceptional residence comparable to the most exclusive homes overlooking Central Park in New York or Belgrave Square in London.
“Spanning three storeys and approximately 1 200sqm of living space, this is really a ‘mansion in the sky’, complete with a glamorous rooftop terrace and pool, spectacular views across the northern suburbs of the city and all the way to the Magaliesberg, a private elevator and enough space for a wine cellar, billiard room, gym and home cinema, as well as a separate two bedroom flat for the au pair or butler,” says O’Hagan.
“It is currently being marketed for R78 million fully-furnished, and it also boasts the latest smart-home technologies and climate-control systems, four-tier security to Israeli protocols, biometric access control, quality finishes throughout and a fully-equipped kitchen with integrated appliances.”
Other luxury features include a cantilevered steam room, outdoor shower and meditation area on the upper level, a floating staircase clad in marble and wood that links all three levels, designer bar and a private five-car garage finished to showroom specification.
The formal dining and lounge areas on the middle level are designed to maximise sweeping views of the golf course and beyond, and lead to the study, billiard room, bar and home cinema.
“The interior design and décor is by the Pellerade Design Group, and neutral shades, fine finishes and selected artworks combine perfectly with clean architectural lines to make an elegant statement about modern ultra-luxury living,” says O’Hagan.
A sumptuous main suite on the first floor incorporates a large dressing room and a marble-clad bathroom with motion-controlled mood lighting. There are also three more suites and a pyjama lounge on this level, as well as a separate staff flat that could also be used as a private guest suite or a teenage retreat.
O’Hagan says The Houghton is an exclusive precinct adjacent to the Jack-Nicklaus designed Houghton golf course, and is fast gaining an international reputation as a premium real-estate destination.
Close to Johannesburg’s top schools, shopping venues and business districts, it also boasts 7.9km of secure walking trails, a wellness centre, elegant meeting rooms, fully-equipped conference centre and a luxury chauffeur service.
“The Houghton Hotel, an R870 million development by Stefanutti Stocks, is due for completion next year, and promises to provide high-end accommodation and facilities comparable to the best six- and seven-star establishments in the world. It has already secured a place among the Leading Hotels of the World and will add even more value to the homes in The Houghton precinct,” says O’Hagan.
For more information, contact Rory O’Hagan on 083 325 8325.
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