Set up among parklike gardens in upscale Walmer, this unique property boasts an incredible heritage and worldclass security. It comprises a magnificent main mansion, built for one of Port Elizabeth’s most iconic families in 1904, an incredible annexe, and a superb flat, each offering luxurious living. Accessed through double wrought iron gates that form part of the original carriage way, a treed driveway leads to triple garaging and two carports. Before entering the mansion, one is enthralled by its substance and impeccable turn-of-the-century architecture with its soaring slate roof. The statement double front doors open into a series of impressive recreational rooms with a minstrels’ gallery drawing your eye upwards. Glittering chandeliers, a breath-taking arched clerestory window, wainscoting and exposed beams tell the story of this home’s history, while a cordon...
Set up among parklike gardens in upscale Walmer, this unique property boasts an incredible heritage and worldclass security. It comprises a magnificent main mansion, built for one of Port Elizabeth’s most iconic families in 1904, an incredible annexe, and a superb flat, each offering luxurious living. Accessed through double wrought iron gates that form part of the original carriage way, a treed driveway leads to triple garaging and two carports. Before entering the mansion, one is enthralled by its substance and impeccable turn-of-the-century architecture with its soaring slate roof. The statement double front doors open into a series of impressive recreational rooms with a minstrels’ gallery drawing your eye upwards. Glittering chandeliers, a breath-taking arched clerestory window, wainscoting and exposed beams tell the story of this home’s history, while a cordon bleu kitchen with marble tops ensures effortless entertaining for the modern lifestyle. The lower level living rooms include a showstopping atrium, a formal dining room with an impressive fireplace, a relaxed second dining room that connects open-plan to the kitchen, a gracious lounge, an executive study, a luxurious guest suite with beautiful bathroom, guest cloakroom, and a second lounge. Stacker doors fold back to reveal a covered patio with braai facilities and serene views over the swimming pool and manicured, private garden. At the top of the staircase is a landing, two sumptuous bedrooms and a full bathroom. Behind the scenes are a butler’s pantry, separate laundry and scullery.
The annexe is a sensitively designed second residence with a contemporary modern feel. Also built on two storeys, the ground floor offers the ultimate entertainment area with a lounge, dining room, gym, superb kitchen, au pair’s bedroom with en suite bathroom, laundry and storeroom. Banks of stacker doors fold back to the swimming pool on summery days; during the winter they allow masses of natural light inside. American shutters provide shade and privacy as well as additional security. The upper storey contains an incredible main bedroom with an en suite, marble-topped bathroom, dressing room, study and lounge. It also boasts a fireplace and a balcony with a retractable awning. Also upstairs is a second study and a bathroom, positioned on the far side of the passage.
Then there’s the flat with its perfectly appointed lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Set apart from the residences and with its own entrance, it’s ideal for guests, as an exclusive an Air BnB, or a studio. As befits a property of this calibre, it has high-end finishes throughout as well as an inverter, solar system, and water tanks. Protected by a top-notch security system with a sophisticated alarm, electrified perimeter and a back-up battery, this safe, private haven will suit a connoisseur buyer who wants the very best of everything. Viewing is by appointment only.