THE VILLA AT MELVILLE ROAD
Johannesburg, Gauteng,
Situated in one of Sandton's most exclusive residential suburbs, minutes from the city's most sophisticated shopping and business areas, 33 Melville Road epitomizes all that is best of living in Johannesburg: a rambling mansion, subtly African in style, with sprawling gardens, elegant, comfortable spaces that beg entertaining, and discreet, intelligent staff.
Designed by Stefan Ahrends in the early 1950s, the house retains a gracious colonial feel, but it is the interiors that truly surprise and delight, augmenting the original detailing and materials in an authentic yet off-beat way. Having spent years traveling the continent's top safari destinations, the talented owner has reinvented 'Africa chic' with an eclectic mix of vintage and modern, and a novel, playful approach to predictable ethnic artefacts. Walls display a superb collection of internationally renowned South African art, yet there is the wonderful irreverence of a collection of 60s terracotta garden gnomes, just one of many delightful tongue-in-cheek highlights!
It's this charming combination of class and humour that makes 33 Melville Road such an appealing home. One that welcomes those who know that true luxury is not defined by a price tag but by a discriminating eye for the rare and unusual.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
SLEEP 6: 3 DOUBLES (OR 1 DOUBLE AND 2 TWIN)
All bedrooms are equally spacious and overlook the gardens. Large, luxurious bathrooms (separate tubs and showers). Bedroom 1 (double bed; others have 2 single bases that can be made into king-size beds) has a comfortable anteroom. All bedrooms have TVs, individual sound systems and DVD players on demand. On the landing area (between all three rooms) is another anteroom with doors leading onto a furnished balcony for relaxing and enjoying the garden views.
Living Areas:
Enter the grand entrance hall into all the main entertainment areas. The original ballroom is still the social heart of this gracious home, with a variety of seating areas (accommodating up to 30 people comfortably), including a bar area. The room leads onto the deep shaded outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens and pool. The study lounge is a cozy room filled with books, comfy couches, TV and fireplace to cater for all tastes in entertainment. The formal dining room (accommodating up to 12 people) has doors opening onto the terrace; another leads to the breakfast room. The kitchen is large, open and sunny, with a breakfast table that can accommodate up to 12 people. More doors open to the patio, where there is another dining area shaded by umbrellas.
Outdoor:
Deep shaded terrace functions as outdoor room with comfortable lounge and dining area (seating up to 12 people) overlooking the rose gardens, rolling lawns, tennis court and swimming pool. High tech entertainment facilities throughout; centralized music system extends to the outdoor terrace. Double garage houses two luxury cars for guest use (driver included). Ample parking for up to 8 extra cars. A small gym (private gym and tennis instruction can be arranged).
Other:
Serviced daily. Breakfasts, coffee, tea, snacks, local spirits, beers, soft drinks and house wines are included in the rate, as is laundry. Airport and local transfers also included. 33 Melville Road is secured with walled entrance, state-of-the-art alarm and excellent armed response back-up.
Neighbourhood: Hyde Park, considered one of the well-established, 'old-money' suburbs, offers easy access to the northern suburb's up-market restaurants, shopping malls, and clubs for moneyed socialites; it's also considered one of the safest locations. Aside from dining and shopping, further afield the city offers some excellent tourist drawcards, don't miss an opportunity to visit the striking Apartheid Museum, take a tour of Soweto, and time allowing, visit the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site where paleoanthropologists are unearthing clues to humankind's origins, or a visit the Origins Centre, where you can track your own ancestors with DNA testing.
To confirm availability and receive a quote, submit an enquiry:
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