Villa Intaba – Bishops Court
Listing Description
When given free rein to design and build your dream house—the one you’ve envisioned throughout your life—translating that vision into reality can be an arduous architectural challenge. However, this was not the case for the Interior Designer owner of Villa Intaba. With years of avant-garde excellence demonstrated in numerous Moscow mansions, and collaborating with the brilliant Chilean architect Luis Mira, she brought her vision of a family home to life, resulting in a true masterpiece.
Set on 2.5 acres of acacia trees and restionaceous grasses, with old Ficus trees, trickling water features, and meticulously tiered hedges, Villa Intaba is a striking monolith of linear perfection. The lush greenery cascading from the back of Table Mountain commands your attention. Inspired by the “haiku” effect of Japanese architect Tadao Ando’s spatial circulation style, light dances off every symmetrical surface of the Indian Dholpur sandstone that predominates throughout, creating a relentless reflection of nature in all its glory.
Vast, open spaces welcome you through the monumental entrance hall, flanked by lavish living areas and a state-of-the-art French copper kitchen—all leading out to the magnificent mountain backdrop of the swimming pool. Water features continue throughout the interior, from ornate ponds to spring water showers offering respite from the heat of the Hammam. The property boasts a sophisticated games room, wine cellar, cinema, study, bar, squash court, and spa, providing luxurious amenities that captivate at every turn.
Upstairs, colossal bedrooms and their bathrooms offer perpetual views. One bathroom features an invigorating onyx shower that transforms with the light during the day and radiates its translucent colors at night. Minimalism pervades the villa, with glass balustrades softening the sandstone adorned with copper fittings. Signature art pieces by renowned artists Peter Eton Gurntz, Beezy Bailey, and Cathy Abraham, along with a triptych by Nelson Makamo, elevate the space, evoking an inner artistic spirit.
Villa Intaba is a harmonious blend of modern symmetry and classical contemporary design, adorned in opulence, becoming a physical embodiment of energy, perception, and reflections on life.
What we love!
- The undeniable drama of the property that impresses from the moment you enter the iron gates and drive the winding driveway past an avenue of acacia trees, up towards the grand entrance of the villa.
- Spectacular sweeping views of Table Mountain, the Bishopscourt valley below, and the northern suburbs beneath the Durbanville Mountains.
- The perfect swimming pool on the edge of the first level of garden, surrounded by lawn and massive daybeds, where you can wade for hours, absorbing the mountain’s energy.
- Gathering everyone around the 20-seater dining table for suppers that last for hours, with the moon rising on the horizon and setting behind the mountain, making way for the stars.
- The abundance of space allowing for various activities: some in the kitchen, others in the pool, some on the squash court, others in the Hammam, some napping while others enjoy popcorn in the cinema room. There’s ample space to either segregate or congregate, depending on what you and your clan fancy.