A Unique Marketing Opportunity for a Five Star Conference Venue, Boutique Hotel, Spa or Wellness...
A Unique Marketing Opportunity for a Five Star Conference Venue, Boutique Hotel, Spa or Wellness Centre
There is a national monument in the heart of suburban Saxonwold and Parkwood – we are talking about Villa d’Este which until recently was used by the Camelot group as an award-winning retro baroque Day Spa. Situated on the corner of Jan Smuts Ave and Cotswold Drive, this Heritage site has been a suburban landmark for over 60 years. Built in 1923 to the design of South African architect Gordon Leith, it is said to derive its name from translation of the first owner’s name – Mr East. Leith’s design was a flat-roofed rectangular block out of which a large semi-circle was cut out in the front façade, giving rise to the main entrance of this fine building. • Unique Architecture In 1957 ownership passed to architect David Morrison who changed the character of the house radically, creating a uniquely personal vision by intermingling the ornamentation of the home with the garden. The theme was further extended into matching garden spaces for each of the main rooms. The result is a stunning effect of unifying these internal and external spaces into one unified whole. The main entrance has special appeal with a long reflecting fresh water pool, which undoubtedly adds a calming, welcoming atmosphere to any visitor arriving at Villa d’Este. • Roofscape - not landscape Another major structural alteration made by Morrison, are the stairs to the first floor and flatlet, which overlook a roofscape of fountains, a bird’s eye view of the garden and archway to the glass conservatory. • An Outbuilding with a flair The outbuilding is actually a jacuzzi - known in spa parlance as the “Vitality Pool” – with beautiful arched recesses tiled in blue and yellow “azulejos” that bear a striking resemblance to a Turkish bath-house. • Commercial Appeal of Villa d’Este In 1992 John Crawley purchased this beautiful piece of Heritage real estate and relocated his interior decorating business. In residence with him was an architect and jeweller. The dining room on the ground floor was used to host haute cuisine private luncheons and dinners. Jealously Mr Crawley reserved the first floor as his private residence.
This Heritage home is well worth a visit. For a private please contact us.