Villa Vert, Bishops Court
Words By Aimee Eveleigh Gordon

This Villa is cocooned amongst the tree-lined mountain-view suburb notorious for having homes nestled amongst acres of forest and green-lushness. The villa appears as a contemporary version of an opulent country home in the Mediterranean. From the road-side entrance one is unable to see the utopia of over-grown vegetation, fruit trees and rose bushes which populate the expansive garden facing the Devils Peak side of Table Mountain s range. The home is truly versatile as it is comprised of two conjoined wings which are separated by 3 atriums and a Travertine-tiled entrance hall. This space is lit by the many ray s of sunshine that cascade through the continual sky-light feature overhead. The remainder of the home is tiled in glazed porcelain. Additionally, the property allows for secure, off-street parking for a total of 8 cars. Each of the two wings may be closed off and used separately by family s that may travel with extended family member s or staff such as body-guard s, nannies, etc. This is because each wing include s a fully functional kitchen, private patio, lounge, dining room, downstairs bedroom-suite and one master bedroom and at least one other guest suite. The home features the added luxury of having underfloor heating throughout its entirety. Additionally, an individual walkway lies adjacent to the property s far-left wing side and allows access to a charming cottage within the grounds of the garden. The cottage resembles a miniature version of the main home in terms of its elements of colour and design. The cottage features its own patio, mere steps away from the edge of the swimming pool as well as a wood-burning outdoor barbecue/fireplace and double doors which open up to expose the views of the towering mountain peaks. The interior is functional and is basically equipped with an open-plan kitchen, King-sized bed, wardrobe and en-suite bathroom with a shower.

Viewed as a whole, the villa has 7 bedrooms in total. Each of the two master suite s has king-sized beds and walk-through wardrobes completed in exquisite original Mahogany wood. Each has an en-suite bathroom complete with jacuzzi tubs, showers and double vanities. The master-suite on the left wing of the villa includes a big-screen TV, a magnificant original oil-on-canvas original by Cecilia Rossli, and an exceptional view from its en-suite bathtub of one of the atrium s exotic collections of flowers and trees. The two smaller bedroom s on this level each share one family bathroom which includes shower and bath as well as heated towel-rails. Each of these rooms sleeps two people. Starting with the left wing, the living space includes a formal lounge and formal dining room- each of these having wood-framed; glass-doors which may be flung open on all sides to access the main patio and garden. Adjacent to the formal areas, a more recreation-orientated TV room is equipped with a large flat screen TV, DVD Player, surround-sound music-system and satellite. An original Piazzia fireplace and oven sits cornering the open-plan kitchen. Here, everything is finished in original Beech Wood and Granite tops and comes fitted with all conceivable top-of-the range appliances. A concealed, scullery and fully equipped laundry lies at the kitchen s rear. The upstairs kitchen/TV room and adjoining Formal living area open up onto an super-length of patio. The patio has a fitted wood-burning pizza oven and a gas barbecue facility as well-as an outdoor service counter with a sink and Granite top. A steep flight of stairs allows one access to a garden-level section of the villa. This space includes an entertainment area with a hand-crafted Alder Wood Bar. The bar is fully-stocked and is fitted with all conceivable items pertaining to bar-functionality. An enthusiasts dream presents itself in the form of an original Thirstons Billiards table. An added guest-suite adjoins the entertinment room and is completely inclusive in its addition of an en-suite bathroom and wardrobe. All double-doors in this area allow access into the massive garden.

The villa s right-wing is smaller than the left, yet still richy and indulgently furnished with antique Mahogany furnishings and authentic oriental and Persian rugs. This side of the villa includes its own lounge which has a separated satellite, DVD player, Surround-sound music system and flat-screen TV. An open-planned formal dining room is framed with an original antique wood bar. The living area has dual access onto the road-side terraced garden as well as to its own,private patio over-looking the large back garden and its spectacular mountain views. A seaparate and more informal dining area lies in the foreground of the kitchen, which is finished with Maple Wood and granite. Downstairs, another garden level suite is accessed via a steep flight of steps. This space is spectacularly private as it is quite secluded from the activity and the respective rooms of the rest of the home. The suite includes its own lounge and dining room area as well as a separate bedroom with a king-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom. The upper-level has two additional suites adjoining the living room. One, the master-suite, is richly accessorised with mahogany accents surrounding its King-sized bed and its individual walk-in wardrobe. Its en-suite bathroom features a large bath which may be used as a jacuzzi or spa-bath. The second bedroom has a Queen-bed and an en-suite.

The single most beautiful and exceptional aspect of the property lies in the uniqueness of its garden. It is a natural paradise with unbeleivable potential for entertaining. It features blossoming lemon trees, lime trees, fig trees, guava trees and an apple tree. A tierred vegetable garden lies alongside the cottage and a herb garden has everything included on the proverbial list of mandatory types of varieties. A magnificent Koi Pond incorporates a bubbling water-fountain in its centre. Although not heated electrically, the big swimming-pool s walls are black in colour – thereby absorbing all of the suns heat – and resulting in it being a luke-warm experience in the Summer-time. At the bottom of the spectacular, incredibly exquisite garden is a tennis-court surrounded by 360 degree mountain views.