Brownlow, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town

Open the little garden gate and step through the hedge wall of green. And there she is: a 1904 free-standing Victorian beauty of two storeys with many historic tales to tell; like the Camps Bay tram that used to stop right outside.

Now completely, authentically and sensitively restored, Brownlow is an ode to old world splendour and style. Up the hill and safe as can be, the home has sweeping views over Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, across the city bowl and all the way to the distant Overberg mountains, snow-capped in winter. This elegant Victorian dame is simply magnificent.

Her front façade is resplendent with bay windows trimmed with white brookie lace, the stoep tiles, the stained glass front door and knocker are all original Victorian ware – and that’s before you even enter the home. Inside, more original fittings await, from original wooden floors to exquisite brass light switches. The spiral, cast-iron staircase at the back of the house is original too. It was shipped on The Royal Mail line in the 1800s where it was used as ballast. Not needed for the return trip, it made its way to 24 Brownlow Road. Interestingly, there are also stairs onto the garage roof, where dinner parties with a difference have been enjoyed.

Seamlessly integrated into the deep heritage of the home are inspired modern comforts too, like underfloor heating in the screeded kitchen and dining area downstairs, gas fireplaces sprinkled throughout, and the house is wired for sound. It’s the best of both worlds with integrity from each.

Now imagine a flowing lifestyle space of kitchen, dining and lounge, where the small Victorian rooms have been opened up to create a beautiful open area for daily living. Push open the stack doors to create a continuous space with the back garden, which is on three levels: first is a braai space and fish pond that extends the width of the garden, next level is stone clad, and the third tier has four earth pods growing fresh vegetables and herbs – or it’s also plenty big enough for a lap pool. Just off the scullery is the butler’s quarters. And the tree growing in the house also adds definite quirk.

When you make your way up the original wooden staircase, the master bedroom is enthralling. Spacious, with a cosy gas fireplace and sunny seat in the bay window, it also has a dressing area and en-suite bathroom with a ball-and-claw bath and walk in shower. At night, close the inside wooden shutters and sleep tight; in the morning, wake up to enjoy coffee on your mountain facing verandah with breathtaking views. There are two more bedrooms at the back of the house. They share a bathroom and long verandah, overlooking the lush back garden with a view of Lion’s Head. Both upstairs and down, ceilings are high and rooms are spacious and airy. When you walk in and feel the heritage and cosy contemporary tweeks, you will certainly want to stay.

The house is a heritage icon, and so is the Blue Café across the road. Open since 1904, the Blue Café was the tram stop on the line to Camps Bay. Now it’s a daily deli for locals who meet to share breakfast, lunch or dinner, grab a quick snack, a home baked bread or a litre of milk. The local community is vibrant and close and neighbours here look out for each other. It’s a taste of yesteryear on many levels that matter. When you live there, you too will experience this.

Specs:

• Erf size: 497 m²
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Open plan lounge/dining/kitchen
• Guest cloakroom
• Scullery
• 1 garage
• Domestic quarters

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