Living on the slopes of Table Mountain

By Editorial Staff - 15 April 2024

At the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, stands Glen Villa, an eclectic residence perfectly integrated into the surrounding nature. Situated in front of the imposing mountain, the home is immersed in an ecosystem characterized by flora and fauna found nowhere else.

The structure develops over three levels, each with different sizes and shapes that are perfectly grounded on the contours of the land, thanks in part to large windows that reflect the images of the trees. Initially conceived by Antonio Zaninovic, the design was subsequently renovated by architectural firm ARRCC, which realized some additions: in particular, a new volume was introduced to the garden and a bedroom on the upper level was expanded.

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy ARRCC Il nuovo edificio comprende un ambiente multifunzionale in cui gli arredi, realizzati su misura, includono un rustico tavolo in legno, un lampadario con alcune fioriere sospese e un camino in ottone, disegnato come un grande casco da palombaro con oblò autentici di navi d’epoca, che regala allo spazio un tocco distintivo.

The new building, connected to the main residence through a walkway, blends into the landscape and rises among the tree tops thanks to the presence of pilotis. Inside, there is a single multifunctional space with a bar area, living room, barbecue, and a pizza oven. The meticulously crafted furnishings were custom-made and include a rustic wooden table, a chandelier with hanging planters, and a brass fireplace, designed as a large deep-sea diver’s helmet with authentic portholes from vintage ships. The alternating wooden paneling and large windows on the walls allow natural light to flood the room.

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy ARRCC La palette cromatica è definita da tonalità calde e neutre, mentre arredi moderni si mescolano con elementi naturali come il legno e il marmo, regalando uno spazio confortevole.

The living area extends across the first floor of the main residence, comprising a living room, an area occupied by a large table, and a kitchen. Characterized by a welcoming atmosphere, this space is defined by a palette of neutral colors, enhanced with modern carpets and furniture, as well as a herringbone-laid parquet floor. An imposing stone fireplace stands out, topped by an exposed concrete ceiling embellished by a metal chandelier, which creates a material contrast with the other elements of the décor. The kitchen, on the other hand, features a marble floor, gray cabinets and a central island with fur-covered stools that underline the presence of nature inside the home.

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy ARRCC

The wine cellar is also on the first floor, a refined space furnished with ochre velvet armchairs and a marble table. The chandelier, composed of metallic plates, bathes the ceiling with golden light, giving a touch of elegance to the entire room – the true jewel of the house.

The staircase adjacent to the kitchen leads to the second and final floor, which hosts the master bedroom, characterized by a carpeted floor, walls completely covered in slatted wooden paneling, and custom-made furniture. The bed is elevated on a marble base and was designed to offer panoramic views of the city. The room is equipped with a walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom with a tub in the center and is bordered by full-height glass walls that allow a flooding of natural light. The floors here are made of light marble with a shiny finish and the mirrors on the wall serve to visually amplify the space while reflecting the picturesque surrounding natural landscape.

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy of ARRCC | Developed over three levels, with various shapes and dimensions, Glen Villa blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape, which envelops the architecture in an environment of unique flora and fauna, at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain.

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy of ARRCC

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy of ARRCC | The day area, which stands out for its neutral color palette, is embellished with rugs, modern furnishings, and an impressive stone fireplace. The exposed concrete ceiling is enhanced by a metal chandelier, which creates a material contrast with the other elements of furniture.

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy of ARRCC | The new building features a multifunctional space in which the custom-made furnishings include a rustic wooden table, a chandelier and a brass fireplace, designed as a large diver’s helmet with an authentic porthole from vintage ships, giving the space a distinctive touch.

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy of ARRCC | The kitchen features a marble floor, gray cabinets, and a central island surrounded by tall, fur-covered stools that evoke nature within the home.

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy of ARRCC | The color palette is defined by warm, neutral hues, while the modern furnishings mix with natural elements like wood and marble, creating a comfortable space.

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy of ARRCC | The upstairs bathroom, paved in light marble, features a large tub bordered by full-height glass walls, which allow an abundance of natural light to flood the space.

Glen Villa | © Adam Letch, courtesy of ARRCC | The master bedroom, covered in wood paneling, was realized with custom-made furnishings, including the elevated bed which offers a panoramic view of the city from its marble base.

Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Client: Private
Completion: 2022
Gross Floor Area: 5,515 m²
Architect Antonio Zaninovic
Interior Designer: ARCCC
Lighting Consultant: OKHA

Photography: Adam Letch, courtesy of ARRCC

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