Skydance villa lays sprawled out in splendour on the highest hills of Bishopscourt, a wellto- do suburb next to Kirstenbosch Gardens. ‘In the day-time, you felt that you had got high up, near to the sun, but the early mornings and evenings were limpid and restful.’ These famous words by Karen Blixen perfectly describe that almost-in-thesky feeling one has when at Skydance.
Private dancer
Reminiscent of the Shingle-style holiday homes that accentuate the Long Island coastline, Skydance villa boasts generous social spaces with multiple large windows and porches that encourage residents to enjoy each others’ company and engage with the natural beauty of this lush estate. very much like its Hamptons’ cognates, this six-bedroom villa is opulently appointed with a sense of informality and appears completely at ease on the exquisitely tended gardens. Waking up in one of the six suites, one knows exactly where they are when greeted by the Table Mountain Reserve and Kirstenbosch gardens, which remain in full view from the entertainment areas, pool room, deck, and kids’ play area. Skydance villa is a modern family home with chic interiors and warm wooden floors. designer statement pieces add a splash of fun to the spacious rooms, which feature modern furniture and the highest standard of finishes. The living area has a wood-burning fireplace for those cosy evenings and leads into a homely kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances to create those favourite family meals. Stackable glass doors make it easy to transition from inside living to outdoor fun where the swimming pool, BBQ, garden and pool room leave nothing amiss by way of entertainment.
Sparkle and shine
Within 30 minutes you can reach all the iconic indulgences and adventures for which the Cape is renowned. Mountains, fascinating botanicals, beautiful beaches and moreish cuisine which is sometimes gourmet, sometimes not, but always tempting. The region surrounding Skydance is exquisite; hop on a bike or opt for a guided tour by car. Even a picnic is possible within the lush rolling hills of the nearby meadows, where horses and cows corral behind their wooden fences. For those who love a sparkle The diamond Works tour is the perfect outing—you will learn about the diamond and gold trades in South Africa and see the arts of diamond cutting and jewellery manufacturing first hand. For nature lovers, visiting the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and kayaking through the False Bay currents are both remarkable bucket-list items, as are paddling close to South Africa’s largest naval vessel and out to Boulders Beach to see a colony of African penguins uniquely situated in a Cape Town suburb. depending on the season and tide, some even have the delight of spotting Cape fur seals and whales—the trip is for those 10 years old plus.
Nature at its best
Driving back to Skydance through the Cape Peninsula is a right royal treat for the eyes. Pastoral coastal villages with fresh fish markets, quirky interest stores, and seafood restaurants perched on the water’s edge. Stop in Kalk Bay to feed the seals, try fishing off the pier and enjoy the freshest seafood—this is where the locals get it—or choose a more exquisite approach and head to the upmarket Harbour House Restaurant. Meander along to Noordhoek with its quaint, country-feel village and a beautiful stretch (8km!) of pristine white-sand beach. Noordhoek Beach is one of the best-protected beaches on the Atlantic Cape Coast. Flanked by National Park-protected wetlands, with one end defined by Chapman’s Peak, and Kommetjie lighthouse planted on the other side, Noordhoek Beach is the epitomical setting for an equine stroll. Horse riding is common in Noordhoek, even through the village, which is rural with charming restaurants that serve hearty South African cuisine. Noordhoek is a charismatic place to have supper before heading back to Skydance where the twinkling stars will be the show of the night’s dance.
Culled from a feature in Pleasures Magazine July/August 2020 Issue.