Experience luxury living: inside the R100 million mansion in Hermanus with panoramic sea views

Opulent, spacious and luxurious. These are three words to describe the jaw-dropping R100 million-plus mansion in Hermanus in the Western Cape.

And with its panoramic views, seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and high-end finishes, this property, previously owned by the billionaire Rupert family as their holiday retreat, is in a league of its own.

Located in one of the wealthiest coastal towns and hottest holiday and retirement markets in South Africa, Seeff said that it is drawing notable attention from discerning buyers and investors.

The property group’s Paul Kruger explained: “Calls and enquiries are coming in and we expect the property to sell for over R100 million, as the estate offers an unmatched legacy investment.” 

“There is no other property currently on the market which offers this precise combination of a unique, prime oceanfront location and sheer land size,” he added.

Meanwhile, the home also includes expansive reception rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a private wine cellar, a heritage cottage and a flat, along with ten garages and meticulously maintained gardens.

Kruger says the property represents a strong, non-replicable investment opportunity. 

“Its distinguished history, architectural mastery, vast footprint and unparalleled location in one of South Africa’s fastest-growing wealth hubs makes it a beacon for discerning investors looking to secure a truly significant coastal residential holding.”

Its location is also prime, as the latest Africa Wealth Report, published annually by international wealth advisory firm Henley & Partners in collaboration with New World Wealth, revealed that over 1,100 millionaires own property in the Whale Coast area, with Hermanus as the main centre.

Tourism also makes up over 50% of the economy in the region, with hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

In addition, prominent families such as the Graaffs, the Hersovs and the Rupert families have owned property here, along with Afrikaans intellectuals and writers such as Jan Rabie, Uys Krige, and André P. Brink.

“It is a solid store of wealth for property investors,” said Kruger.

And while the property offers a coastal retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is still reasonably close to the Cape Town city centre.

The property group believes that the area is one of the wealthiest coastal towns and that it is a popular place to holiday as well as to retire.

“The market expanded notably over the last few years with more high-net-worth buyers investing here,” Kruger said, adding that higher value transactions over R5 million have more than doubled, and around 30 properties have sold for over R20 million, with rare properties such as this now reaching prices of over R100 million.

“Property values have increased more than two-fold over the last decade, thus offering strong capital appreciation potential,” he said. 

“The market has been fairly consistent with total transactions over the last 12 months to the end of September, standing at R2.9bn at an average transaction price of R3.3 million. This is 2.5 times higher compared to a decade ago.”

Kruger also explained that while Hermanus is attracting an increasing number of younger families due to the quality lifestyle, most buyers tend to be in the 35-65 age group and older. “Over 76% of all property stock is freehold,” he said. 

“These are highly prized properties with some held for generations. This strong investment case is well illustrated by this heritage property in Voëlklip.”

Other aspects which make Hermanus so appealing are its being set between two lagoons as well as the ocean and the mountains, with properties hugging the coast around Walker Bay.

“It is world-renowned for its whale-watching, ocean adventures, and several pristine beaches,” Kruger said.

“The location, size and infrastructure of this property are simply unmatched. Not even in Cape Town could you find a property of this stature with such good views and beach access, concludes Kruger.”