Leyden House is for sale at R9.95m.

A penthouse in gentrified Bree Street next to the Fire and Ice Hotel is for sale and comes as an investment ‘with benefits.’

Leyden House has become a firm favourite for photo and film shoots and launches – all bringing in a steady and easy income, says Audrey Matthews, Director of Ronnie Matthews Estates.

“The penthouse spans the entire roof so there are dramatic views through the glass frontage, described by tenant and agent, Robert Van Kampen, as ‘looking like a larger than life landscape painting of Table Mountain.

“In the world’s most popular cities like New York, Paris, London, and Amsterdam, the penthouses are the most expensive properties per square metre. Cape Town is up there in the hierarchy of places to settle and we expect this area to increase exponentially in value. Not quite to the level of New York where a city centre penthouse can cost you around R200 million – affordable only to rock and film starts and captains of industry – but we do expect a substantial increase in value.

“Prices at the V&A have rocketed mostly because of the security, but the CBD is rapidly following suit. A penthouse is particularly secure because of its elevation and Leyden House is also next to a five star hotel with its own security.”

Other features include 400 m2 of decking that wraps around the penthouse with views of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill and a 20 metre lap pool.

Van Kampen says the penthouse is for sale at R9.995 million and it can be rented out at premium rates during the filming season.

“It’s possible to make around R500 000 a year from film and photo shoots and launches,” says van Kampen.