A series of unfortunate renovations and failed restoration projects left St Vincent looking dilapidated and unloved.
A historic Kalk Bay building which had fallen into disrepair has received a new lease on life, thanks to a meticulous and historically accurate restoration project.
Dating back over 80 years St Vincent on Kalk Bay’s Main Road enjoys spectacular sea views. The building’s three newly-upgraded apartments are now being offered for sale through Pam Golding Properties, priced at R2.5 million, R2.7 million and R2.9 million.
St Vincent was built in the 1920s, and the initial design included a long pillared verandah as part of its façade. However this was subsequently glassed in and then later partially bricked in. Over time several other alterations were carried out which spoiled the exterior of the building and ruined the interior flow of the apartments.
The Cape Town City Council gave permission in 2002 for the ground floor apartment to be completely renovated, and it was gutted in advance of this project – only to have work grind to a halt. The property was then acquired by its present owner in 2004, and the local architectural practice John Murray & Associates was appointed to redesign and refurbish the landmark building.
PGP’s southern suburbs developments director, Bev Bloch, says the architect has overcome the building’s chequered architectural history to return St Vincent to its original glory.
“The original façade has been recreated with the balanced pillared verandah, and the interiors have also been completely reconfigured. Whereas previously the ground floor apartment didn’t have sea views, it has now been converted into a duplex with a second floor lounge, offering spectacular views. The two top floor apartments have also been redesigned to maximise the views and internal flows. Close attention has been paid to sourcing or manufacturing historically appropriate doors and joinery – for example, the deep skirtings and cornices – to ensure the building’s original grace and charm have been recaptured.”
Restored to its former glory. The building’s three newly-upgraded apartments are for sale through Pam Golding Properties, priced at R2.5 million, R2.7 million and R2.9 million.
Two of the apartments have three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and each has its own double garage. The third duplex unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a single garage and an off-street parking bay.
PGP’s MD for the Western Cape metro region, Laurie Wener, believes St Vincent may appeal to buyers who want to downscale from larger family homes in the southern suburbs.
“St Vincent is one of relatively few buildings between Kalk Bay Harbour and Fish Hoek, on a spur of land extending out from the foot of the mountain. This means that in winter it enjoys significantly more sunshine than other homes, basking in the late afternoon rays long after most of the village is in shadow.”
