Trovato House, the 125-year-old colonial manor perched on a 1.6-hectare plot on Wynberg Hill, is now on the market for R45 million.
Built in 1899, Travato, which is Latin for “I find”, is believed to have been designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Its original hand-painted ceilings, imported brass bath fixtures and peacock-garden wallpaper are just some of the flourishes of 19th century splendour to be found inside.
According to Michael Keath, author of Herbert Baker: Architecture and Idealism 1892 – 1913: The South African Years, Sir Herbert Baker declined to acknowledge his authorship of this 2100 m² house, built for prominent Pretoria lawyer Carl Jeppe in Herschel Walk, but numerous drawings exist that establish his involvement in its design.
“The matter is confused by the existence of two undated floor plans signed by Herbert Baker ‘for’ Sydney Stent, a local architect. One of these was stamped as approved by the Wynberg Municipality in July 1897, giving an approximate date for the design,” Mr Keath states in his book.
According to SA History Online, Jeppe would also become a member of both the Transvaal and the Cape Bar. He was chairman of the first Chamber of Mines, leader of the Progressive Party and his family owned much of the first land in Pretoria and Johannesburg at the beginning of the gold rush.
Heritage consultant Ashley Lillie says the intactness and architectural detailing make Trovato House stand out.
“There were a number of these larger mansions in Wynberg, which sadly have gone, but Trovato, given its place in the landscape and the way it holds its space there, is remarkable.
“This is an outstanding building. Its current legal status is that it is what is known as a provincial heritage site, which is what used to be called a national monument. But I would argue that this building is indeed of national quality. In most parts of the world, this building would be a museum furnished to the period. The building is more intact than most museums that I know.
“That’s what’s so remarkable about when you walk into the building. It’s like stepping back in time. It is literally walking into a piece of history. The building is an outstanding example of its period. It has all the hallmarks of a late 19th century high-status house.”
The home, boasting 20 rooms and 11 bathrooms, has also been used as a film location for several movies such as Home Alone 4, Amelia, and King Solomon’s Mines.
Julia Finnis-Bedford, founder of Amazing Spaces Lifestyle Investments, notes that Trovato’s “wow factor” has made it one of South Africa’s most sought-after film locations.
“What makes this home so unique is its architecture and especially the intricate details used in the woodwork. Movie producers absolutely love it, and so it’s been incredibly popular as a film-shoot location over the years.”
Wynberg Hill has one of the largest collections of historic properties in the country.
Some metres down Herschel Walk is Hawthornden-House. According to SA History Online, the construction of the original structure probably dates to 1683, but it was rebuilt to its present form, as a double-storey home with French Victorian features, in 1881 by Captain John Spence.
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