"In the 28 years that we have had agents at work in the Constantia area, we have very seldom been able to offer such attractive properties as those now on our list. Exciting new designs and extremely clever renovations are raising the standard of Upper Constantia homes year-by-year."

This was said recently by Lanice Steward, MD of Anne Porter Knight Frank.

One of the best homes on offer, in her view, said Steward, is being marketed by her agents Fleur Lee and Marianne Price. The list price is R8.9 million.

The home, said Lee, is literally 'embraced' by nature.

"From the main bedrooms and the upper level wooden deck, as well as from many other areas, one looks out across a panorama of green treetops to the Constantiaberg and Muizenberg ranges in the far distance. It would be very difficult to find a quieter, more secluded and more exclusive spot in the entire Constantia Valley."

The home has six bedrooms in all, two being semi-independent with their own patios. Trusses in the upper floor rooms have been exposed (and painted as part of the renovation) to create appealing double volume spaces.

The lower floor has a games room and a wine cellar. To cope with the slope, the garden is terraced. A pool sited in a near-perfect position is, said Lee, ideal for quiet sunbathing and reading. A small river runs through the adjoining plot and this is home to two swans.

"If ever a home was entirely enfolded and enhanced by its natural environment it is this one," said Steward. "I do urge prospective buyers to come and visit it. Like so many other Upper Constantia homes, an already good property has been made even better by a brilliant upgrade."

For further information contact Fleur Lee on 082 443 9133 or Marianne Price on 083 250 0926.