This $10.8 Million Cape Dutch Gem in the U.K. Was Built as a Wedding Gift for a South African Bride
Forget Crate & Barrel. Add this century-old Cape Dutch-style home to your registry! Known as The Danes, the 31.5-acre property in the rolling hills of the Chilterns was originally built in the 1920s as a wedding gift to a South African bride. The stately abode later was billeted to the army during World War II and more recently, underwent an extensive renovation at the hands of its current owner. Now, the idyllic English country estate, which is less than 30 miles outside Central London, has hit the market for a cool £8.25 million (or about $10.8 million).
“The Danes is an extraordinary property, reimagined for modern living a century after its original construction,” said Joanna Cocking, head of private office and prime country sales at Hamptons.
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There have only been six occupants in the picturesque spread’s 100-year history, including the seller, designer Alessandra Galtrucco. During Galtrucco’s ownership, she’s put the place through a massive remodel, carefully restoring The Danes to its original grandeur. The residence itself sports a traditional Cape Dutch style, including hallmarks like curved gables and a brand-new thatched roof. There were also updates made to the electricity and plumbing systems.
Altogether, the home comprises four reception rooms and five bedrooms across its 7,400 square feet. There are polished concrete floors on the ground level and a preserved Art Deco staircase that harks back to the dwelling’s origins. If you plan on hosting overnight guests but still like privacy, there’s also a separate two-bed cottage.
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The Danes is surrounded by leafy, landscaped gardens, with about 10 acres of formal gardens that were professionally designed by Alexander-Sinclair, a renowned journalist and vice president of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Elsewhere on the property, Galtrucco helped with the planting of over 200 saplings.
Across the estates 32-ish rolling acres, you’ll also find wildflower meadows, a tennis court, and a barn with six stable boxes. Of course, to protect all that beauty, there have been multiple land acquisitions over time to prevent building on surrounding plots and to ensure the property maintains and unreserved sense of privacy with unobstructed views of the landscape.
“It’s rare that both property and gardens are as enticing as one another,” added Cocking. “This house is the full package—impeccably designed interiors meet beautiful natural gardens” that serve as a serene backdrop to the elegant home.
Click here to see more photos of The Danes.
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