A piece of South African history just changed hands for a record-breaking price. In the heart of Cape Town’s serene Zwaanswyk suburb, Stillness Manor, a 337-year-old estate, has sold for nearly $3.2 million, setting a new benchmark for luxury properties in the region.
The sale, managed by Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, represents the highest price ever recorded in Zwaanswyk — a neighborhood already known for its exclusivity and verdant surroundings. The deal marks a growing appetite among both local elites and international investors for South African homes that blend heritage charm with world-class amenities.
Originally established in 1688 as part of one of the Western Cape’s earliest farms, Stillness Manor is a sprawling Cape Dutch-style estate that feels more like a private resort than a residence. Spread across four acres, the 14-bedroom property encompasses ten separate dwellings totaling over 1,650 square meters of floor space.
Inside and out, the home is a masterclass in opulence. It features two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a tennis court, a spa, a wine cellar, and a grand dining hall that can host up to 20 guests. Add in the manicured gardens and panoramic views of False Bay and the Steenberg Golf Estate, and it’s clear why this manor attracted international attention.
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According to Sotheby’s, the buyer — an unnamed international investor — saw the property not merely as a home, but as “a legacy estate, a piece of Cape history with a profound sense of place and permanence.”
“This sale demonstrates that there is still strong appetite for secure, high-end property in the Cape,” the agency said in a statement. “It resets the pricing benchmark for Zwaanswyk and affirms the suburb’s exclusivity.”
The firm added that the Zwaanswyk market is highly competitive, with limited availability and long-term ownership driving up value. In fact, more than 40% of current residents have lived there for over 11 years, according to data from property analytics firm Lightstone.
Lightstone also reports that the area’s average household income exceeds $10,700 per month, cementing its position among South Africa’s most affluent enclaves.
Across the continent, a similar trend is taking shape. Africa’s new class of ultra-high-net-worth buyers — entrepreneurs, investors, and returning diaspora — is showing growing interest in heritage-rich estates that offer privacy, security, and long-term investment potential.
The record-setting sale of Stillness Manor doesn’t just highlight Zwaanswyk’s exclusivity; it underscores how Africa’s luxury property market is entering a new era of global recognition. For those who can afford it, the dream of owning a slice of the continent’s history is more desirable than ever.
