Observatory | $571,000 (9.965 million South African rand)

A Victorian compound in a cozy suburb

This restored historic compound features three houses of differing sizes that could function as one residence or as distinct homes. The main house dates to the Victorian era, with newer extensions. The most recent round of renovations ended in 2023. The plumbing, wiring and gas systems have been updated, as have the kitchens and bathrooms.

Observatory, a suburb slightly east of Cape Town’s city center, is home to the South African Astronomical Observatory headquarters, which has been a research hub since the early nineteenth century. Day and night, the suburb hosts sporting events and concerts at Hartleyvale Stadium, while bakeries, cafes and restaurants line Lower Main Road. Beaches and the waterfront are 10 to 20 minutes away by car. Cape Town International Airport is about 10 miles east.

Indoors: The two-bedroom, two-bath main residence, believed to date to 1901, has an eat-in kitchen with tile floors, a backsplash with a disco ball effect and blue gray cabinets. The living room has several period features, including the fireplace and a stained glass door. An adjoining one-bedroom cottage has similar design elements, including the mirrored backsplash.

The third building has an open kitchen, living room and dining room with a glass table, all under recessed lights. Folding steel-and-glass doors open to an outdoor table and the pool deck. Two bedrooms, one with a twin bed and an alcove and one with vaulted ceilings and a queen bed, share a bathroom. A bedroom space upstairs has vaulted ceilings and a skylight, as well as a bathroom and a laundry area.

Contemporary updates throughout include Italian tiles and lighting, a tankless water heater, an inverter generator for backup power and a security system comprising CCTV, intercoms and electric fencing.

Outdoor space: The building exteriors are painted a soothing green. There are two solar-heated saltwater swimming pools and a yard with leafy trees.

Costs: Property transfer costs and fees paid by the buyer are an estimated 986,000 South African rand, or $56,825. Transfer costs are generally between 8 and 10 percent of the purchase price, the listing agent said. Property taxes for this home are around 3,000 South African rand ($172) a month.

Contact: Gafsa Dean, Kurt Schultz | Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate | +27-21-763-4120

Green Point | $573,000 (10 million South African rand)

A three-bedroom residence in a duplex townhouse

This three-bedroom townhouse, half of a duplex, invites movement between indoors and out, with several terraces and balconies and access to the pool deck from the living room, kitchen and a bedroom. The home’s design accents include ample built-in storage with pastel details and a mix of herringbone and straight hardwood flooring.

Green Point, an upscale, suburban neighborhood about two miles north of Cape Town’s center, has many outdoor attractions. The Biodiversity Showcase Garden has hundreds of Indigenous plant species, all nestled within Green Point Park. Nearby is the DHL Stadium, which holds up to 55,000 people and hosts rugby matches and other events.

Indoors: The dining and living rooms and kitchen are open concept and have access to a balcony. The kitchen, with white cabinets and dark counters, is set up for cooking, eating and entertaining.

Outdoor space: A grassy area connects the house and its rectangular pool. The house has several outdoor spaces, including a dining terrace just off the pool area and the balcony off the primary bedroom. A two-car attached garage can be reached from the street.

Costs: Monthly taxes and levies for this property add up to 4,430 South African rand ($253).

Contact: Farrel Kelman, Minette Munitz | Pam Golding Properties | +27-83-501-5015 or +27-82-457-2978

Newlands | $570,000 (9.95 million South African rand)

A midcentury-modern villa with a pool and staff quarters

This three-bedroom single level villa, designed in 1973, is drenched in light and dappled shade through the many generous windows that showcase the surrounding landscaping, sky and sunlight.

Newlands, about six miles south of the city center by car when looping around Table Mountain, is a calm suburb whose heart is called Newlands Village. The house is close to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Newlands Forest, which is nestled within Table Mountain National Park. Under the tree canopy, walking paths crisscross a forest dotted with waterfalls and picnic areas. The village has bakeries, cafes and schools. Chart Farm, about three miles from the home, sells two fragrant goods: roses and coffee. Cape Town International Airport is about 10 miles east.

Indoors: The living room has floor-to-ceiling windows, a free-standing fireplace in the corner and clay square tile flooring. The dining area opens to the yard and the kitchen has white cabinets, granite counters and a door to the outside. A family room and a study each offer spaces to work or congregate.

There is a primary en suite bedroom that fits a king bed and both guest bedrooms have carpeting, wardrobes and air conditioning. The property has an inverter generator and an alarm system, intercom and automatic gates. A separate en suite bedroom can be used for staff.

Outdoor space: The home sits on a 6,469-square-foot lot and small private courtyards are tucked next to several rooms. The pool gets sun or shade from the home or garden wall depending on the time of day. Between the living and dining room, a plant filled atrium with glass doors bring the outside in. There is space in front to park two cars.

Costs: Monthly taxes and levies for this property are $187, the listing agent said. These include property taxes, water and sewage, trash collection and payments to the Newlands improvement district.

Contact: Nina Smith, Jessica Thuysman | Pam Golding Properties | +27-82-774-4596 or +27-72-456-1354