Landmark residence goes on sale for 1st time in vibrant Melville

One of Melville’s best known residences and landmarks, which was built in a modernist architectural style, using mostly glass and raw concrete in its design, has been placed on the market for the first time since the distinctive home was completed in 2005.

The unique concrete home, which is conveniently situated within the heart of Johannesburg’s trendiest community and offers magnificent views of the city, is being marketed by Pam Golding Properties for R5.5 million, the company announced today.

“The property, which was carefully developed to the owner’s specifications over a period of two years, is an award-winning architectural gem that has clean lines and an openness to its environment at the heart of its design. In addition, it offers the investor a most attractive and expedient urban lifestyle,” says Jason Shaw, Pam Golding Properties National Sales Manager. House Rothman was designed in three levels, using ample large windows, as well as glass sliding and stack doors, all of which makes the home airy and provides a sense of being intimately connected to its surroundings in fashionable Melville. The three-bedroom home also provides a most compelling 270-degree view of the entire city from the third floor open-plan entertainment and living space.”

With a garden amphitheater that accommodates around 90 people situated on the ground floor, the home is an entertainer’s dream. The third-floor, open-plan lounge and 12-seater dining room flow seamlessly by means of large glass stack doors onto an entertainment deck with a rim-flow heated pool and large Jetmaster grill/spit braai.

House Rothman, which has featured in a number of architectural publications and has been acknowledged by “10 years – 100 Houses” as one of South Africa’s most distinctive homes, is located near Melville’s original stables and post office, and is just a few minutes walk from the suburb’s famous Seventh Street, a popular tourist destination.

“This gives residents easy access to the dynamic and cosmopolitan café street-life of Melville, where a plethora of outstanding restaurants, entertainment venues and charming street side shops is available,” notes Shaw.

Pam Golding Properties agent and area expert, Pieter Basson, points out that the suburb is also close by the centres of Rosebank, Sandton, Braamfontein and the Johannesburg city centre, as well as the region’s major universities and a number of outstanding schools.

“Those who enjoy the great outdoors are easily able to take advantage of facilities such as the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, and Emmerentia Dam, where many of the suburb’s residents enjoy walking their dogs” notes Basson.

He expects House Rothman to appeal to a professional or business person or couple/small family who appreciates Melville’s outstanding location, the vibrant lifestyle on offer within the popular suburb, as well as the distinctive and highly practical design of the home, which is well-known and admired within the Melville community.

“The local residential property market in Melville remains pleasingly active despite the sluggish national economy,” notes Basson. “There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that the suburb is so well situated and residents really tend to love this well run, colourful and tightly knit community. While situated near the heart of the city, Melville has a charming small town feel. It consequently remains a popular place in which to live and homes here represent a sound long-term investment.”

House Rothman’s main bedroom, with en-suite bathroom, is situated on the second storey and boasts large sliding doors, which open wide over the street below. The homeowners affirm that these features were part of their vision to create a home that allows in an abundance of light, air and warmth, while at the same time integrating the spaces of the home with both its immediate environment and the wider community. The result is a luxurious main suite that makes one feel at the same time on top of and wholly part of the world.

All three bedrooms have built-in cupboards, and screeded or stone floors. Other features of the spacious concrete home include a pyjama lounge or cinema/games room, study, guest bathroom, ample storage spaces, and an open-plan kitchen that is situated on the top floor. Economical piped gas is used to heat the main lounge, as well as the water and stove hobs. The property has excellent security with CCTV cameras, lighting automation, automatic sprinkler system, an attractive water feature on the ground floor, parking for five vehicles and residents can make use of a gardening and pool-cleaning service.

No other home in Melville, or indeed Johannesburg, is quite like this remarkable one-of-a-kind property, and we fully expect it to quickly capture the attention of a discerning investor who appreciates both the location and design.

See this listing.

Posted by Jean Scheltema