THE BACKGROUND

For a winter escape that ticks all the boxes, you can’t go wrong with Cape Town. Whether you’re after dramatic landscapes and nature (and maybe a world-class safari or whale watching tour), Michelin-starred restaurants, superb wine and vineyards, and world-renowned museums and art galleries, Cape Town has it in abundance. And if you’re travelling from the UK, there’s no gruelling jet lag to endure as South Africa’s oldest city is only two hours ahead of Britain in the winter months. As for where to stay, the affluent neighbourhood of Clifton, nestled in the shade of the looming Lion’s Head mountain, offers awe-inspiring luxury properties as well as some of the finest beaches in Cape Town (four in total) with crashing waves and powder-white sand.

THE VILLA

The name Iron Man Villa may raise a few eyebrows, but this striking four-storey, six-bedroom property in Clifton is just the kind of place you can imagine genius-playboy-philanthropist-billionaire Tony Stark spending his vacation. The term “wow factor” is rather clichéd, but here it is apt; Iron Man Villa is truly breathtaking in scale and ambition. Designed by award-winning local architectural firm Peerutin Karol as a bold homage to mid-century Modernist design, the house is built into the mountain’s dramatic slopes, with 270-degree views across Clifton’s sandy coves and the Atlantic Seaboard. The brief from Peerutin Karol’s “forward-thinking” client was to build an iconic, one-of-a-kind home inspired by the great American architects that would at once set itself apart from neighbouring buildings while ‘integrating and blending organically into the natural beauty of the site and surroundings’. As such, despite it being one of the largest and most eye-catching houses in the area, it is also subtle, merging beautifully with its environs. Inside, it’s all sweeping curves and open-plan living. And of course you’ll find a plethora of James Bond-worthy amenities and facilities, including an expansive home gym and spa with indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and outside Jacuzzi. There’s also a private cinema and “entertainment pavilion” with sunken bar, barbecue area, private bar and rim-flow swimming pool snaking around the outside. Perfect for hosting groups of friends or families with older children, the villa can accommodate up to 12 people. Either way, this magnificent house will facilitate one truly unforgettable stay.

THE FINE DETAILS

There is currently limited availability at Iron Man Villa in December 2023 and January 2024. Prices are available on request and can be booked through SJ Villas. See sjvillas.co.uk