Ellerman House Unveils Wine Gallery and Villa Two in Cape Town

Integrating outstanding contemporary architecture with breathtaking sculpture and cutting-edge design, the new wine gallery is not only a showcase for Ellerman House's extensive, award-winning South African wine collection but offers guests a unique, interactive journey into the world of wine.

More like a work of art than merely a cellar, the Wine Gallery provides sophisticated storage in state-of-the-art wine racks and temperature-controlled subterranean cellars for the hotel's 7,500 bottle collection of vintage and rare wines. The handcrafted nature of South Africa's finest wines and the organic shape of grapevines are reflected in the use of natural, earthy materials, which are polished, sculpted, carved or left raw to reveal the innate, intrinsic beauty of each element. Besides being an inspiring, experiential space in which to taste wine, the gallery includes an interactive multi-media wine library, maturation cellars for white and red wines, and a brandy tasting lounge. A special feature is a Champagne Cellar, stocked exclusively with rare and special vintages of Dom Perignon. To complete the experience, Ellerman House has developed a wine app that provides layers of detailed information about South African wines, including tasting notes and videos about the hotel's wine list.

The brief to the design team from the owner, Paul Harris, was to come up with an original concept for the Wine Gallery that had never been seen before. Harris wanted to create a space where guests and friends of Ellerman House could taste and appreciate the many fine wines produced in South Africa, while being inspired by world-class local architecture, sculptural art and design. “The wine gallery is a work of art, rather than just a functional space,” explained Harris. “I am truly delighted with the way the brief was interpreted.”

Designed by up-and-coming architect Michael Dennett, the Wine Gallery and villa above it complements Ellerman House and Villa One, merging old and new, past and future. The wine gallery's overall concept draws on the collaborative creative energy of, amongst others, architect Michael Dennett, artists Angus Taylor and Conrad Hicks, industrial designer Brian Steinhobel, and interior designers Trevyn and Julian McGowan of Southern Guild and Source. Decorator Robert Pollexfen was responsible for the villa's interiors.

Built above the Wine Gallery, Villa Two is saturated with natural light and comprises two levels that flow seamlessly outdoors onto private terraces with sea views. On calm, warm days, fold-away glass doors blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The first level has three luxuriously appointed bedrooms with open-plan bathrooms, a study area and surround-sound private cinema. On the top level, entertainment, dining and living areas lead outdoors to an infinity pool and outdoor patio. In contrast to the old-world elegance of the original Ellerman House, Villa One and Villa Two add a glamorous, contemporary edge to the hotel's relaxed, refined ambience. Designed with absolute privacy in mind, the villa accommodation is for exclusive use only, and comes with its own private staff and chef. It is ideal for families traveling with children or high-profile guests seeking extreme privacy.

Visit website: www.ellerman.co.za