Simon's Town, Cape Town

In the historic heart of Simon's Town, overlooking the West Dockyard, yacht basin and Long Beach, Topsail House stands as one of the area’s most significant heritage residences. Originally constructed in the 1850s by Italian craftsmen, this double-storey architectural treasure combines old-world gravitas with extraordinary commercial potential.

Set on 4,608m² of established, tranquil grounds, plus an additional 1,647m² vacant erf with separate access from Forest Hill Road, the property offers rare scale in a tightly held coastal village. The north-facing balcony captures panoramic views across Simon’s Bay, while the mountainside backdrop creates an atmosphere of retreat and seclusion, despite being within walking distance of the village centre, beaches and the False Bay Yacht Club.

A Richly Layered Interior

Once part of the historic St Joseph’s Convent and later operated as backpacker accommodation, the property now presents a substantial accommodation footprint suited to multiple high-yield uses.

Main Residence
Grand entrance hall
Kitchen, dining room, laundry and extensive utility spaces
8 upstairs bedrooms, 3 en-suite
2 shared bathrooms plus additional shower and guest facilities
Expansive north-facing balcony with sweeping bay views
Generous loft storage
Income-Generating Components
4 self-contained flats on the ground level
5 additional cottages
Detached 1-bedroom cottage with extra room for study or storage
7 kitchens and multiple lounges
Historic chapel with vestry and bathroom, ideal for conversion into a studio, spa suite, therapy rooms or an additional apartment
Infrastructure and Planning Strength
Zoned SR1, approved for Tourism and Hospitality usage
Heritage HPoZ formal protection with NHRA exemption on land
SUNSYNK 16 KVA single phase system with inverter
Garage plus 8 parking bays
VAT inclusive purchase, no transfer duty payable

The adjacent 1,647m² undeveloped erf opens a compelling pathway for expansion, whether through additional accommodation units, landscaped wellness facilities, or sensitively designed new-build components.

A Rare Strategic Opportunity

Properties of this scale and historic significance seldom become available in Simon's Town. Beyond its current configuration, Topsail House lends itself seamlessly to transformation as:

A boutique guest house or themed heritage hotel
A wellness retreat with yoga decks, treatment rooms and landscaped meditation gardens
A rehabilitation or recovery facility in a serene coastal setting
A multi-generational residence with substantial income streams
A creative campus, educational centre or faith-based retreat

The grounds are expansive enough to incorporate walking paths, contemplative gardens, outdoor therapy spaces or recreational facilities, enhancing both lifestyle and commercial appeal.

This is not simply a property acquisition. It is custodianship of a landmark, combined with a forward-thinking development opportunity in one of the Cape’s most characterful seaside villages.

Private viewings by appointment.