The Tarrystone Estate in Cape Town, once owned by Earl Spencer, has been listed for sale by Greeff Properties.
The 1,029-square-metre home features nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms, alongside three separate studies, a swimming pool, and several smaller flatlets. Among these structures stands a secluded thatched cottage utilized by Princess Diana during her visits to South Africa.
“Served as the late Princess Diana's private sanctuary and peaceful retreat during her visits” Tarrystone said on its website, regarding the thatched cottage Princess Diana used during her 1997 trip to meet former South African President Nelson Mandela following her divorce from then-Prince Charles. Her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, also visited the property in 1996.
The cottage has been preserved with its original decor and furnishings. A source familiar with the estate told GB News that Charles Spencer reserved the accommodation exclusively for his sister.
“The cottage was set aside by Earl Spencer to be used only by Diana and nobody else stayed there,” the source said.
On March 17, 1997, Diana met Mandela at his Cape Town residence for a 20-minute discussion regarding the HIV/AIDS crisis. Mandela subsequently praised her efforts to challenge the stigma surrounding the disease by interacting directly with patients.
“We saw her sitting on the beds of AIDS patients and shaking hands with them, and that changed perceptions dramatically with regards to AIDS,” Mandela said.
Today, the main residence is owned by a French family of entrepreneurs and art collectors who oversaw a contemporary African art event featuring over 700 artists. The interior contains mixed living spaces filled with carefully selected furniture and an extensive collection of artworks, complemented by a monumental staircase and a screening room.
The 8,759-square-metre property also includes a private wine cellar, private tennis courts, three garages, 24-hour security, backup power, and CCTV. Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate is handling the sale, with property specialist Lynne Baker highlighting the estate’s royal provenance.
“The estate’s royal significance gives it a level of provenance,” Baker told GB News.
While no specific asking price is provided in the listing, an asking price of R150 million ($9 million) has been reported. This figure could surpass the neighbourhood’s previously reported residential sale of R120 million if it secures a buyer at the listed price in Constantia, where the average selling price for homes reached R20 million in 2026.
