Live the luxe Winelands lifestyle at The Charles in Somerset West

Perfectly positioned next to top schools and wine estates, & top-tier shopping

Last updated: Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Many argue that Somerset West gives an even better quality of life than Cape Town. Now a new development, The Charles, will elevate that lifestyle – where you are surrounded by mountain views and sunsets over False Bay, award-winning wine estates, championship golf courses, established schools, and some of the Western Cape’s most-loved shopping destinations – even further.

The Charles is leisure-led living with access to a resort-style pool, residents lounge and gym. It launches on 18 March 2026 and apartments start from R2.1 million. Get all the details and find out how you can get R200 000 off on launch day.

This first-of-its-kind development brings together the ease and elegance of curated amenities with the discretion and comfort of premium private living. Image: The Charles

NEW SOMERSET WEST DEVELOPMENT

For decades, the Lord Charles Hotel has been one of Somerset West’s most recognisable landmarks, associated with weddings, long lunches on the terrace and polished hospitality. 

Now the property is evolving into something even more compelling: A luxury residential estate within its expansive, manicured grounds. Living at The Charles means your address comes with landscaped gardens maintained year-round, grand entrances, and a sense of arrival every time you drive home.

And there’s the lifestyle beyond the gates. Imagine walking to Waterstone Village for your weekly shop at Woolworths, meeting friends for lunch at Lourensford Wine Estate, or taking a sunset stroll along Strand Beach, all within minutes of your home. 

Top schools such as Curro are nearby, while Erinvale Golf Estate offers world-class fairways framed by mountain backdrops. You’re also just 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport – close enough for business, yet far enough from the city’s pace to switch off.

It’s Somerset West’s most anticipated address. Image: The Charles

STYLISH STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3-BEDROOM APARTMENTS

The 264-apartment complex is being brought to life by three respected development groups; UNIR Projects, IGUAL, and 181DevCo. These teams are behind multiple high-end residential projects across the Western Cape, such as Gorgeous George in Cape Town, the Embassy Towers in Sandton and Niche in Stellenbosch.

While many new developments cater towards smaller units, The Charles will have 127 two-bedrooms available (from R4.65 million) and a selection of three-bedrooms (from R6.85 million), each with two dedicated parking bays.

Phase one includes 178 apartments with a limited release of only five studios starting from R2 million and 24 one-bedroom units from R2.55 million (with a dedicated parking bay).

They’re designed with an eye for detail and a commitment to comfort. Image: The Charles

PLUS, GARDEN APARTMENTS

There is also a selection of garden apartments that include two bedrooms and three bedrooms, each offering a hedged garden ranging from 26m2 to 100m2. Prices start from R4.86 million.

It’s suburban convenience with lifestyle appeal. Image: The Charles

CURATED AMENITIES

The beauty of buying into The Charles is that everything you need is already built into your address. Leisure-led living isn’t an afterthought; it’s woven into the very fabric of the development.

This means you’ll have convenient access to the Lord Charles Hotel’s facilities, including St Andrews Pub, La Vigna Restaurant, and the spa, making everyday living feel like a permanent staycation.

A morning workout in the indoor gym can roll into coffee beneath the trees, while an afternoon swim in the resort-style pool replaces the need for a club membership across town.

The gardens are manicured and expansive, offering space to breathe without the upkeep of a freestanding home. And of course, 24/7 security, controlled access, CCTV surveillance and secure parking provide peace of mind.

The amenities are designed for well-being, leisure, productivity, and connection. Image: The Charles

BESPOKE PENTHOUSES

The crowning jewels of The Charles are two opulent penthouses, each occupying the top floor with uninterrupted views of False Bay and the surrounding Hottentots Holland and Helderberg mountain ranges.

Priced from R25 million, each one includes three parking bays, a storeroom and an expansive private terrace with a private swimming pool.

Those who opt for the penthouses are able to collaborate with the architectural team to create a bespoke rooftop residence designed to your taste and lifestyle. You’ll be able to add an additional bedroom, reconfigure the layout, or adjust the terrace footprint.

Whether you're looking for a spacious penthouse or a secure, easy-to-maintain studio, The Charles offers flexible living options tailored to your lifestyle. Image: The Charles

RARE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Charles is not designed for short-term letting. Instead, the opportunity lies in long-term capital growth and stable long-term rental returns. Capital growth in the broader Cape Town market has averaged at 10%, and Somerset West has tracked in line with these figures. 

Investors can benefit from an incredible R200 000 early discount for apartments reserved on launch. You can visit The Charles website to sign up and unlock your discount.

Another benefit of buying off-plan property is that the prices are VAT-inclusive, there are no transfer duties, and your purchase can qualify for Section 13Sex tax benefits if you own more than five new residential buy-to-let properties.

The Charles has also been thoughtfully designed to respond to Cape Town’s growing long-term rental market and the continued wave of semigration. Image: The Charles

WHAT TO DO FOR LAUNCH DAY: 18 MARCH 2026

You’ll need to create a secure profile to purchase a unit on launch day, which is 18 March 2026 at 1pm.

By creating an account, you’ll get access to floor plans, prices, and all the info you need to help you decide which unit suits you best. It’s an entire digital layout that you can explore from your couch.

Before launch day:

• Register via The Charles website

• View and browse the available units 

• Shortlist your favourite apartments 

• Get pre-qualified with BetterBond
  
  

On launch day (Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 1pm): 

• Log in before 1pm to The Charles website

• When sales go live, a reserve button will activate

• Start the reservation process by pressing the reserve button on your preferred unit

• Pay R10 000 reservation fee

• Sign the agreement of sale within 48 hours

Whether you’re looking to invest, live or lock-up-and-go, The Charles is Somerset West’s most anticipated address.

With a limited number of units and strong investment fundamentals, demand is expected to be swift and competitive. Image: The Charles

MORE ABOUT THIS LEISURE-LED INVESTMENT

The Charles is launching: Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 1pm
Price: From R2.1 million to R28 million
Find it: Corner Main Road (M9) & Broadway Boulevard, R44 | Somerset Wes
Contact: Via The Charles website

By Khadeeja Adams

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