Perched above Clifton’s pristine shores, 21 Nettleton houses one of Cape Town’s most extraordinary private art collections. Here, ancient Chinese artefacts share space with contemporary South African masterpieces, creating an unprecedented dialogue between cultures, centuries, and artistic visions.
A Legacy of Artistic Vision
Owner Hugo Jankowitz’s passion for art transforms every space within 21 Nettleton into a living gallery. Hugo shares his love for travel and culture with discerning guests in search of the unique. Every corner of the hotel showcases a gem to be admired. From contemporary South African masterpieces to ancient Asian artefacts, our collection spans continents and centuries, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry that makes Cape Town a global arts destination.
Where Eclectic Meets Elegant
Our collection defies traditional categorisation. In the entrance hall, Chinese Xi’an warriors stand guard, their ancient forms contrasting with contemporary South African sculptures. Mediaeval European tapestries share space with bold modern paintings, creating unexpected dialogues across time and culture. Our expansive collection holds something for every art lover.
Celebrating South African Artistry
Local talent takes centre stage throughout our boutique hotel. Works by renowned South African artists like Francois Krige adorn our walls, while masterfully crafted gates by Conrad Hicks act as a sentinel to the hotel. These showpieces capture the essence of the Cape’s dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From vivid paintings to intricate steelworks, each artwork provides a window into South Africa’s dynamic artistic soul.
Art as Architecture
The fusion of art and architecture at 21 Nettleton creates an immersive gallery experience. Our grand staircase, itself an architectural masterpiece, guides guests through an ever-changing gallery. Every step unfolds a new tale of bygone eras. The Main Landing Collection welcomes guests with a stunning array of artistic treasures, anchored by the magnificent 19th-century ‘Roman Thinking Soldier’ by Joseph Michel-Ange Pollet. Golden leaf-gilded frames from Louis XV’s era cradle exquisite French artworks, setting the tone for the artistic journey ahead. Each space within our walls offers new discoveries, with carefully positioned artworks that complement both the interior design and the stunning views of the Twelve Apostles and Atlantic Ocean.
A Journey Through Our Curated Suite
While our common spaces showcase the breadth of our collection, each of our six suites offers an intimate gallery experience. These private sanctuaries blend carefully selected artworks with luxurious comfort, creating unique themed environments that enhance your stay.
Lion's Head Room: A Safari of Artistryt
Overlooking its namesake mountain, Lionshead, this room blends Arab and Jewish artistry with Renaissance influences. An exquisite Camel-bone Dowry Chest from Essaouira, Morocco, sits proudly beneath an ornate cabinet, keeping to nomadic traditions, while autumn colours splash against muted backgrounds. A Bronze urn, a cornerstone in the annals of Indian history, and Alessandra Désolé’s canvas painting, Wind, transport guests through time, completed by Middle Eastern artworks that whisper tales of the Sahara.
King Room: Royal Refinement
Overlooking its namesake mountain, Lionshead, this room blends Arab and Jewish artistry with Renaissance influences. An exquisite Camel-bone Dowry Chest from Essaouira, Morocco, sits proudly beneath an ornate cabinet, keeping to nomadic traditions, while autumn colours splash against muted backgrounds. A Bronze urn, a cornerstone in the annals of Indian history, and Alessandra Désolé’s canvas painting, Wind, transport guests through time, completed by Middle Eastern artworks that whisper tales of the Sahara.
Queen Suite: Floral Elegance
An open, warm space where floral patterns dance with 1800s farm scenes. A striking Flemish tapestry, renowned for its quality and colouration, crowns a hand-carved desk. The suite houses a piece of Cape Town history in its military chest, while the whimsical “Giraffe in Drag” evokes the strong and wild untamed beauty of Africa. Come and indulge in the artworks whispering tales with shy glances while enjoying the grand bathtub, the perfect vantage point.
Emperor Suite: Eastern Majesty
Step into a realm where warrior kings once dwelled. Featuring a Jade Horse sculpture, exquisitely carved and reminiscent of the 3rd century BC, the Emperor Suite stands as a testament to ancient dynasties and mystical traditions. Marble Herculean statues stand alongside traditional Chinese “Wumu” mirror frames with their distinctive black and gold inlays. Dutch-influenced cabinetry bridges East and West, while Zulu Stick fighters by Keith Calder are frozen in bronze.
Steinway Suite: Musical Sophistication
Named for its crowning jewel, a 1934 Steinway Grand Piano, this suite celebrates Western European elegance. Sixteenth-century French chests dialogue with Turkish tapestries, while jade sculptures of saints watching over the Great Wall of China add Eastern mystique. The room’s Euro-eclectic design evokes memories of parlour parties and musical soirées, inviting you to step back in time.
Penthouse Suite: A Temporal Journey
The pinnacle of 21 Nettleton’s artistic vision, where African rugs meet Western European paintings and Eastern jade dragons. Traditional Pixiu dragons guard the entrance, protecting prosperity. A Biedermeier daybed shares space with French lounging furniture, while Renaissance artwork in leaf-gilded frames adorn the walls. Even the wallpaper tells a story, featuring early 20th-century architectural designs. The Penthouse Suite calls you to travel through time and enjoy one of Europe’s most exciting ages come to life.
At 21 Nettleton, art transcends mere decoration to become an essential part of your stay. Each piece in our collection invites contemplation, sparks conversation, and enriches your experience of Cape Town’s cultural landscape. From intimate suite galleries to our grand common spaces, every moment offers a new artistic discovery.
We invite you to become part of our ongoing artistic narrative. Book your stay at 21 Nettleton, where luxury accommodation meets museum-quality curation in Cape Town’s most exclusive art hotel.
