THE WEDDING VENUE
SUMMER PLACE
"ONCE YOU HAVE TASTED
PERFECTION, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SETTLE FOR
ANYTHING LESS"
SUMMER PLACE - THE EAGLE HAS LANDED
The famous South African landmark, Summer Place in exclusive Melville Road Hyde Park, is today a world-class executive business, banqueting and conference centre. The story of its transformation from luxury dwelling to a business centre of unrivalled excellence is both colourful and of great
historical interest.
When Marino Chiavelli brought this prime 3,26 ha property in Johannesburg's exclusive suburb of Hyde Park in 1984, he spared no expense to ensure that the dwelling he built would be one of the most imposing private residences, not just in this country, but also in the entire world.
The staff block boasted a covered walkway of marble and Italian tiles to the main house. The spectacular, remodelled outside pool featured a privately commissioned sculpture by internationally renowned sculptor, Danie de Jager of Apollo, the dragon, horses and maidens, created as a classical fountain. The underground wine cellar had storage for 5 000 bottles. The stone eagles perched on the high walls surrounding the premises gave the property a unique and distinctive air.
Chiavelli even bought the elegant adjoining house of the late Edward and Zoë Bateman, raising it to the ground, to create a rose garden. Graciously, he left the Batemans with sufficient ground to build a much smaller property, with its new entrance in Upfill Road. He bought another luxury house nearby as accommodation for his housekeeper and staff.
Then as now, Summer Place was constantly in the news. Chiavelli proved himself to be the flamboyant party giver. Often, his smiling face as he surrounded himself by a bevy of beauty queens, graced the society pages of the local newspapers. In particular The Sunday Times, which in those days hosted the Miss South Africa pageant.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to end. Through some ill-fated oil dealings and a major lawsuit with a prominent Johannesburg businessman, Chiavelli lost all his money and died a pauper.
Once you've tasted perfection, it's difficult to settle for anything less.
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