The palatial compound where Pistorius could serve his sentence

It's not so much a prison as a palace - Oscar Pistorius would serve home detention in a three-storey homestead with a pool in Pretoria's most exclusive suburb.

Private guards were present when Nine News visited today.

South Africa's Corrections Office is recommending Pistorius serve three years at the mansion as punishment.

It now seems more than likely that Pistorius won't serve a single day behind bars for killing his lover, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day last year.

At times during the sentencing hearing overnight, witnesses detailed how he'd suffered as a result of the shooting.

The Bladerunner was facing up to fifteen years jail after being found guilty of culpable homicide, but severe overcrowding in South African jails means the court must now consider other penalties.

Being allowed back into the community is all important for Pistorius, with the court hearing he wants to return to training as soon as possible and resume his career as an international athletics star.

The sentence will most likely be handed down later this week.