Knysna’s exquisite estate properties

If you’ve never been to Knysna, it’s high time you did so, because you won’t know what you’re missing until you do. On the other hand, if you’ve visited this lovely town, or taken a vacation in or near there, you’ve probably dreamed of living in Knysna permanently ever since, or retiring or owning a holiday property there, ideally in one of the town’s exclusive residential estates.

Buying or selling grand properties, such as those that are typically established in such estates, requires the assistance of property professionals who have expert knowledge and experience in this sector of the property market, as well as the know-how to satisfy its discerning clients’ property requirements.

One of South Africa’s most prestigious real estate agencies, Fine & Country South Africa, fits these professional requirements to a T, since Knysna and its inhabitants have come to expect and demand superior service from vendors with whom they transact, as well they should. Modern Knysna and the local populace are very different today from what they once were.

From sleepy hamlet to vibrant community

For a long time in the past, Knysna was a somewhat sleepy hamlet, functioning at a very leisurely pace, with a lifestyle to match. As more and more people discovered the wonders of this area, its popularity grew, as did the town itself. The town grew and the demand for exclusive properties increased.

Although it retains much of its ambience of old and certainly all of its beauty, today’s Knysna is home to a thriving community, flourishing commercial enterprises, excellent restaurants, booming tourism, magnificent homes and prestigious properties. Amongst the latter, one encounters luxurious residential lifestyle estates, a far cry from the days of the area’s original indigenous inhabitants – the Khoikhoi – and their ultra-simple way of life.

Khoikhoi and climate

Not much is known about the area way back during the time when it was occupied by the Khoikhoi, because the challenge of traversing the tall mountains and deep gorges immediately to the west of Knysna kept early European explorers away. “Knysna” is thought by some to refer to a Khoikhoi word meaning “ferns”.

Exquisite fern species are indigenous to the area. They grow prolifically in the dense Knysna forest. Knysna has a mild, temperate climate and a high annual rainfall, so the vegetation remains green throughout the year – perfect conditions for ferns and human habitation.

The arrival of European entrepreneurs

By 1860, Europeans arrived in Knysna. Soon thereafter, a British businessman, George Rex arrived. He is commonly credited with the founding of Knysna in 1871. Other settlers who were to become well known in the area included the Thesen family, who were en route to New Zealand when they stopped in at Knysna. Upon finding the area so much to their liking, the Thesens decided to stay.

They later established a successful timber sawmill on a local island that is known to this day as Thesen Island. The island is now a landmark and a tourist attraction.

Landmark attractions

The list of Knysna’s attractions could go on forever, but a few must be mentioned.

• Knysna Lagoon – the natural estuary of the Knysna River forms this huge lagoon, the breeding habitat of the renowned Knysna sea horses and one of the few places in the world where these tiny creatures procreate.

• Knysna Heads – two distinctive headlands through which the estuary’s water flows into the ocean. Sadly, many vessels and lives have been lost in attempts to pass between the heads.

• The Knysna Oyster Festival – this takes place in mid-year, annually. People travel from afar to partake of these outstanding delicacies and participate in the festivities.

• Magnificent golf estates and golf courses – Pezula, Simola and Knysna golf courses/estates – are on the bucket lists of a multitude of golfers and property owners.

This is truly when and where our expertise comes to the fore. As specialists in Knysna estate properties, we are your “go-to” people, so why wait? A blissful lifestyle awaits you.