Knysna Property | Real Estate | Houses, Flats, Apartments, Vacant Land

Knysna takes its name from a Khoi word, but the exact meaning is uncertain, either ‘place of wood’ or ‘straight down’. The latter is an obvious reference to the Knysna Heads, which must be one of the most striking geological features along the entire African coastline. The two great sandstone cliffs border a deep and potentially treacherous channel through which the Atlantic Ocean floods into a wide and breathtakingly beautiful lagoon at the Knysna River mouth. Situated on the world famous Garden Route in the Western Cape, many of the Knysna properties available are situated alongside the lagoon.

The history of this popular seaside resort dates back to the year 1804 when George Rex arrived in the area, a man rumoured to be the illegitimate son of King George III. He bought the Melkhoutkraal estate on the shores of the lagoon and relocated his entire family, which included a considerable entourage. The move inspired an influx of settlers to this part of the coast, which developed into a rush when alluvial gold was first discovered in Knysna in 1885. The Milkwood Gold Mines are an interesting historical attraction that can still be seen today and Jubilee Creek, which marks the original spot where gold was found, is now a tranquil picnic area with access to stunning forest walks.

Knysna has fast become one of the Western Cape’s most popular holiday and retirement destinations blessed with a breathtaking lagoon and a landscape flush with forest vegetation. A lookout has been erected on the Eastern Head and commands spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna. The Western Head is privately owned and houses the Featherbed Bay Nature Reserve, which supports a wealth of bird and animal species. To top it off, the lagoon is one of very few places along the South African coast that forms home to an oyster hatchery. The oysters here are reputedly among the tastiest in the world and are extremely popular in both local and export markets.

Knysna is home to the largest indigenous forest in South Africa and comprises a range of local and exotic tree species, from stinkwood and yellowwood, to blackwood and ironwood, white alder and Cape chestnut. The ferns and creepers provide a wonderful green collage, which is spotted with vibrant colour during the wild flower season. Once home to great herds of elephant, it is believed that only one lowly cow still remains today.

Whether you are looking to laze on the beach and soak up the sun at Buffalo Bay, spend time in the Knysna Waterfront, dine out at the many top restaurants, or take to the waters of the lagoon in a private yacht, there is something to suit every taste or walk of life in Knysna.

Knysna property is viewed as some of the most sought after properties on the Garden Route. Here you will find something for everyone, from modest flats and apartments to modern mansions on the lagoon and stylish golf estates. Jawitz Knysna also has some vacant land options which are seen as great opportunities for investors or those looking to build their dream home in Knysna.

Area Info: Knysna

Why buy property in Knysna?