1,27Ha Nature Lover''s retreat with 5 self catering cottages and a house bordering the natural indigenous Homtini forest of the Garden Route National Park
Your Oasis in Nature''s Embrace - Forest Edge Cottages, a unique lifestyle investment
The epitome of peaceful tranquility, Forest Edge Cottages is the award-winning premier nature-lovers retreat offering quaintly styled self-catering accommodation perfectly located in the Rheenendal district bordering the natural, indigenous forest spanning the Homtini river, a short drive to Buffallo Bay (offering amongst the best beach bathing in South Africa) and 17 kms away as the crow flies from the bustling town of Knysna, the glamorous destination heart of the world-renowned Garden Route.
This enchanting property offers a rare opportunity to own a slice of paradise generating income while living a quality lifestyle in unspoilt nature with attractions aplenty for your guests from whale watching to exploring fynbos and forest walks in the shadow of the majestic Outeniqua mountain range, craft markets, oyster feasting, fine dining and much more in between, for many happy returns.
Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the extraordinary. Forest Edge Cottages is the end property (no passing traffic) on the rural road past the Goudveld entrance to the Garden Route National Park beckoning with the promise of secluded serenity. Each cottage is strategically positioned giving guests and the owner privacy within the lush, indigenous treed property, providing an exclusive retreat surrounded by the calming sounds of nature.
Wake up to the gentle rustle of leaves, butterfly flits and the symphony of bird songs. The property boasts access to hiking and mountain biking trails, allowing visitors to explore the enchanting Homtini forest (not only home to the famed Knysna elephant but also the striking Knysna Loerie - now named Knysna Turaco scarce colourful Narina Trogon and other bird species) and adjacent renowned Drupkelders hiking trail through indigenous forest to magnificent rock pools and waterfall, at their leisure.
Picture yourself enjoying morning coffee on your private veranda, then socialising with select breakfast guests from all over the world while enveloped in the serene beauty of the deck overlooking the Lily Pond . The dawn chorus of birds certainly add to that experience, whether they are honeymooners or golden age romantics, adventure seekers or families.
The feature Lily Pond breakfast deck at Forest Edge is a charming and idyllic spot that invites guests to start their day surrounded by the beauty of nature. Set against the backdrop of a tranquil lily pond, this covered 40-seater outdoor deck provides a serene and picturesque setting for enjoying a leisurely sociable breakfast.
The 5 well-appointed self-catering cottages consist of 2 bedrooms (each sleep 4-6 guests), open planned, fully equipped kitchen (with stove, fridge, microwave, crockery, cutlery and braai utensils), dining and lounge area, bathroom with Victorian style bath, separate toilet, covered verandah, outside shower, outdoor braai (barbeque) and dining table under the stars. Architected in the historic corrugated iron style but with durable Chromadek cladding again finding use in modern rustic chic design, they are a testament to architectural finesse so appropriate in this rural setting. Privately positioned in established, indigenous treed garden setting cleared of all alien vegetation, and crafted with attention to detail, these homes seamlessly blend rustic charm with modern comforts. The cozy cabins with fireplaces for intimate getaways are also ideal for family retreats, each residence is a private haven. (luxury cottages have efficient-burning closed cast iron units)
The main house, the owners and managers reception and accommodation is perfectly situated for seclusion from the guest cottages, whilst having a key position on the property for easy management. The home consists of a spacious lounge and fully equipped open plan kitchen with a gas stove and serving counter. The sleeping quarters upstairs comprise a master bedroom with separate wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, and 2nd bedroom opening to a large, covered balcony, with a 2nd bathroom downstairs. The lounge opens onto the covered verandah and private garden with the beautiful Homtini forest as a backdrop. Next to the verandah there is a boma with fire pit / BBQ area with ample seating.
The reception area and managers flatlet in the main building has a completely separate entrance. Here the discerning travelers are most hearty welcomed and made to feel at home straight away. From here, its only a small walk (or drive) to the guest cottages with their own ample parking areas.
Forest Edge Cottages offer more than just a home they provide an income generating quality lifestyle. Engage in various recreational activities, from hiking and bird watching to meditation walks or massages that rejuvenate the mind and body. The property is designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life, both indoors and outdoors.
Forest Edge Cottages present a great investment opportunity combined with an active lifestyle set in tranquil nature. When you seek a private retreat and an income-generating property through cottage rentals, the allure of this unique enclave is undeniable.
The business with sound audited financials is well established through the years and has a proven track record with OTAs, local and international tour operators. Purchase of property and business assets optimally structured so that Transfer Duty Payable on the Property portion only, VAT Registered Business.
The accommodation retreat has won numerous awards, such as a 9.0 superb rating on Booking . com and a 9.3 location rating 99% review rating on TripAdvisor with it having made the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame in 2018 and the AA Travel award for 3 years running as the best self-catering cottages in SA. In addition, it has won 5 international and 7 national awards.
Forest Edge Cottages redefines quality living in the Rheenendal district, Knysna. This is your opportunity to own not just a property but a lifestylean escape to nature''s embrace, where every moment is a celebration of tranquility and refined living.
Don''t miss out on the opportunity to make Forest Edge Cottages your own. Kindly contact us today to embark on a journey where quality of life meets nature, and home becomes a sanctuary.
INFRASTRUCTURE FEATURES
Resilient well maintained infrastructure includes
Water is stored in 65 000 litres of rainwater tanks and a 65 000 litre reservoir tank pumped by 2 water pumps
3 earth dams (about 120 000+ litres capacity) with Tilapia fish and water lilies
Additional twin-impeller water pump in perennial stream
Borehole with newly replaced pump
ESKOM 3-phase power source from a few erfs away with a rewound electric transformer and high-voltage cable
Gravity Feed water Tank System if Eskom goes down
Generator on site
Large custom-built dual septic system and high-functioning soak-away and bio-treatment of gray water
Large organic communal fruit and vegetable garden, with electrified fencing infrastructure to secure all from monkeys etc (not currently in use)
Toolsheds with comprehensive range of large and small tools and spares
Ample stocks of durable luxury Linen and Consumables Desktop PC, printer, Wifi router in Reception
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POINTS OF INTEREST
For those not familiar with the region so much to do in the area to keep your guests coming back
The Garden Route National Park (GRNP)
proclaimed on 6th March 2009 and includes the former:
Tsitsikamma National Park (1964)
Wilderness National Park (1983)
Knysna Lakes Area (1985)
Location and extent of the GRNP
Groeneweide Forest in the West, almost to Kareedouw in the East
160 642 Ha approx 1 210km
Terrestrial vegetation covers three biomes:
Fynbos
Indigenous forest (35 765.4 ha from sea level to over 1 000m most occurring on the coastal plateau and mountain foothills
Azonal coastal vegetation
1 635 plant species recorded in the park representing 688 genera, 198 families and includes a number of red data species
GOUDVELD SECTION of the GRNP
Goudveld / Millwood is home to celebrated local author Dalene Mathee memorial and Big tree (+- 880year old Outeniqua Yellowwood) Jubilee Creek picnic site, the Millwood Gold mine historic visitors attraction and the Drupkelders hiking trail (a 3.5km indigenous forest walk to the magnificent rock pools and waterfall in the Homtini River offering deep, cola-coloured waters to cool off in and waterfall to clamber up next to)
Dalene Matthee
Dalene Matthee was a South African author best known for her four Forest Novels, written in and around the Knysna Forest. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Hebrew and Icelandic, and over a million copies have been sold worldwide. The four Forest Novels are:
Kringe in ''n bos (Circles in a Forest) (1984)
Fiela se Kind (Fiela''s Child) (1985)
Moerbeibos (The Mulberry Forest) (1987)
Toorbos (Dream Forest) (2003)
Matthee''s ashes are scattered at Krisjan-se-Nek, one of her favourite places in the Knysna Forest. In 2008, a memorial was erected here in her memory and the 800+ year-old Yellowwood tree standing at that location was renamed Dalene Matthee Big Tree. The name of the hiking trail starting at Krisjan-se-Nek is now called the Circles in a Forest Trail
South Coast climatic region of South Africa:
Temperate or moderate climate with warm summers & mild winters
FYNBOS
Fynbos is a small belt of natural shrubland or heathland vegetation between mountain and ocean, known for its exceptional degree of biodiversity and endemism, consisting of about 80% (8,500 fynbos) species of the Cape floral kingdom, where nearly 6,000 of them are endemic (only exists in that region) Brushing through these bushes releases many scents: heady dried herbs, wildflowers, pungent spice and more. This is fynbos, the Afrikaans word meaning fine-leaved plants.
Few towns can claim the distinction of having animals named for them Knysna has the most - five: the Knysna seahorse, the Knysna chameleon, 3 of them are birds, namely the Knysna Warbler, the Knysna Turaco, and the Knysna Woodpecker.
Birding in Knysna National Lake Area
More than 280 species of birds are listed in and around Knysna Estuary (known locally as the Knysna Lagoon) and many water birds abound Thesen Islands, Steenbok Park and further afield at Groenvlei and Swartvlei Lakes along the Rheendal Ramble.
ADVENTURE
On Forest Edge doorstep:
Drupkelders hike starts at the Forest Edge gate. Combine a demanding 3.5km indigenous forest hike with a visit to magnificent rock pools in the Homtini River in the Knysna Forest. These massive rock pools offer deep, cola-coloured waters to cool off in and even a waterfall to clamber up next to (to another series of pools).
Homtini Cycle Trail: This mountain biking trail includes single-track sections, it is 19 km long and there is a 3km tough climb. There is scenic high forest, fynbos and plantations. There is a swimming spot just before a very tough climb that can take up to 40 min to crest.
Further afield:
Come and play in our forests and hit Knysnas forest trails in your shoes or on your bike, or explore the interconnected rivers and lakes. Catch world-class surfing at Buffalo Bay and snorkelling, fishing or kitesurfing at internationally renowned beaches. Swap the kite for a sail and soar over Sedgefield, a paragliders paradise. Hike through famous Cape fynbos or take a more leisurely stroll while playing some of Africas best golf courses. Knysna has something for everyone from the very young to the well matured and for every size, shape and temperament. from Visit Knysna website
MTO Trails Garden Route
Spread Across the garden route, MTO Trails offers a wide range of activities for all trail users from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay across to the Crags and through to Stormsriver. With over 42 km of Singletrack and over 700 km of Jeep Track youll have plenty of trails to explore on foot or on a mountain bike. Buy your permit to enjoy the trails
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