Romantiese House

Romantiese House enjoys an exclusive waterside location in the delightful hamlet of Knoetzie on the Garden Route in Southern Africa. Knoetzie enjoys intoxicating scenery and a pristine, secluded, award-winning beach that lies in a hidden bay proudly encircled by attractive castles. The beach voted the third best in South Africa, is bordered by the dense, lush forest of the Sinclair Nature Reserve. The area boasts a large variety of flora and fauna and a tranquil estuary. Knoetzie is peaceful, beautiful and unspoilt. Many of the properties in the hamlet have been in the same family for generations.
 
The lively town of Knysna is just ten minutes away. It enjoys an endless list of activities, including the wonderful Eco-Trail a fabulous nature trail through the protected Sinclair Nature Reserve. From the beautiful Knysna Lagoon, you can head out through the breaking waves to look for whales or dolphins with an experienced skipper. Embracing the exquisite beautiful lagoon and surrounded by forests, the town was formally the centre of the timber industry, supplying yellowwood and stinkwood for railway lines, shipping and house-building. The town enjoys some unique shops specialising in woodwork and furniture, as well as plenty of wonderful artisan bakeries and local charcuteries. There are luxury spas for some welcome pampering and a wide array of restaurants, including seafood restaurants, family-run eateries, five-star restaurants and outdoor food stalls. You will experience live music, local craft beers, craft gin and plenty of oysters. With a rich history and proud cultural heritage, Knysna offers a lively atmosphere and a very warm welcome. You should not miss a boat trip on the lagoon, the Knysna Head viewpoints for astonishing panoramic vistas, a visit to Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Heads, alfresco dining at one of the many lagoonside restaurants and hiking or cycling in the Knysna forest.
 
Golfers enjoy the nearby Pezula Championship Golf Course or the other scenic championship golf courses within forty-five minutes. Pezula Golf Course is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and wonderful gardens. It stretches over 254 hectares on the Knysna clifftops, with breathtaking views of the Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The par 72 course is ideal for players of all levels and comes with luxury golf carts and flyover demos of each hole.
 
The Knysna Forest is a dreamy place sprinkled with gentle streams, towering trees and rare birds, a haven for birdwatchers. You can hike along one of the well-maintained trails, take a guided tour or take a body-powdered scooter. Guests enjoy family picnics under the majestic canopy and look out for birdlife and wildlife. You might even meet one of the famous forest elephants.
 
Knysna is at the centre of the Garden Route National Park Lakes Section, an area crisscrossed by rivers, lakes and estuaries. You can discover these amazing waterways by boat or canoe, enjoying the birdlife. Anglers can fish for dinner. The Knysna Lagoon is actually an estuary and natural home of the Knysna seahorse and where the famous Knysna oysters were first cultivated in the 1940s. Boat trips include water skiing, trips up the Knysna River and romantic sunset cruises. You might meet migrating whales, playful dolphins and much more marine life.
 
Not far away is the popular resort of Plettenberg Bay, or ‘Plett’ as it is commonly known. There are mountains, white sand and crystal clear, intoxicating blue water, which makes it one of the country’s top local tourist spots. It offers some of the best coast and indigenous forests in South Africa. The Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is wondrous. Kids love experiencing the magic of the African bush in two-hour game drives on the two-thousand, two-hundred-hectare reserve at the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The game rangers will enthral little ones with fascinating facts about the wildlife. The reserve is home to four of Africa’s famous Big 5. There are elephants, buffaloes, rhinos and leopards, as well as giraffes, zebra, hippos and crocodiles. There is abundant birdlife too.

Read more about Knysna

The idyllic town of Knysna - known as the jewel in the crown of the Garden Route - is situated in the Western Cape Province, approximately 500 kilometres east of Cape Town. Famed for its natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and a tranquil lagoon, Knysna has become a sought-after destination for both local and international travellers.

Knysna sits between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, creating a landscape that seamlessly combines dramatic mountains, lush forests, and coastal scenery. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks are the two dramatic sandstone cliffs, the Knysna Heads, that guard the entrance to the beautiful Knysna Lagoon. The lagoon itself is a haven for water enthusiasts, its pristine waters offering a tranquil setting for sailing, fishing, water-skiing and kayaking. The Knysna Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity, lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It's a perfect place to shop for local crafts, and enjoy a meal with a view overlooking sapphire waters of the lagoon.

The vibrant food scene, featuring a mix of international and local cuisine, invites food enthusiasts to delight in diverse dishes and flavours. Knysna is renowned for its seafood due to its coastal location, and local restaurants offer a variety of fresh catches. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival celebrates the delicious oysters that the region is famed for.

The Knysna Forest is part of the larger Garden Route National Park and is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, providing a wonderful playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore this verdant paradise through various hiking trails, immersing themselves in over 50 varieties of indigenous trees and vibrant birdlife. You’ll find hiking trails that cater to various fitness levels, from easy strolls to more challenging routes. The Elephant Walk and Garden of Eden are particularly popular trails, leading through ancient forests and showcasing the region's rich biodiversity.

The Featherbed Nature Reserve is located on the Western Headland of the Knysna River Estuary. Accessible by ferry, this pristine reserve is a slice of paradise that only controls visitor numbers to protect the area's unique flora and fauna. The panoramic views from the top are a reward for those who make the journey.

Spa resorts and wellness centres offer rejuvenating experiences, allowing visitors to unwind amidst the natural beauty of the region. For adrenaline seekers, Knysna offers opportunities for paragliding, zip-lining, and mountain biking, providing an exhilarating way to experience the diverse landscapes. In essence, Knysna is a versatile destination that combines natural beauty, outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and cultural experiences. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, Knysna has something special to offer.