Every four years the world goes mad with football fever and this year all eyes are turned to South Africa. For many fans this will be their first taste of this beautiful country but for the discerning property buyer with an eye for quality, this year could be the first visit of many with a winning opportunity in Knysna joining the likes of Roger Federer, Ernie Els and Nick Price in your overseas holiday home.
The Garden Route runs along the southern coast of South Africa for some 396 km and is a memorable journey through intense, verdant landscapes, from the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town to “The Friendly City” of Port Elizabeth. The area offers extreme diversity from unspoilt beaches to ancient forests and National Parks. Nestled approximately half way along this majestic coast line rests the town of Knysna. It is one of the southern Cape coast´s best known and popular holiday destinations.
Knysna and The Garden Route has a Mediterranean maritime climate, with moderately hot summers and mild winters. Any time of the year is good for visiting the area, depending if you enjoy a peaceful retreat during the winter months, or a bustling holiday destination during the summer. South Africa as a whole is such an easy place to travel to as it only has a one hour time difference with the UK taking away the threat of tiresome jet lag.
Knysna itself has many attractions in the surrounding area, one of the most spectacular being the Knysna Forest, the largest indigenous forest in South Africa comprising of tall and ancient trees of local and exotic species. Animal life is limited to a few small antelope and a large variety of birds, such as the famous Knysna Loerie. Home to the once great herds of Knysna Elephants, it is believed that only one lonely cow remains today. A visit to South Africa is not complete for many travellers without a visit to a game reserve – easily accomplished from Knynsa where there are several opportunities to catch a glimpse of the ‘big 5’.
If a golf buggy is more your style than a safari jeep then the Simola Golf and Country Estate is probably the most desirable golf address in Africa. A Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course on South Africa’s Garden Route coast offering a lifestyle unsurpassed anywhere in the world. It is here you will find “The Theatre of dreams” – over 8000 square feet of opulent, luxury living. This property has undoubtably been built for a celebrity type lifestyle. The design of the house is contemporary and dramatic, cantilevered off the hillside, it is split over four levels with strong elements of stone and glass. The spaces are visually connected but separated by various water features resulting in a calming, tranquil feeling which compliments the internal spaces.
Simola is Knysna´s newest upmarket development and no expense has been spared in unlocking its true potential. All who visit, play or live at Simola applaud it rapturously. Jack Nicklaus designed the stunning signature 18-hole golf course around the lush indigenous vegetation and forests and the result is one of the most stunning new courses of the millennium set over a 325ha estate. The five star hotel, which opened last December has an exceptional spa and restaurant with views that are arguably the best in Knysna.Theatre of Dreams is priced at £1,757,500. For more information please visit www.bw-international.com or call 01344 843000.