Belvidere
Belvidere is probably the most beautiful suburb in Knysna. Situated on the western shore of the Knysna lagoon, Belvidere offers the most gorgeous views across the lagoon and towards the Knysna heads.
To make the most of these lagoon front properties in Knysna, Belvidere residents enjoy their own jetties from which they can launch their boats or do some lagoon fishing.
The peace and tranquillity of this area is legendary and the birdlife is prolific. Belvidere is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Knysna. The Knysna town centre is about ten minutes' drive away and the popular Brenton-on-Sea beach is only five minutes away. There are also several restaurants between Belvidere and Knysna, so enjoying a night out would never mean driving too far from home.
Old Belvidere was established in the 19th century. A 150 year old Anglican church is in the very centre of Old Belvidere - a copy of a Norman church in England. The communal village green in Belvidere is covered in wild flowers in the spring and the lovely shade from the enormous trees makes it a family and dog lover's paradise.
In the days before the "Knysna White Bridge", a ferry service was connecting Belvidere (from the Ferry House) with the town (The Point). The ferryman lived at Belvidere on the slope of the hill above Ferry House. He would be signalled from The Point by means of a white disc mounted on a pole, after which he would come down in his dinghy and row across the lagoon. In those days, when young people were invited to dance in Knysna, they would often canoe across in their evening frocks and tuxedos rolled up on their laps.
The prestigious Belvidere Estate within Belvidere was established 22 years ago. The gardens established back then are now all well matured, and the bauhinia, cape chestnut and coral trees are now in full glory. When in bloom, the coral trees near the jetties are an absolutely wonderful sight to everyone visiting the Garden Route and passing through town.
Levies in Belvidere Estate are only about R100 per month. The Belvidere Estate facilities include tennis courts, boat storage and even a retirement village. The Belvidere Manor Hotel dates back to the 19th century. The hotel offers great meals and cottages for rent to those who wish to visit Belvidere - either just for a short-term stay in Knysna or for a longer holiday in the Garden Route area. The conference facilities at Belvidere Manor Hotel are well equipped. The Bell pub is also a popular meeting point for Knysna locals and international tourists in Knysna.
Belvidere Heights is a fairly new development above Belvidere Estate, with twelve properties on nine hectares of hillside covered with famous South African fynbos. The views of the Knysna lagoon and the hills in the distance are magnificent.
Property prices in Belvidere, Knysna, range from R1 650 000 to R3 200 000 for stands (of which there are very few left) and from R1 750 000 to R20 000 000 for homes and B&Bs.
Belvidere properties are sought after for the neighbourhood's country feel, security and beautiful lagoon views. The permanent residents will tell you that they would never live anywhere else and foreigners regard their holiday homes in Belvidere as true gems in the South African property landscape.
- Residential Sale Property Ranging from R1,650,000 to R20,000,000
