review
K
nysna has it all. It’s the perfect balance of good
infrastructure with wide-open space, between natural beauty and ease of access. You can play golf
in the morning, surf in the afternoon, go sailing or
fishing in the evening, and then dine in a fabulous
restaurant. And the next day do it all over again substituting
mountain biking, hiking or paddling – and then you can end
it all by riding off into the sunset on a horse – along a beach with the wind in your hair.
Backed by tangled forests with sunny open stretches of fragrant
fynbos, the town is built around the beautiful lagoon formed
where the Knysna River dawdles a bit before it forces its way
out to sea. The lagoon is a great place for fishing, paddling,
swimming, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving, and is home
to two interesting little creatures. Actually, one is interesting and
guy that hangs out in the long swaying sea grass – basically
just chilling, checking out the view. And the other one – the
delicious one – needs no introduction. Knysna oysters have
their 15 minutes of fame during the annual oyster festival in July,
but they are to be found in fashionable restaurants all year. A
boat trip through the Heads will reward you with sightings of
bigger beasts – seals, dolphins and whales. The forests, too,
are inhabited by wondrous beasts big and small – the elusive
Knysna elephants, blue duikers, colourful Knysna turacos
(formerly called loeries) and the spectacular Narina trogon that
gets most birders hot under the collar.
Affectionately known as The Heads, two rugged sandstone cliffs
guard the entrance to the lagoon from the sea. And high on top
of the eastern one, is a special place – Pezula Golf Estate.
A little piece of heaven where you can live nestled among
the fynbos within walking distance of the renowned Pezula
Championship Course. The 71-par park/links-style course was
designed by the Californian duo Ronald Fream and David Dale
of Golfplan, who based the design on Gleneagles in Scotland
to capitalise on the similarity in scenery. The central clubhouse
offers a pro facility and shop as well as a restaurant and bar.
Both the restaurant and bar area open up onto a large veranda
were you are able to admire the view while you enjoy an ice
cold drink and call your broker to ensure your hole-in-one cover is
in place. But sometimes, you have to work, so you’ll be pleased
to hear Pezula Golf Estate offers fully equipped conference
7
ESTATE REVIEW
the other is delicious. The Knysna sea horse is a mellow little