Why no info on the Knysna By Pass?

CXpress  6/5/2009

The draft EIA sets out three options for the bypass route, and it is proposed that DEAT should decide if a northerly, upcountry route should be investigated – further away from Knysna with longer access roads.
The ‘forest’ route is not recommended for further consideration, due to the considerable negative impacts it may have on the natural environment and the higher associated costs.
Two main routes are being proposed by SANRAL:
• The ‘Proposed’ 31.3km route from Groenvlei to Bracken Hill, to be composed of 8.5km of the existing N2 from the Groenvlei to the Buffels Bay intersections, and 22.8km of new road from Buffels Bay to Bracken Hill.
• The ‘Short’ 31.3km route that runs from Groenvlei to Bracken Hill via White Bridge, to be composed of 14.1km of the existing N2 between Groenvlei and White Bridge, and 17.2km of new road from White Bridge to Bracken Hill.
SANRAL suggests construction should take place in two phases on both options.
There are seven alternative sites for interchanges or access points and their associated link roads to existing roads. These are (from east to west) Bracken Hill, Springfield, Uniondale, Concordia, Salt River, Eastford, White Bridge, Rheenendal and Buffels Bay. These interchanges would be either half or full “diamond” interchanges.

Ask any property professional for the three most important components in determining the value of a property and the answer will be “Location, location and location.”  Exclusivity, benefits, demand, and availability all determine the value of a specific location. It is therefore no surprise that Knysna, that offers all these elements, has, and always will, place a premium on properties in this Jewell of the Garden Route.

Prior to the current recession owner expectations placed properties in Knysna beyond the reach of most would be property owners.  The recession, the escalations in rates and taxes, holding costs, and other cost escalations have however changed the situation dramatically, and anyone who has ever aspired to owning property in this beautiful coastal town would be well advised to take advantage of the current financial climate and drastically reduced asking prices, to realise that goal.

Vacant stands on exclusive lifestyle estates are changing hands at 50% of the 2005 / 06 acquisition cost.  Town houses and other properties are being auctioned and sold for less than the outstanding bonds, and property owners will readily enter into negotiations at a lot less than their 2008 /09 asking prices.

But cost is only one component of any decision to relocate to Knysna, and in most cases it is not the critical consideration. What is important is the lifestyle that Knysna affords the residents. The choices of being close to the water or tucked against indigenous forest, being in or near the CBD, or a little further in a rural environment, choosing an amazing view or simply being in a community where walking and cycling are a delight, provide enough scope for the most discerning tastes. And no matter what the choice is, one is always just a few minutes scenic and uncontested  drive, from town.  Even peak hour travelling is no longer a hassle now that the new lagoon drive has been built.

Easy access to mountains, forests, rivers, beaches, with walks and cycle facilities that bring thousands of people to the town every year.

The pace is slow, the climate mild Mediterranean. The air is refreshing and clean and the frenetic urgency of city life non existent.

Many of those who visit this incredible town as tourists or visitors eventually become residents, and those who do seldom have any desire to return to their previous places of residence, with the exception of those who fail to take informed decisions about the business environment in Knysna.

There is a magic to the town and it’s surroundings, and the jaded, stressed, deadline chasing executives and employees who seek the balm of silence, the subtle enchantment of waves and sand, forests and streams, or the exhilaration of the view from a mountain top after an enchanting hike, are easily convinced to stay, and live, in this tiny piece of paradise.

Contributed by Peter Dijkstra who offers information on property investments in Knysna and who runs a web site Knysna Properties for Sale

Who is offering rental and property management services in Knysna?

[edit 06/01/11] Sold

Situated next to the world famous “Garden Of Eden” reserve (4 Hectares cleared ground suitable for grape vines). 600m2 Spa House / Wellness Centre (Cape Dutch Design), fully fitted with 10 treatment rooms, multiple spa baths and specialized showers. Also including large conference / board room with multiple kitchen facilities.
424m2 main residence (luxury log home with beautiful outlook). Huge undercover parking. Prime natural environment setting with landscaped gardens tended to by permanent staff / caretakers. Large Patio with multiple outdoor pools.
Reception area with 8 en-suite double bedrooms, fully equipped and ready to be operated as boutique hotel or simplified B&B or Guest House.
All top class condition / A steal at far under replacement cost.
Contact Mickey Shaked for details or inspection (082 3498653)

Buffalo Bay lies half way between Knysna & Sedgefield. It is a small holiday village offering families a craggy shoreline and windswept beaches on “the Wild Side” with  safe swimming and superb surfing on the other. Properties are mostly  unpretentious holiday homes and are tightly held. Dolphins are frequently spotted and Southern Right whales visit this section of the Cape coast annually between May & November. The white sandy beach curves gently round to Brenton on Sea and it is a favorite walk for many Knysna locals. There are numerous other walking trails which include one along the Goukamma river through the Goukamma Nature Reserve which stretchs from Buffalo Bay to Groenvlei near Sedgefield.

Contact Mark 076 816 5611

We are interested in selling our propery which is a small Lodge and boutique backpacker. We would like to sell it as a going concren with all the fixtures and fittings

Contact Sarah
044/3821631 / 0827576071

For luxury accommodation, This Guest House and Restaurant offers the most luxurious accommodation in the Garden Route. The accommodation is built in a contemporary classic design. The simple clean lines provide an uncluttered background for the elaborate and colorful décor. Designed around the patio and pool, all the public areas face on to this area where spectacular views can be enjoyed.

A fabulous foyer sets the scene for the ravishing interior. Ascending the elegant staircase, one enters the foyer on the 1st floor where the bedrooms are situated, each one massive. A mood of luxury and grandeur is created by the plush carpets and custom made furnishings.

The bathrooms are equally as big with soft earthy hues and chrome fittings. There is no better accommodation to choose from than This Boutique Guest House and Restaurant in the idyllic fabulous Garden Route.
This Boutique Guest House consists of ten luxurious en suite bedrooms, each one furnished in a classical style. Each room has a balcony and is equipped with hairdryers, bar fridges, tea/coffee trays, safes, telephones and DSTV.
Each en suite contains heated towel rails and bidets, six of the bedrooms have baths and showers and four have showers only.
Contact Manie 084 826 0978

Two recently completed luxury homes par excellence 550m2 each, situated on sizeable grounds in greatly sought after, access controlled golf estates, built by well-known developer.
Each exquisitely furnished, all of which is included, and the finest finishes available.
Both with spectacular ocean views, these properties have to be seen to appreciate the style, luxury and location.
Contact Pat 083 357 5382, or Marie 082 784 9833. POR