There was not much fun but there were plenty of games in Memorial Square this morning. The Sheriff arrived to serve an eviction notice on the owners of Fat Susi’s. This giving them until 17h00 to move out lock stock and barrel.

Which all seems a little odd.

Apparently they were late with the rent and were, are  at best a month behind.  Nothing extraordinary in that. Most restaurants in town at this time of year are a little behind. Most are battling. But they had already paid half and had agreed to settle the balance with the managing agent on his return from Cape Town next week.

He duly left for Cape Town, the Sheriff arrived, he was not contactable. Coincidence? No just very typical of just how nasty Knysna can get. He is aware that Fat Susi’s is for sale and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit, to find out that he also managed the purchase, two years ago, at what can be politely referred to as an inflated price.

Then there is a new owner of the building who none of the tenants have yet met, let alone know about. This promises to be interesting.

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.

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

Black Waters River Lodge is a luxury riverside lodge offering 3 star Guest House accommodation in the pristine Goukamma river valley Knysna and it has recently been released to the market. Set in a beautiful country garden and indigenous forest. Offers easy access to Buffelsbaai as well as the lagoon and all the amenities Knysna can offer.

This is a rare investment property in one of the most attractive and sought after areas on the Garden Route.

Contact SUPPORT@KNYSNAREALTY.CO.ZA

[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)

Contact Mark 076 816 5611

Contact Sarah
044/3821631 / 0827576071