Area Profile / Agent Q&A - Garden Route

Our internationally lauded Garden Route is full of beautiful areas where you can buy high-end properties, whether you prefer seaside views or tree-lined suburbs. We're chatting to our Garden Route Area Specialist, Simon Harris, about which areas to focus on when you're in the market for a new home in this part of the Western Cape and what sets these areas apart from the rest of the Garden Route.

Q: When looking for a property along the beautiful Garden Route, which areas in particular would you recommend?

A: The areas that stand out would be Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield with each offering its own set of attractions and charm, catering to different buyers from different regions.  Traditionally, Knysna has always been favoured by Capetonians who seem to be drawn to the peaceful country setting that Knysna offers, as opposed to Plettenberg Bay which is a more traditional coastal town offering wide, sandy beaches favoured by those from up-country.  The appeal of Sedgefield is for those seeking a quieter pace of life: not for nothing is its nickname "the Slow Town".

Q: What sort of properties will you find in these areas?

A: A vast assortment of properties from affordable one-bedroom apartments to trophy mansions that dot the cliff faces along the coast, with stupendous views.  The beauty of this part of the world is that within a relatively small geographical location one can obtain everything from riverside farms, mountain log cabins, lagoon or sea views or a forested setting.  Knysna, in particular, is well-known for its timber history and a plethora of timber homes. Indigenous forests can also be found around the town where, rumour has it, the Knysna elephants still roam.

Q: What areas are currently the most popular with buyers?

A: At this particular moment, Pezula Golf Estate offers great value within a secure golfing estate, positioned on a clifftop with many properties featuring outstanding sea or lagoon views which are proving very attractive to the numerous out-of-town buyers we are currently assisting.  Traditional favourites in Knysna such as Leisure Isle, Thesen Island and Simola still hold true.  A newer suburb of Plett, like Robberg, is showing to be very popular, known for its outstanding views over the bay and easy beach access. In Sedgefield the likes of Myoli and Cola Beach offer seaside living at a more affordable price point.

Q: You mentioned out-of-town buyers, what is drawing people to the area?

A: Traditionally, the appeal has been the more relaxed, simpler way of life with lower crime levels where children still play in the streets and neighbours are friendly.  With the advent of the recent global pandemic, our advanced infrastructure has allowed us to take full advantage of the "semigration" trend and those looking to work remotely.  This is supported by Fibre access being aggressively laid across the Eden District.  Furthermore, something that we do notice in this part of the world are commuting families choosing to base their families in the area which is served by two airports,  in George and Plettenberg Bay, offering regular flights to the commercial centres.

George Airport: http://ow.ly/AZDX30rjxNu 

Q: What makes these areas great for young families, are there any good schools in the vicinity or nearby?

A: While Sedgefield offers a local primary school, many families elect to take advantage of the larger range of educational facilities found in Knysna which includes numerous pre-schools, an excellent government primary school and a choice of private institutions such as Oakhill School www.oakhill.co.za and Knysna Montessori www.knysnamontessori.co.za.  Many Plettenberg Bay parents choose to use the transport provided by these private schools and have their children attend in Knysna.  However, the newer Greenwood Bay College in Plettenberg Bay www.greenwoodbaycollege.co.za is also proving increasingly popular to those seeking independent education.

Q: In terms of lifestyle, what do these areas offer residents?

A: Plettenberg Bay offers a more traditional beach-focused lifestyle whilst also offering a degree of sophistication with an array of upmarket dining and retail experiences. In contrast, Sedgefield appeals to those looking for a more relaxed and rustic coastal living experience.  Positioned in the middle of these two coastal gems lies Knysna which offers easy access to both whilst also offering a wide selection of outdoor activities from water sports to forest marathons and is the host of the annual Oyster Festival. Knysna also offers a more diverse array of dining and retail options from fine-dining at the legendary culinary institution that is Pembreys to budget-friendly meals at our Waterfront www.knysnawaterfront.co.za.

Q: What are the nearby healthcare facilities like?

A: Renowned as offering one of the finest government institutions in the country, Knysna also offers a superb private hospital as well a day clinic, both of which are also on offer in Plettenberg Bay. Whilst a large selection of specialists and associated facilities are available in Knysna, the anchor town of the Garden Route, George, offers almost everything one could require in terms of healthcare.

Life Hospital, Knysna: http://ow.ly/KvNq30rjxNK 

Plettenberg Bay, Mediclinic: http://ow.ly/3F2w30rjxO6 

Q: Where do you like to take out-of-town visitors?

A: Living in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, one is spoilt for choice.  Some must do's, in my opinion, are trips to the Wild Oats market http://www.wildoatsmarket.co.za/  in Sedgefield on a Saturday morning,  a meal with a sea-view at Enrico's https://enricorestaurant.co.za/, just past Plett and a Featherbed boat trip in Knysna https://www.knysnafeatherbed.com/.

Q: What do you most enjoy about living on the Garden Route?

A: As a resident of Knysna, I love the fact that the town is small enough to make one feel part of a community whilst not being too small that everyone knows your business.  Another lovely thing about the town is how it is able to cater to a range of socio-economic needs from those wanting an oyster-and-champagne lifestyle to those living in the Rastafarian village, with all parties happily mingling along the high street as they go about their day-to-day business which makes it a very special town to me.

So, whether you're looking for sprawling ocean views or a home with a forest and mountain panorama, we have the perfect property for you. For more information about these areas and to view our selection of spectacular properties available along the Garden Route, you can visit our website here or contact our local agents who know these areas like the back of their hands.

Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/collecting-antiques/?c=news 

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Contact Hamilton's Property Portfolio for all your buying or selling requirements:

Johannesburg (Head Office): 011 463 0155

Cape Town: 021 418-0328 

Garden Route:  044 050 3295

Eastern Cape:  076 927 7787

Or email to reception@hamiltons.co.za