1,27Ha Nature Lover's retreat with 5 self catering cottages and a house on 1,27Ha property bordering the natural indigenous Homtini forest of the Garden Route National Park Your Oasis in Nature's Embrace - Forest Edge Cottages, a unique lifestyle investment The epitome of peaceful tranquility, Forest Edge Cottages is the award-winning premier nature-lover’s retreat offering quaintly styled self-catering accommodation perfectly located in the Rheenendal district bordering the natural, indigenous forest spanning the Homtini river, a short drive to Buffallo Bay (offering amongst the best beach bathing in South Africa) and 17 kms away as the crow flies from the bustling town of Knysna, the glamorous destination heart of the world-renowned Garden Route. This enchanting property offers a rare opportunity to own a slice of paradise generating income while living a quality lifestyle in unspoilt nature with attractions aplenty for your guests from whale watching to exploring fynbos and forest walks in the shadow of the majestic Outeniqua mountain range, craft markets, oyster feasting, fine dining and much more in between, for many happy returns. Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the extraordinary. Forest Edge Cottages is the end property (no passing traffic) on the rural road past the Goudveld entrance to the Garden Route National Park beckoning with the promise of secluded serenity. Each cottage is strategically positioned giving guests and the owner privacy within the lush, indigenous treed property, providing an exclusive retreat surrounded by the calming sounds of nature. Wake up to the gentle rustle of leaves, butterfly flits and the symphony of bird songs. The property boasts access to hiking and mountain biking trails, allowing visitors to explore the enchanting Homtini forest (not only home to the famed Knysna elephant but also the striking Knysna Loerie - now named Knysna Turaco – scarce colourful Narina Trogon and other bird species) and adjacent renowned Drupkelders hiking trail through indigenous forest to magnificent rock pools and waterfall, at their leisure. Picture yourself enjoying morning coffee on your private veranda, then socialising with select breakfast guests from all over the world while enveloped in the serene beauty of the deck overlooking the Lily Pond . The dawn chorus of birds certainly add to that experience, whether they are honeymooners or golden age romantics, adventure seekers or families. FEATURE LILY POND BREAKFAST DECK The feature Lily Pond breakfast deck at Forest Edge is a charming and idyllic spot that invites guests to start their day surrounded by the beauty of nature. Set against the backdrop of a tranquil lily pond, this covered 40-seater outdoor deck provides a serene and picturesque setting for enjoying a leisurely sociable breakfast. 5 COTTAGES The 5 well-appointed self-catering cottages consist of 2 bedrooms (each sleep 4-6 guests), open planned, fully equipped kitchen (with stove, fridge, microwave, crockery, cutlery and braai utensils), dining and lounge area, bathroom with Victorian style bath, separate toilet, covered verandah, outside shower, outdoor braai (barbeque) and dining table under the stars. Architected in the historic corrugated iron style but with durable Chromadek cladding again finding use in modern rustic chic design, they are a testament to architectural finesse so appropriate in this rural setting. Privately positioned in established, indigenous treed garden setting cleared of all alien vegetation, and crafted with attention to detail, these homes seamlessly blend rustic charm with modern comforts. The cozy cabins with fireplaces for intimate getaways are also ideal for family retreats, each residence is a private haven. (luxury cottages have efficient-burning closed cast iron units) MAIN HOUSE The main house, the owner’s and manager’s reception and accommodation is perfectly situated for seclusion from the guest cottages, whilst having a key position on the property for easy management. The home consists of a spacious lounge and fully equipped open plan kitchen with a gas stove and serving counter. The sleeping quarters upstairs comprise a master bedroom with separate wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, and 2nd bedroom opening to a large, covered balcony, with a 2nd bathroom downstairs. The lounge opens onto the covered verandah and private garden with the beautiful Homtini forest as a backdrop. Next to the verandah there is a boma with fire pit / BBQ area with ample seating. The reception area and managers flatlet in the main building has a completely separate entrance. Here the discerning travelers are most hearty welcomed and made to feel at home straight away. From here, it’s only a small walk (or drive) to the guest cottages with their own ample parking areas. LIFESTYLE Forest Edge Cottages offer more than just a home; they provide an income generating quality lifestyle. Engage in various recreational activities, from hiking and bird watching to meditation walks or massages that rejuvenate the mind and body. The property is designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life, both indoors and outdoors. Forest Edge Cottages present a great investment opportunity combined with an active lifestyle set in tranquil nature. When you seek a private retreat and an income-generating property through cottage rentals, the allure of this unique enclave is undeniable. LODGE BUSINESS The business with sound audited financials is well established through the years and has a proven track record with OTA’s, local and international tour operators. Purchase of property and business assets optimally structured so that Transfer Duty Payable on the Property portion only, VAT Registered Business. The accommodation retreat has won numerous awards, such as a 9.0 “superb” rating on Booking . com and a 9.3 location rating; 99% review rating on TripAdvisor with it having made the TripAdvisor “Hall of Fame” in 2018; and the AA Travel award for 3 years running as the best self-catering cottages in SA. In addition, it has won 5 international and 7 national awards. CONTACT US Forest Edge Cottages redefines quality living in the Rheenendal district, Knysna. This is your opportunity to own not just a property but a lifestyle—an escape to nature's embrace, where every moment is a celebration of tranquility and refined living. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make Forest Edge Cottages your own. Kindly contact us today to embark on a journey where quality of life meets nature, and home becomes a sanctuary. INFRASTRUCTURE FEATURES Resilient well maintained infrastructure includes • Water is stored in 65 000 litres of rainwater tanks and a 65 000 litre reservoir tank pumped by 2 water pumps • 3 earth dams (about 120 000+ litres capacity) with Tilapia fish and water lilies • Additional twin-impeller water pump in perennial stream • Borehole with newly replaced pump • ESKOM 3-phase power source from a few erfs away; with a rewound electric transformer and high-voltage cable • Gravity Feed water Tank System if Eskom goes down • Generator on site • Large custom-built dual septic system and high-functioning soak-away and bio-treatment of gray water • Large organic communal fruit and vegetable garden, with electrified fencing infrastructure to secure all from monkeys etc (not currently in use) • Toolsheds with comprehensive range of large and small tools and spares • Ample stocks of durable luxury Linen and Consumables; Desktop PC, printer, Wifi router in Reception POINTS OF INTEREST – so much to do in the area to keep you enthralled and your guests coming back THE GARDEN ROUT NATIONAL PARK (GRNP) proclaimed on 6th March 2009 and includes the former: Tsitsikamma National Park (1964) Wilderness National Park (1983) Knysna Lakes Area (1985) Location and extent of the GRNP • Groeneweide Forest in the West, almost to Kareedouw in the East • 160 642 Ha approx 1 210km² Terrestrial vegetation covers three biomes: Fynbos Indigenous forest (35 765.4 ha from sea level to over 1 000m most occurring on the coastal plateau and mountain foothills Azonal coastal vegetation 1 635 plant species recorded in the park representing 688 genera, 198 families and includes a number of red data species GOUDVELD SECTION of the GRNP Goudveld / Millwood is home to celebrated local author Dalene Mathee memorial and Big tree (+- 880year old Outeniqua Yellowwood) Jubilee Creek picnic site, the Millwood Gold mine historic visitors attraction and the Drupkelders hiking trail (a 3.5km indigenous forest walk to the magnificent rock pools and waterfall in the Homtini River offering deep, cola-coloured waters to cool off in and waterfall to clamber up next to) Dalene Matthee Dalene Matthee was a South African author best known for her four "Forest Novels", written in and around the Knysna Forest. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Hebrew and Icelandic, and over a million copies have bee...