Lake Brenton Estate is a prestigious, secure residential estate embedded in an ancient forest canopy on the southern shore of the 1630-hectare estuary known as the Knysna Lagoon.

This body of water is the most bio-diverse estuary in South Africa – and is ranked by conservationists as the country’s most important. At the mouth of the lagoon stands the dramatic cliffs the town is best known for, called the Knysna Heads; the area draws visitors from around the world with its sweeping vistas and diverse attractions ranging from birding to water sports to its famous sunset cruises.

Along the garden route, this town is set within the largest area of indigenous forest in South Africa, with hundreds of kilometres of mountain biking, hiking, and running trails in the immediate area. To the east lies Plettenberg Bay, whose Blue Flag beaches were named the best in Africa – and to the west are exquisite Brenton and Buffalo Bay beaches, the lakes around Sedgefield, and the Garden Route’s best weekend market.

With the Outeniqua Mountains forming a constant backdrop to the north, this area takes the outdoor enthusiast’s breath away.

The estate lies due south of the Knysna town and waterfront – along the opposite shore. Though secluded from the town’s activity and traffic, Knysna itself is just 15 minutes away along the scenic lagoon-side drive. Of course, driving is not the only way to explore Knysna’s beauty, and many residents make use of Lake Brenton’s moorings for days out on the water. Moreover, the estate has a clubhouse and provides braai, tennis court, sauna, and lap pool facilities. Being a kitesurfing and water sports haven, in addition to the area’s offerings, make this location truly epic.

It is in this protected, lush area that nature thrives; bushbuck roam freely, and birdlife is abundant, forming a kind of tranquillity rare to our increasingly urbanised lives.

To ensure the area is kept as preserved as possible, the estate’s architectural guidelines dictate a significant component of timber construction, which ultimately served as the source of inspiration to launch TerraVerta Habitats here on the Garden Route.

Not only is this lifestyle a perfect little getaway from the city life, but it’s also just as convenient on a more extended stay basis, with world-class private education at Oakhill School – an Independent Examination Board (IEB) institution – for families looking make permanent this way of living.