After a surge of non-stop activities, our TravelGround entourage was looking forward to ending off our Knysna weekend with a more slow-paced visit to Belvidere Manor, a nature-lover’s paradise on the west shore of the lagoon. The heavens must have been listening when we made arrangements (weeks in advance) for tea and scones on the old terrace, because after a weekend of grey clouds and choppy seas, the winter sun shone in all its brilliance. The estate is home to over 270 species of birds and I think every single one of them was celebrating with gusto.
We had the privilege of meeting General Manager, Sue Mills, who welcomed us with open arms, freshly brewed coffee, and buttery scones on the terrace of Belvidere House. Orioles and Knysna loeries love to visit the massive fig tree next to Belvidere House, and you may just spot their flashes of colour when you sit down for breakfast. We couldn’t have asked for a more tranquil view as we gazed out over the crystal clear swimming pool to the expansive Knysna lagoon. Sue eagerly told us the history of Belvidere before taking us on a tour of the 2 hectare estate.
History
The story of Belvidere begins in 1830, when land known as ‘Uitzig’ was acquired by George Rex, the “squire and proprietor of Knysna”. Rex became the foremost timber merchant in the district, as well as a ship builder. In 1833 a young Scotsman named Thomas Henry Duthie, who was serving in the British Army in the Cape, met and married George’s third daughter, Caroline. Duthie bought the farm and renamed it ‘Belvidere’.
In April 1835 the Duthies moved into their small cottage, near the site of where The Bell Tavern now stands. The family outgrew the cottage and the foundations for a larger house were laid on 2 October 1848. According to Duthie’s diary, in November 1849 the family had their “first dinner out of New House – it was good”.
With its simple design and indigenous wood interior, Belvidere House became an important example of English Georgian architecture in the Western Cape, where the Dutch gabled houses were more common. The Victorian-style verandas were added in the 1860s. During its life, Belvidere House served as an official post office for the local community and copies of letters with the Belvidere postmark can be seen framed on the wall in the Drawing Room. As a crossing point from one side of the lagoon to the other, Belvidere was a centre of gracious hospitality, welcoming every person of note who visited the Knysna area, including Bishop Gray and his wife Sophie, and the author Anthony Trollope.
Accommodation
Dating back to 1849, the restored Belvidere House presides over the property and forms the architectural “pivot of the wheel” for a number of individual cottages laid out in the beautiful gardens. The spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom cottages are either garden or lagoon facing, and have the advantages of full hotel service while giving guests their own space to unwind. Each unit has kitchen and dining facilities, so guests can prepare their own meals if they get tired of eating out at restaurants on a long holiday.
Dining
Belvidere Manor is home to The Bell Tavern, Knysna’s smallest pub and a Garden Route “culinary legend” where locals flock to enjoy pub-style meals at any time of the day. The Bell occupies the oldest building at Belvidere and features the original wine cellar that can be viewed through a window in the floor. It also boasts the original ironwood flooring and the tables are made from a yellowwood tree that was cut down to make room for expansion.
Breakfast is served on the Belvidere House terrace and light lunches can be enjoyed by the pool. Dinner is served at Caroline’s bistro (named after the original Mrs. Duthie) where fresh, locally sourced ingredients are prepared with South African flair.
Functions
Belvidere Manor is suitably equipped for any type of function, conference, and teambuilding breakaway. With one of the most romantic views imaginable, Belvidere Manor is the ideal wedding venue. Say “I do” in the pretty garden gazebo, dance under the stars, or enjoy a formal affair indoors. No matter your preference, Sue will tailor your package to suit your needs. The bridal couple can also enjoy a secluded honeymoon cottage with a private deck and lagoon views.
Today
The estate underwent significant development and re-opened for business in 1989. Sue and her husband, Mike, took over management in 1996. At least half of the staff at Belvidere are here from the opening day, which says a lot about the management and the warmth that emanates throughout the estate. One particular character worth mentioning is Jeffrey Nkobeni, a charismatic waiter with the most jovial smile. Jeffrey came to lay the foundations with the development team from Johannesburg before being handed a waiter’s apron and joining the Belvidere team full time.
Unlike Jeffrey, our time at Belvidere Manor came to an early end. In true hostess style, Sue bid us each farewell with a little goodie bag of padkos for the long drive home (thanks again Sue!). I’m beginning to wonder if the sun was shining from heaven that day, or if we had just been visiting a little piece of heaven on earth.
Have a look at Sue’s recommended things to do in our Local Guide to Knysna.
