Property
Description
Property Description
Bella Vista Farm is an established 14.95-hectare agricultural and lifestyle holding in the sought-after Knysna Rural area of the Garden Route, Western Cape.
Situated off Old Cape Road, the property enjoys an elevated and private position with beautiful views across the surrounding indigenous forests, plantations, valleys and mountains, with views extending towards the Knysna Lagoon.
The property comprises two adjoining, separately titled agricultural erven, offering a substantial holding for buyers looking for a private country residence, rural retreat, agricultural lifestyle property or a base from which to enjoy everything the Knysna and Garden Route region has to offer.
The main residence is positioned on the lower portion of the property and is surrounded by established gardens, mature vegetation and a peaceful rural setting. A significant amount of infrastructure is already in place, including solar power and backup electricity, extensive rainwater storage, security systems, agricultural improvements, internal access roads and existing cultivation areas.
There is also scope for the new owner to continue developing the property in line with their own lifestyle or agricultural plans, subject to the necessary approvals.
Combined Rates & Taxes: approximately R39,203 per annum, or R3,267 per month, for both erven.
At a Glance
• Approximately 14.95 hectares
• Two adjoining, separately titled agricultural erven
• Four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence of approximately 227 m²
• Elevated position with expansive Knysna views
• Established gardens and swimming pool
• Approximately 80,000 litres of rainwater storage
• Rainwater filtration system
• Solar power with battery backup
• 12 rooftop solar panels
• Victron inverter
• 5.5 kW backup generator
• Municipal/Eskom connection retained for standby
• Single-phase prepaid electricity
• Greenhouse and agricultural infrastructure
• Existing agricultural terraces
• Historic avocado and granadilla growing areas
• Internal farm roads
• Established security and electronic access control
• Approved invasive vegetation clearing plan
• Seven mountain-bike trails in the surrounding area
• TLB associated with the property, subject to confirmation of final sale inclusions
• Combined Rates & Taxes: approximately R39,203 per annum, or R3,267 per month, for both erven.
The Land
Bella Vista Farm consists of two adjoining agricultural properties which remain separately titled.
Erf 2877 | Approximately 7.6587 ha
The lower portion of the holding, containing the main residence, gardens, swimming pool and associated improvements.
Erf 12654 | Approximately 7.2930 ha
The upper portion of the holding, comprising agricultural land, vegetation, existing terraces and additional potential for future use.
The combined holding measures approximately 14.95 hectares.
Zoning: Agriculture Zone I
Elevation: Approximately 160–280 metres above sea level
The two erven remain separately titled and should be considered as such by prospective purchasers.
The Residence
The approximately 227 m² two-storey residence has a comfortable farmhouse character, generous living spaces and a relaxed connection between the house, garden and surrounding landscape.
The home is well suited to permanent living, a family country residence, weekend retreat or lifestyle property.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The main bedroom features a king-size bed, patio access and a walk-in closet.
The second bedroom is currently used as a study and has slate flooring.
The third bedroom has a king-size bed and built-in cupboards.
The fourth bedroom has its own entrance and balcony, providing flexibility for use as guest accommodation, a home office, studio or hobby room.
Living Spaces
The main living areas include:
• Open-plan lounge and dining area.
• Family/TV room with fireplace.
• Kitchen with gas hob and extractor fan.
• Patio access from the main living areas.
• Built-in braai.
• Established garden surrounding the home.
• Swimming pool.
The bedrooms have laminated flooring, while the second bedroom/study has slate flooring.
Parking & Outdoor Areas
The property provides generous parking for residents and guests, including:
• Three-car garage.
• Four open parking bays.
• Additional general parking.
The previously referenced three shaded parking bays do not form part of the property description. An old half-shed structure that may have been mistaken for these bays is scheduled to be removed.
The material from this structure will remain on the farm and can be reused by the new owner.
The existing third garage is also being incorporated into the new shed/workshop arrangement.
Water
One of the property's practical advantages is its established rainwater harvesting system.
There is approximately 80,000 litres of combined tank capacity, supplying the house, swimming pool and garden.
The system includes a filtration system.
According to the seller, the rainwater system has not run dry.
There is currently no functioning borehole on the property.
A previous borehole drilling exercise was undertaken on Erf 12654. The borehole was closed off before completion or connection, and a drilling report is available for review.
Any future borehole installation or development should be independently assessed and tested by the purchaser.
Electricity & Solar
Bella Vista Farm has a substantial backup power installation, making the property well equipped for rural living.
The system includes:
• 12 rooftop solar panels.
• Victron inverter.
• Battery backup.
• 5.5 kW backup generator.
• Municipal/Eskom connection retained for standby purposes.
• Single-phase electricity supply.
• Prepaid electricity meter.
• Solar/electric hybrid geyser.
• Separate electric geyser.
The main geyser is managed through a CBI app, allowing the owner to control operating times and temperature.
Sewerage
The residence is serviced by two septic tanks with soakaways.
As part of the property's ongoing maintenance, the septic tanks are drained approximately once a year by the municipality to help ensure the system remains in good working order.
Biodegradable agricultural activators are also used quarterly as part of the maintenance programme.
Security
The property has established security infrastructure, including:
• Perimeter fencing.
• Electric fencing.
• Automated entrance gate.
• Security gate.
• Electric/automated garage access.
• Safe.
• Electronic access control.
The property uses a Centurion Censys security system, which can be accessed through the computer system and mobile applications.
The current owner is the administrator of the system, with access and administration to be transferred or reconfigured as appropriate for the new owner.
Agricultural Infrastructure & Potential
Bella Vista Farm has a history of agricultural use and contains a number of existing improvements.
These include:
• Greenhouse suitable for protected growing and seedling production.
• Agricultural storage.
• External toilet facilities.
• Existing agricultural terraces.
• Internal access roads.
• Historic avocado and granadilla growing areas.
• Mature avocado trees.
• Existing construction materials that can be reused.
• Workshop and storage infrastructure.
The existing third garage forms part of the planned new shed/workshop arrangement, providing an opportunity for the new owner to create a practical workspace and agricultural storage area.
A proposed 15 m × 9 m workshop and storeroom forms part of the existing planning documentation, with the current approval status to be confirmed as part of the purchaser's due diligence.
The agricultural land has not been actively cultivated for approximately 10 years.
The avocado plantation remains on the property but requires rehabilitation. The trees require clearing, pruning and general maintenance before productive cultivation can be re-established.
Recent storms have resulted in fallen trees and additional vegetation in parts of the plantation area. Clearing and rehabilitation work is intended to continue as weather conditions permit.
For a buyer interested in agriculture, the existing infrastructure and historical cultivation areas provide a starting point for future rehabilitation and development, subject to the applicable agricultural, environmental and municipal requirements.
Invasive Vegetation & Clearing Programme
A multi-year invasive vegetation clearing programme is in place on the property.
The clearing plan has been approved by the relevant government departments and will be handed over to the new owner.
The programme forms part of the ongoing management and rehabilitation of the land.
Documentation relating to the clearing and removal of invasive trees is available for interested purchasers to review.
Prospective buyers should independently assess the relevant documentation and any associated agreement, including:
• Trees covered.
• Contractor arrangements.
• Programme duration.
• Pricing.
• Any income payable to the owner.
• Access requirements.
• Clearing obligations.
• Rehabilitation responsibilities.
No specific timber income figure is represented in this listing. Any potential income should be verified against the underlying agreement and current timber inventory.
Farm Equipment
A TLB is associated with the property and is visible in the listing photographs.
The final equipment inventory, ownership and confirmation of which equipment is included in the sale are to be confirmed as part of the final sale terms.
Location & Access
Bella Vista Farm is accessed from Old Cape Road, along the continuation of the road towards Simola Hotel and Golf Course.
The entrance is approximately 2 km along the gravel section of Old Cape Road after the main entrance to Simola Hotel and Golf Course, on the right-hand side.
The property offers the peace and privacy of a rural setting while remaining within the wider Knysna area and the Garden Route.
Lifestyle & Natural Environment
This is where Bella Vista Farm really comes into its own.
The property combines open space, established vegetation, elevated terrain and beautiful Garden Route surroundings, creating a setting that feels private and removed from the everyday pace of town living.
The natural environment attracts a variety of indigenous wildlife and birdlife, including bushbuck, mongoose and numerous forest and garden bird species.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are also seven mountain-bike trails in the surrounding area.
The upper portion of Bella Vista Farm can be seen in relation to the mountain-bike trail network on the trail board shown in the listing photographs.
Whether the property is used as a permanent family home, weekend escape, private country retreat or agricultural lifestyle holding, it provides plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of the Garden Route.
A Country Property with Room to Make It Your Own
Bella Vista Farm is not simply a house on a piece of land.
It is a substantial rural holding with an established residence, water infrastructure, solar and backup power, gardens, agricultural infrastructure, historic cultivation areas and considerable open space.
Much of the practical infrastructure required for country living is already here.
At the same time, the property gives a new owner the opportunity to put their own stamp on it — from rehabilitating the avocado plantation and improving the agricultural areas to developing the workshop and making further lifestyle improvements, subject to the necessary approvals.
The combination of 14.95 hectares, two separate titles, privacy, views, existing infrastructure and its Knysna Rural location makes Bella Vista Farm a distinctive lifestyle and agricultural holding in the Garden Route.
The Opportunity
Bella Vista Farm offers approximately 14.95 hectares of private country living in Knysna Rural, together with a substantial residence and infrastructure already established on the property.
The holding combines:
14.95 hectares | 2 Titles | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Solar & Backup Power | 80,000L Water Storage | Pool | Agricultural Infrastructure | Knysna Rural
It is a property with space to live, room to work and the opportunity to shape the land according to your own plans.
The property is offered as two separately titled agricultural erven. Interested buyers are encouraged to conduct their own independent due diligence and verify all property information, title conditions, zoning, plans, approvals, infrastructure, equipment and sale inclusions before bidding.
Area Description
Bella Vista Farm lies in the Knysna Rural area on Old Cape Road, within the Knysna Municipality in the Western Cape, on the forested hills north of the town. The access route is the continuation of the road running to the Simola Hotel and Golf Course, with the farm entrance approximately two kilometres further along the gravel section. This is settled rural Garden Route country of smallholdings, plantations and indigenous forest, with the Knysna Lagoon visible from the higher ground on the property, and its rural position provides a strong sense of privacy and separation from the town while remaining within convenient driving distance of Knysna Central. The Knysna town centre, with the Waterfront, Knysna Mall, Woodmill Lane, the provincial hospital and the town’s schools including Oakhill and Knysna Primary, lies roughly three to four kilometres to the south. Life Knysna Private Hospital is about five kilometres away, the Pezula estate and its championship golf course around seven and a half kilometres east, and the Knysna Heads a similar distance south-east. George Airport is approximately sixty-two kilometres west via the N2. The broader location benefits from the natural attractions for which the Knysna area is known – the lagoon, indigenous forests, mountain landscapes, agricultural valleys, established tourism infrastructure and the wider Garden Route tourism economy – giving an unusual combination of rural privacy and proximity to an established tourism and lifestyle destination.
Area Amenities
Simola Hotel, Country Club and Spa, 1 Old Cape Road – approximately 2 km by the gravel access road
Oakhill School, Heuwelkruin – 3.1 km
Knysna Mall and SUPERSPAR, Main Road – 3.2 km
Knysna Provincial Hospital, Main Street – 3.2 km
Woodmill Lane Shopping Centre, Main Road – 3.3 km