Property

Iconic South African hotel goes on sale for R60 million

Kirsten Minnaar • 6 July 2026

A five-star boutique hotel, The St. James of Knysna, has been placed on the market for R60 million, offering investors the opportunity to acquire a fully operational business in a sought-after location on the Garden Route.

Situated on the banks of the Knysna Lagoon, the hotel occupies a 10,594 m² waterfront property with uninterrupted views towards the famous Knysna Heads and the Garden Route National Park.

The property is being sold fully furnished, which means that a new owner can take over an established hospitality business with an international client base.

The hotel consists of 18 luxury rooms and suites spread across a historic Manor House and a separate Courtyard annex, with a total building area of 2,350 m².

Accommodation includes executive, superior, deluxe, and junior suites, many featuring private balconies overlooking the lagoon, while a dedicated honeymoon suite caters to couples visiting the Garden Route.

Guests also have access to two swimming pools, landscaped gardens, an executive gym, a golf putting green, a fireplace lounge and bar, a gift shop, and a large veranda overlooking the estuary.

One of the hotel’s signature attractions is its complimentary lagoon cruise aboard its private pontoon boat, which explores the quieter upper reaches of the Knysna Estuary.

The property has also invested in sustainability measures, including a borehole, 24 solar panels, battery and inverter systems, and water-efficient infrastructure.

The St. James is located just 2.5 km from Knysna’s town centre and less than 3 km from the popular Knysna Waterfront, giving visitors easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Its location also places guests within minutes of some of South Africa’s best-known golf courses, including Simola, Pezula and Knysna Golf Club.

The surrounding area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including lagoon cruises, sailing, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking.

Guests can also partake in birdwatching, whale and dolphin spotting, and visits to the nearby Garden Route National Park.

The park spans around 155,000 hectares and protects much of the indigenous Knysna Forest, extensive fynbos vegetation, beaches, estuaries, and mountains between George and Tsitsikamma.

Knysna itself has long been one of South Africa’s leading tourism destinations, with an economy largely supported by tourism, timber and retirement living.

The town enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it a popular destination in every season rather than only during the traditional summer holiday period.

Luxury accommodation

The hotel markets itself as a relaxed luxury country house where guests can enjoy panoramic lagoon views, expansive gardens and a peaceful atmosphere away from the town centre.

Accommodation is spread between the Manor House and Courtyard buildings, with suites ranging from approximately 29 to 60 m².

Rooms include king-size or twin beds, en-suite bathrooms, smart televisions with streaming services, tea and coffee stations, minibars, air conditioning, electronic safes, and high-speed connectivity.

Many of the property’s lagoon-facing suites also include private lounges and balconies overlooking the water. Over the years, the St. James hotel has built a reputation as both a luxury leisure destination and an events venue.

Its gardens and waterfront setting regularly host weddings, corporate functions and private events, while its location provides easy access to many of the Garden Route’s major attractions.

Guests can visit nearby beaches such as Buffalo Bay and Noetzie, explore local art galleries, enjoy wine tastings, or take guided heritage tours through the forests and surrounding towns.

The listing notes that the hotel continues to attract international visitors and benefits from a loyal customer base built over many years.

The combination of an established hospitality business, waterfront location and fully operational facilities makes it an uncommon opportunity in South Africa’s hospitality property market.

The sale also provides flexibility for future owners, who could continue operating the hotel in its current form or reposition it as a luxury lodge or exclusive private hospitality retreat.

The property is currently listed at R60 million, with municipal rates and taxes of approximately R25,600 per month.