Thoughtfully Developed Off-Grid Waterfront Estate on Swartvlei/ Ruigtevlei Lagoon

Dual Mandate

Nestled along the shores of Swartvlei/Ruigtevlei Lagoon, this remarkable 9.5-hectare waterfront estate offers a lifestyle that is becoming increasingly difficult to find along the Garden Route. Combining privacy, comfort, exceptional self-sufficiency and direct access to one of the area's most beautiful natural environments, the property enjoys an enviable position less than ten minutes from Sedgefield and approximately twenty minutes from Knysna.

Set on elevated ground overlooking the lagoon, the Karatara River, the Hoogekraal Estuary and the distant Outeniqua Mountains, the property has been thoughtfully developed to create a home that sits comfortably within its surroundings. From the moment you arrive along the gently winding paved driveway, there is a sense that every aspect of the estate has been carefully considered and exceptionally well maintained.

At the heart of the property is a spacious and welcoming family home of approximately 366m2. Designed for easy everyday living and effortless entertaining, the North facing home offers generous open-plan living areas that flow naturally onto outdoor patios and decks, allowing the magnificent views to become part of daily life. A separate study provides a quiet workspace, while three family bedrooms and a spacious main suite with dressing room and en-suite bathroom ensure comfortable accommodation for family and guests alike. On the lower level, a dedicated gym and private guest suite create additional flexibility without compromising the home's sense of warmth and comfort. This could be converted to a living space for parents or teenager.

Outdoor living has been given equal attention. Whether enjoying morning coffee overlooking the water, entertaining friends on the expansive lagoon-facing patio, or spending summer afternoons beside the splash pool, the home has been designed to make the most of its extraordinary setting throughout the seasons.

Beyond the main residence, the estate continues to impress with an extensive collection of well-planned improvements that add both practicality and versatility. The substantial double garage incorporates a workshop area and secure safe room, while the reinforced concrete roof offers the possibility of future use should a new owner wish to explore additional accommodation or garage options.

Nearby, a separate 120sqm workshop building serves as a productive working space and is complemented by a 30sqm self-contained flatlet. Above the workshop are two 75sqm beautifully finished self-catering apartments completed during 2025. Each apartment offers comfortable two-bedroom accommodation with its own kitchen and full bathroom, together with a private braai area and enclosed garden. These thoughtful additions create welcoming outdoor spaces for guests while also making the units particularly appealing for travellers accompanied by their dogs, subject to the owner's preference. The apartments are already generating accommodation income and provide excellent flexibility for visiting family, extended stays or guest accommodation.

A secure enclosed courtyard alongside the workshop creates valuable additional space for vehicle parking, boats, trailers, equipment and day-to-day storage, reinforcing the practical nature of the property.

The estate has been developed with self-sufficiency firmly in mind. Three independent solar installations, supported by modern lithium battery systems, provide complete off-grid energy independence(10, 11 and 16KVA systems), while two boreholes, rainwater harvesting systems and 45 000 litres water storage infrastructure ensure reliable water security throughout the year.

For those who appreciate a productive country lifestyle, the property offers far more than simply beautiful surroundings. Established gardens, an irrigated orchard, approximately fifty established trees of various species, including fruit trees, a greenhouse, aviary and grazing camps contribute to a property that has been carefully developed over time. Beautiful trees and thoughtful landscaping create a peaceful environment where birdlife thrives and the natural beauty of the lagoon and surrounding wetlands becomes part of everyday living.

Additional improvements continue to enhance the property's functionality, including a water tower with integrated storage facilities, an external toilet and staff accommodation currently under construction.

The waterfront section of the property is particularly special. Direct frontage onto Swartvlei/Ruigtevlei Lagoon provides a daily connection to the water, abundant birdlife and the ever-changing beauty of the surrounding wetlands. Bushbuck and other wildlife are regular visitors, while the peaceful setting offers a level of tranquillity that is increasingly rare to find.

What makes this property truly exceptional is the way in which all of its elements come together. The comfortable family home, beautifully finished guest accommodation, extensive infrastructure, established gardens, complete off-grid capability and direct waterfront setting create an estate that is ready to be enjoyed from the day of transfer. It is a property designed not only to be admired, but to be lived in and enjoyed for many years to come.

Properties occupying such a desirable position along Swartvlei/Ruigtevlei Lagoon seldom become available. Offering the perfect balance between privacy and convenience, with Sedgefield just minutes away, Knysna within easy reach and some of the Garden Route's most beautiful rivers, estuaries and beaches on your doorstep, this is a rare opportunity to secure a thoughtfully developed waterfront estate in one of the region's most sought-after locations.