About Knysna Manor House Guesthouse
Knysna Manor House is a historic 1896 guesthouse offering classic comfort, warm hospitality, and a welcoming home‑from‑home atmosphere. Centrally located within walking distance of the Knysna Waterfront, shops, cafés, and local attractions, we provide a relaxed and personal stay in one of the Garden Route’s most charming towns.
Knysna Manor House is a historic 1896 guesthouse offering classic charm, warm hospitality, and a relaxed home‑from‑home atmosphere. With its high ceilings, original wooden floors, and welcoming character, the house reflects more than a century of Knysna’s history — thoughtfully preserved while offering the comfort and convenience modern guests expect.
Located in central Knysna and within walking distance of the Waterfront, shops, cafés, and local attractions, the guesthouse provides an ideal base for exploring the Garden Route. One of the favourite features among guests is the large deck leading out from the dining room, a bright, open space perfect for enjoying breakfast, relaxing with a book, or taking in the fresh Knysna air.
Your hosts, Richard and Mandy, bring warmth, experience, and genuine care to every stay. They’re always ready with helpful recommendations, local stories, and practical advice to help guests make the most of their time in Knysna.
Behind the scenes, Annaline, and Troi work with dedication to ensure rooms are clean, comfortable, and welcoming. Their attention to detail and friendly presence add to the homely atmosphere that guests appreciate.
As an independently owned guesthouse, we take pride in offering personal service, comfortable rooms, and authentic South African hospitality. When you choose to book directly with us, you not only receive the best rates and personalised assistance — you also support a local business and help preserve this historic home for future generations.
We look forward to welcoming you to Knysna Manor House and sharing the charm, comfort, and character that make our guesthouse special.
History
"1900 Knysna Manor House - A Heritage Building
The rich history of the Knysna Manor House dates back to the late 19th century. The property was granted in freehold to Wililam Gunn McPherson in 1864 by Governor Sir Philip Wodehouse, stretching from Fichat Street to Main Street. In 1872, Hjalmar and Rolf Thesen acquired the property, and in 1892, the esteemed Mayor of Knysna, Henry Percy Morgan, purchased it. He commissioned the construction of this building in 1900, entrusted to Andrew Hepburn of the Knysna Forest Co.
During the 1930s, the building offered rooms for rent, and Beatrix Antoinette Lotz, later the second wife of Knysna Mayor Commander Alexander Foakes, provided Afrikaans lessons. From 1945 to 1960, the Heunis family owned the house, operating it as a boarding house for teachers and students of Knysna High School. Finally, in 1992, the historic building was transformed into the Knysna Manor House, preserving its legacy as a symbol of Knysna's heritage."
Your hosts
"Since assuming ownership in May 2007, the dedicated owners have poured their passion into elevating Knysna Manor House into a premier bed and breakfast and guesthouse. Witness the transformation in each room, adorned with homely furnishings and thoughtful décor. The deck has been extended, and a refreshing swimming pool has been added for the enjoyment of our guests.
Recent restoration work has revived the splendid yellowwood floors and doors to their original splendor. The owners are committed to ongoing maintenance and enhancements, ensuring Knysna Manor House stands as one of the top accommodation providers in Knysna. The growing number of satisfied guests is a testament to their success.
Brenda and Anthony took the helm in August 2007, bringing warmth and expertise to the B&B after relocating from Zimbabwe. With their retirement in 2019, Richard and Mandy have seamlessly assumed leadership, ready to share their insights into Garden Route attractions and enthrall guests with their extensive knowledge of Knysna and the Garden Route's history.
For those who visited our guest house before May 2007, we invite you to return and experience the personalized service and warmth that define our Knysna B&B."
Dining Experiences
"Start Your Day Right:
Indulge in a full English Breakfast served daily at Knysna Manor House. Enjoy the vibrant ambiance of the Dining Room or the refreshing outdoors on the deck during the Summer months. Our breakfast spread includes bottomless cups of coffee, tea, and fruit juice, accompanied by a delightful selection of fruit, yogurt, cereals, and eggs cooked to your liking. savor the rich flavors of bacon, sausage, mushrooms, and tomato, ensuring a hearty and satisfying start to your day."
Guest house Facilities
"Escape to Tranquility:
Discover a haven of tranquility at this Knysna accommodation, offering a serene environment to unwind after a bustling day. Experience the quiet simplicity of a home away from home, where every detail is crafted to ensure your relaxation. Stay connected with Wi-Fi available throughout the guesthouse.
The deck serves as the perfect setting to both start and end your day, with the option to enjoy breakfast in this inviting outdoor space or in the cozy dining room. Witness breathtaking African sunsets, savor a well-earned sundowner, and prepare for an evening at one of Knysna's many international restaurants. In less favorable weather, our B&B provides a cozy lounge and a fully licensed bar area.
Secure off-road parking, located at the back of Knysna Manor House, offers direct access to the guesthouse. The swimming pool provides a refreshing oasis for relaxation after exploring the mesmerizing Garden Route. Thanks to our central location, all conveniences, including shopping, banks, local craft and curio shops, pubs, and restaurants, are just a brief two-minute walk from the guesthouse."
Latest accreditations
"Discover Excellence at Knysna Manor Guesthouse:
Nestled along the scenic Garden Route in South Africa, Knysna Manor House takes great pride in its prestigious accreditations and affiliations with the Tourism Grading Council. Originally a Victorian residence, this charming B&B underwent a transformation in 1983, emerging as a modern guesthouse with thirteen en-suite rooms.
Our delightful Knysna Bed and Breakfast seamlessly blends the original building's charm with contemporary amenities, creating a comfortable and homely environment without compromising on five-star services. Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, our dedicated staff ensures that every need is met.
**Accreditations and Affiliations:**
- Tourism Grading Council: 3 Star
- TripAdvisor: Travelers Choice Winner
- Historical Building
- Booking.com: Traveler Review Award 8.7
Choose Knysna Manor Guesthouse for an unforgettable stay where history meets modern comfort, and genuine hospitality awaits."
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