Breathtaking views on the water’s edge

Knysna’s luxurious lagoon-side country house

Knysna’s luxurious lagoon-side country house

The St. James of Knysna is a five-star country house on the banks of the idyllic Knysna Lagoon.

Only 2.5 km from the centre of town – and 2.8 km from the popular The Waterfront Knysna Quays (with its restaurants, shops, etc.) – The St. James is also just a few minutes’ drive from Knysna’s championship golf courses: Simola, Pezula, and the Knysna Golf Club.

And if you love the water – for canoeing, kiteboarding, or just paddling about – well, the Lagoon’s right there at the end of our lush and expansive gardens.

As guests of the St. James, you’ll be treated to a complimentary, 90-minute cruise on our pontoon barge, ‘The Boat,’ which departs from our private jetty to explore the upper reaches of the Lagoon. A romantic, relaxing introduction to the Knysna River estuary in the central region of South Africa’s largest unfenced wildlife preserve: the Garden Route National Park.

Welcome to the independent, owner-run The St. James of Knysna – with its luxury suites, bed and breakfast accommodation, guest lounge (with lending library and board games), exclusive gift boutique, and expansive formal and informal gardens featuring two swimming pools and numerous seating areas.

Luxury accommodation

Manor House Suites: Lagoon views
Manor House Suites: Lagoon views
Five lagoon-facing Suites offer magnificent views. They have private balcony overlooking the lagoon and separate lounge area with expansive views over the Knysna lagoon. All Suites have king-size beds; en suite bathrooms with bath, shower, and bathrobes; smart TV with Netflix; air conditioners, mini bars with tea and coffee stations; electronic safes; and direct-dial telephone.


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Courtyard Suites: Lagoon views
Courtyard Suites: Lagoon views
Each of our spacious, Lagoon-facing Courtyard suites features its own lounge; king-size bed; en suite bathroom with bath, shower, and bathrobes; smart TV with Netflix; mini bar with tea and coffee station; electronic safe; and direct-dial telephone. Floor areas: from 42m² to 60m²


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Manor House Suites and rooms: Garden views
Manor House Suites & rooms: Garden views
Three of the spacious, garden-facing suites and rooms in our Manor House feature a king-size bed, and one suite has two double beds. Each has an en suite bathroom with bath, shower, and bathrobes; smart TV with Netflix; mini bar with tea and coffee station; electronic safe; and direct-dial telephone. Floor areas: from 42m² to 60m²


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Courtyard Suites: Garden & swimming pool views
Courtyard Suites: Garden & swimming pool views
Spacious bedrooms surrounding a sheltered, Mediterranean-style courtyard with its own swimming pool. Each suite has a lounge area; bedroom and en-suite bathroom with bath and shower; smart TV with Netflix; mini bar with tea and coffee station; electronic safe; and direct-dial telephone. Floor areas: from 29m² to 55m²


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Honeymoon Suites
Honeymoon Suites
We have three honeymoon suites with expansive views over the Knysna Lagoon and all the luxurious romance you could ask for. They have a king-size bed, an en suite bathroom with bath, shower, and bathrobes, a smart TV with Netflix, a mini-bar with tea and coffee station, an electronic safe, and a direct-dial telephone.


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How to enjoy the St. James of Knysna
  • How to enjoy the St James

    With its waterside gardens and awe-inspiring views across the Lagoon to the Knysna Heads, The St. James of Knysna is the perfect place to relax and enjoy our casual and relaxed local lifestyle.

    After taking breakfast in our airy, light-filled breakfast room - with its views of the Lagoon and our Manor House gardens - the hardest decision you’ll have to make while you’re here may well be deciding where to base yourself for the day:

    • On a lounger or picnic table on our expansive, lagoonside deck;
    • Basking in the sun at the water’s edge, or by our Courtyard or Manor House swimming pools;
    • Tucked away with a good book in a secluded spot in our lush, formal and informal gardens;
    • Or in our chic and modern lounge and bar - where you’ll find a wide variety of great South African wines and locally made gins, as well as an excellent selection of the whiskeys you deserve.

    … But if you’d prefer to spend your time exploring Knysna and the Garden Route - well, our staff will happily advise you, and help make your bookings for local adventures, golf, and other attractions.

    We’re here to make your stay as comfortable as possible!