Thesen Island is probably the most well-known and most popular suburb in Knysna.
Situated in the midst of the Knysna Estuary, right next to the town centre and with easy access of the main road, a house in the Thesen Islands development is a brilliant choice when wishing to buy a property in Knysna.
Thesen Island is a 90 hectare marine development consisting of nineteen islands crisscrossed with canals, joined by bridges and approached to the main land by the means of a causeway. A Thesen Island home allows you to walk out onto your own private deck, then onto your own jetty, where you can get into your boat and cruise out onto the lagoon, the sea or up the Knysna River.
The Thesen Islands development is based on the traditional village concept – with the idea of walking to your place of work or the shops, and where visiting neighbours and joining in on the estate activities are common. Here, children play freely in the streets and parks – cycling and rollerblading just like we did yesteryear. The Thesen Island security is controlled very well and residents enjoy a safe and secure environment.
The very wide variety of recreational facilities on Thesen Islands includes tennis courts, a squash court and putting greens. Thesen Island even has three beaches to choose from, which are a favourite with families. The kids can also enjoy the well-equipped playground, and dog owners appreciate the special designated dog run area. For nature lovers, the bird reserve on Thesen Island offers a bird hide and perimeter marshland trails. And adding to the sense of community, keen gardeners can even hire a patch in the crofter’s area to grow their own herbs, veggies or flowers. You can even do yoga on Thesen Island, and the nearby gym and wellness centre add to the lifestyle of health and wellbeing so proudly enjoyed by the Thesen Island home owners.
Adjacent to the island is the vibrant Thesen Harbour Town with its upmarket restaurants, coffee shops, boutique shops and even a hotel offering wellness spa treatments.
Security and safety on Thesen Islands are one of the main successes of this popular Knysna suburb. Approached through only one security entrance, the islands are surrounded by water. In addition, the islands are patrolled both day and night by foot, bicycle and vehicle.
The architecture of Thesen Island is based on an American Cape Cod theme. Harmony is achieved through controlled architectural guidelines, in order to protect the island atmosphere.
The historical element of the original timber factory, which was previously located on the premises, has been preserved – creating a link with the history of Knysna.
There are 508 houses and 56 apartments on Thesen Island, providing a wide variety of buyer choices. Whether you’d like to buy a mansion of a house on Thesen Island or a smaller lock-up-and-go apartment in the Dry Mill development, Thesen caters for all tastes.
Roughly 60% of the properties on Thesen Island are holiday homes, with 40% permanent inhabitants. However, this ratio is gradually changing as more and more people find the islands the ideal place to relocate to. If you find the ideal house for sale on Thesen Island, you should grab the opportunity with both hands!
“Every time we come home, it feels like we are on holiday,” says one happy resident. Thesen Island in Knysna is surely the property destination of choice in the Garden Route.

Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty
14 Kingsway Leisure Island
Knysna, Western Cape, 6571
South Africa

+27 44 384 0134