The low murmur of birds and the soft percussion of wind across the tin roofs, and through the leaves. Summer brings long, bright days, kayaks tracing the lagoon, walks stretching towards Featherbed at low tide. Kids climbing the branches of the trees, playing cricket on the lawn, and disappearing into games that last until supper. Lagoon Retreat is the perfect Garden Route spot for families to gather at, surrounded by water, and milkwood trees, rolling lawns and the Knysna sea air, giving Brenton-on-Sea a revered stamp on the holiday map.
It’s that time of year again – whenever the family rituals come into season – to gather the whole clan, and point the compass along the Garden Route. To a place where the sea air clears the busy minds, and the lagoon steadies the pace. Brenton-on-Sea, just fifteen minutes from Knysna, removes you from the madding holiday crowds, and cradles you in the bosom of nature.
The property unfolds as three independent dwellings, each deliberately placed among the milkwoods, with its own sense of privacy and purpose. They may be rented all together for a shared retreat, or independently for those quieter escapes.
All benefiting from the security of the estate that they rest upon, with access to a clubhouse swimming pool and tennis courts. All of the cabins have been built and designed by architect, Johann Slee, who worked his magic with the trees. Timber decks extend outwards as if drawn into the landscape itself. Each cabin moving with the light, the views of the lagoon, and the energy that comes from it.
Milkwood cabin is the anchor of Lagoon Retreat. Waterfront-facing, generous in size, and ever-so striking. It opens in a single, confident line where three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an expansive living space spill out entirely, onto a deck tucked beneath the trees. Glass doors slide away with ease, dissolving the boundary between inside and out. At dawn, the lagoon reflects the golden and pink hues of the skies, as you sip your morning brew. At dusk, the fire pit stitches everyone’s storytelling skills together.
Timber textures and pine construction nod to an alpine abode in the Swiss Alps. The kitchen, centred around an imported Italian island, is both functional and convivial, with a separate scullery keeping things nice and tidy. Even the shower frames the lagoon. From the water, the house is almost invisible, held back by the milkwoods, in keeping with Slee’s sentiment if being a part of the landscape, rather than imposed upon it.
Set further back, Bosbok cabin offers a more tucked-away rhythm, well suited to families or small groups of friends that are seeking a bit of connection, and a degree of separation. Its L-shaped design allows the living spaces to flow into one another, with large sliding doors and shutters that open the house fully to the deck and close it down to a restful darkness at night. Two main bedrooms rest inside, and a separate bunk room that’s accessed from the outside, accommodates eight members of the clan. The indoor fire braai anchors the home, while outside, a broad deck and fire pit create an easy gathering place, where you’ll watch the birds dart from branch to water’s edge.
Loerie cabin is the most intimate of the three. A two-bedroom retreat designed for slower, shorter stays. Cosy yet not confined, it offers generous bedrooms set on either side of a central living space where the kitchen and lounge areas glide into one lovely open space. Sliding doors on both sides open the cabin entirely, inviting the views of the lagoon into every room. It’s a small haven that feels pleasantly removed, yet remains connected to the property’s grounds.
Morning light over the lagoon
The interiors of all of the cabins have been beautifully layered together, courtesy of the owner’s discernment with design. Subtle statements, complementing the narrative that’s already been instilled by Slee. Mungo textiles, family heirlooms, antiques, a piano, contemporary essentials, and all of the right amounts of luxury one needs, when spending time beside the water. You’re here for the song of the birds, the feeling of barefoot freedom, and pacifying sight of water.
It’s easy to imagine how your days will unfold at Lagoon Retreat. Depending on the size of your clan, every moment will comprise of little details. Mornings on the Milkwood deck with coffee and rusks as the sun lifts over the water. The low murmur of birds and the soft percussion of wind across the tin roofs, and through the leaves. Summer brings long, bright days, kayaks tracing the lagoon, walks stretching towards Featherbed at low tide. Kids climbing the branches of the trees, playing cricket on the lawn, and disappearing into games that last until supper.
Evenings return to firelight, to conversation, to the simple satisfaction of being entirely in the moment. When it’s winter, you’ll simply light the fires a little more frequently. Of course there will be those days when you venture into Knysna and explore the surrounding nature trails. But that compass will be pointing in the direction of the lagoon, most of the time. Guiding you homeward bound, where all is tranquil and well.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie