Western Cape, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

As you pass through the coded gate, a driveway framed by auburn-tinged maple trees beckons you forward. Already, you can feel tension slip away. There’s something in the air — a kind of zen that settles softly in your body. This is a place that holds peace like it’s sown into the ground itself.

You realise you’ve reached your destination as a striking traditional Cape Dutch manor house floats into view, backdropped by towering gum trees and set behind a tangle of reflective ponds. The trickle of water whispers through the air, while wooden bridges lead to quiet nooks that invite you to pause and ponder.

A stained-glass front door welcomes you into a spacious lounge, where a stone-framed fireplace sets the mood and antique chandeliers hang from embossed ceilings. The interiors are tastefully furnished — a curated collection of elegant, character-filled pieces that complement the architecture and are included in the sale. With a full kitchen, dining room, and seven en suite bedrooms — three of which are upstairs with balconies overlooking the ponds and gardens — the home is perfectly suited as a guesthouse for those who seek the peace of this tranquil retreat. Step out the back, and a sun-warmed courtyard unfolds, where stone tables and a sparkling pool invite long, restful afternoons.

In addition to the Manor House, there are two further dwellings — each with open-plan living, modern-cottage kitchens, and fully enclosed courtyards that form serene inner worlds. The Oasis Villa is reached by a cobbled path that winds past a white gazebo and features five en-suite bedrooms with newly renovated bathrooms, while Twin Ferns offers three en-suite bedrooms, a separate flatlet and office, and a quaint storefront for wellness products.

Finally, you find yourself at the beating heart of the retreat — the wellness centre. It is a beautifully constructed wooden haven, its presence anchoring the land between the three homes. Boardwalks thread between twin lily ponds, their still surfaces mirroring the sky, leading you to four well-equipped therapy rooms that offer calming views and restorative privacy. A dedicated bathhouse features two antique claw-foot tubs for immersive, bath-based treatments, along with a washroom and a serene assessment space — all designed to hold space for healing, presence, and transformation.

Ousia runs in harmony with the land it rests on. A clean, reliable borehole provides fresh water, while a fully integrated black and grey water system returns it gently to the earth. Three-phase electricity is backed by a generator for peace of mind, while an electric fence and passcode gate ensure security without intrusion. A natural berm buffers the perimeter, softening sound, and the clever layout keeps service areas tucked quietly away from the spaces where life unfolds.

Though it feels a world apart, Ousia is easy to reach. Its generous five hectares are tucked beside the beloved Luka Vineyards and on the same drive as the Knysna Elephant Park, with coastal gems Plettenberg Bay and Knysna a short drive in either direction. With both commercial and residential zoning, soulful architecture, and a layout that balances privacy with purpose, this estate is perfectly poised as a wellness or creative retreat, boutique guest house, or nature-aligned business.

“Ousia” is the Greek word for essence — a name that feels destined for a place where purpose and identity entwine. Here, you’ll find the rare chance to plant your vision in fertile soil where it can blossom into the business you’ve always dreamed of.

Price excludes VAT.