Forest Hall Estate was declared an Historical Monument by the South African Heritage authority in 1992, and has been splendidly restored to its original glory. Forest Hall Estate hosts the original nineteenth century yellow-wood and stink-wood floors, stairs and doors of the home have been beautifully restored to show off the features that made these woods so prized for interiors and flooring.This and many other original aspects of the home, including the very close proximity of the same forest from which the wood was sourced, impart not only a sense of time and history, but lend the house a uniquely natural and authentic feel. The atmosphere of a colonial gentleman’s family home still pervades, and with it the peace and tranquility of a time gone by and a slower, gentler experience of a less explored Africa.
The Forest Hall Estate, built in 1864, was one of the first homes built in the Crags and Plettenberg Bay area of the Garden Route.
Forest Hall Estate Accommodation
The Manor House at Forest Hall Estate is situated within a large area of smooth green lawn, but it is surrounded by indigenous forest. From each of the windows guests are treated to uninterrupted and breath-taking views – in one direction over this forest to the foothills above the Kurland Polo fields, and the Outeniqua mountain range; in the other over the Tsitsikamma to the Indian Ocean.
The indigenous forest that covers much of the Forest Hall Estate is home to vervet monkeys and baboons; bush-buck and wild pigs can often be seen at dawn on the border between the forest and the lawns.
First floor
- A 200 m² Master Bedroom with an open-plan bathroom and a large dressing room + a private studio loft that serves as a separate children’s room (Sleeps 3 and has own en-suite bathroom).
- Two en-suite double bedrooms.
- An entertainment room with a drop-down cinema screen and projector with en-suite bathroom. Can be converted into another en-suite double bedroom if required.
- Linen room.
Ground floor
- Fully equipped kitchen, with a double Godin professional cooker, 3 refrigerators, a 9 m² double-door cold room & wall-mounted freezer.
- Dining room, with a yellow wood table that can sit up to 25 people.
- An extensive living and entertainment area (incl. an large atrium,a morning room and a sun room).
- Study with computer, printer & internet connection.
- Sun lounge adjacent to the sun room that can also be converted in an extra en-suite double bedroom if needed.
- Sun deck: A large outdoor deck area with 2 large tables, and a second sitting area with a swing bench overlooking the Indian ocean. Perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing under the African sun. A linen shade cloth and nearby trees over the lawns provide cover.
A number of Cottages are set in the grounds close to the Manor House, offering accommodation for a further 12 people.
East Cottages: Four adjoined rooms each with their own with en-suite bathrooms.
West Cottage: Two en-suite bedrooms and own kitchen.
Forest Cottage: Two en-suite bedrooms and own kitchen.
Forest Hall Estate As a Retreat
Forest Hall Estate is situated on a confluence of magnetic Earth energy lines – or ‘ley’ lines as they sometimes known. This gives the place a very powerful healing energy. Combined with the beautiful, natural surroundings and the location – far from the noise of cars on the road and above cliffs overlooking the ocean – this makes Forest Hall particularly suitable as a Retreat. The afro-montane forest that surrounds the property, and which borders the garden only metres from the house on the eastern side, is another source of palpable and powerful natural energy – hard to define, but a recognisable force that any local living here will attest to: an energy that comes from the trees and gives this part of the world a unique atmosphere.
Forest Hall Estate has been described in accounts of its history as having been a very happy home. It has also been said that there is something magical about the place. Today, the cliff-top location, the forest, the sea and gardens, the splendour and magnificence of the environment (more preserved here than anywhere else in the Garden Route) – these are complemented by so many more features: the animals wondering around the gardens, the character of the house such as the genuine wooden floors, doors and ceiling beams, the luxurious furnishings and the combination of Victorian and modern appointments, the pool and facilities and the attentive staff – not to mention the proximity of passing whales and dolphins which can be viewed from the Forest Hall Estate Manor House. All of these factors combine to make Forest Hall Estate perfectly suited for those seeking healing – whether from post-traumatic (emotional) or post-operative stress (physical and often also emotional) or just from the effects of modern living. Forest Hall offers a complete getaway that will help individuals to re-connect with themselves and nature; to rebalance mind, body and spirit, and to leave behind the distractions and stressors that inhibit personal growth and fulfillment.
In order to facilitate any such pursuit, or purely in the interests of maximising the relaxation factor of your holiday, we can arrange massage and Spa therapists, yoga & meditation instructors, and astrologers. We will be happy to assist in procuring the services of whatever professionals you have in mind. The Garden Route is known to have many such practitioners, drawn to live in this part of the world by the same energies and peace that makes a stay here so special.
Facilities
Pool, Jacuzzi & Pool House: The 25 metre Infinity Pool is heated with solar panels, and is kept sparkling with an environmentally friendly salt-water cleaning system that does not require the use of chlorine. A Jacuzzi adjacent to the pool can accommodate up to 16 people: where children can play safely while parents sunbath or relax on the pool deck. The pool house is fully equipped with professional style kitchen, wood fired pizza oven, fireplace and barbecue, and a table for 12. Ideal for long summer lunches and suppers.
Gym: A fully equipped gym offers keeping in shape in-between all the eating, drinking, relaxing and having fun.
Business Centre: A business centre is located in one of the guest cottages opposite the main house and is equipped with computers, fax and internet connection (including wireless).
Internet: Broadband internet access is available across the property.
Farm & Vegetable Garden: A small animal farm on the property has sheep, lambs, rabbits, horses, ponies and ostriches to watch and feed. A well-tended vegetable garden provides a wide range of organic vegetables for every day use at the Forest Hall tables, and an indigenous nursery and re-aforestation laboratory on the Estate is part of a local re-aforesation initiative in association with SANParks.
The house is situated on the edge of 10 hectares of smooth lawn and paddocks, perfect for walking, exercising and horse riding. A number of deck areas are perfect for outdoor pastimes, breakfasts, lunches and romantic dinners looking toward the Indian Ocean:
The Sun Deck: the main deck (with a linen shelter) overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The Orb Deck: overlooking the Outeniqua Mountains – perfect for sundowners.
The Pool Deck: ideal for sunbathing.
Mickey’s Deck: on the way down to the private beach – the perfect spot for whale watching.
The Caravan Camp: overlooking the Indian Ocean – unbeatable for romantic picnics.
Forest Hall Estate Activities
Forest Hall Estate offers a number of educational and leisure opportunities for both children and adults.
For the little ones: looking after our animals! A number of farm animals roam the Estate – from sheep, rabbits, horses, chickens, a pig, to four rare and indigenous Nguni cattle…and a peacock! Endless entertainment for children which is also educational.
For both adults and children: Learning in our laboratory about the re-aforestation and alien clearing program which has been run by Landmark Foundation scientist Albert Ackhurst for some years. An indigenous nursery on the Estate is a wonderful opportunity for guests to get involved in or just appreciate the local flora and the efforts currently underway in the Garden Route to clear alien vegetation and re-establish the unique Afro-montane ecosystem that is found nowhere else in the world apart from the Amatole/Hogsback region in Kwazulu-Natal – where it was the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous book The Lord of The Rings.
Walks into the pristine Tsitsikamma forest right on the property to learn about this ancient and unique African ecosystem – the home of the prized Yellow-wood. The Tsitsikamma is true ‘fairy forest’ and the name is an ancient khoi word meaning ‘place of many waters’ due to the abundance of waterfalls to be found in the greater Tsitsikamma area.
Barbecue (or ‘braai’)! There are several perfect spots – each equipped with deck, table and barbecue, near the beach, in the shade of the trees, where the children can play safely, bathe and wait for the grill to be ready.
Sleep-over at the grotto. A night in the very large natural grotto overlooking the sea is a unique experience, and a great outdoors experience to share with your family.
Hiking
Forest Hall is situated right on the Western edge of the beautiful forest of the Tsitsikamma National Park – near the finishing point of the world-renowned Otter Trail – 42 kms of pristine beaches, cliffs and coastal forest from Storms River Mouth to Natures Valley. Although it is necessary to book a place on the Otter Trail well in advance (the trail takes 4 days to complete), a number of shorter trails and hikes are available in the area. Within the property boundaries of Forest Hall itself, exceptional hiking trails take you through spectacular indigenous forest down to the private beaches at the foot of the cliffs. From the house you can hike east through the forest to Salt River and from there either through more forest or along the rocky shore-line for a short distance to the popular Nature’s Valley beach and lagoon, or west along the coastline all the way to Keurbooms. For the brave at heart there is the Forest Hall Coastal Cave walk, which involves swimming through a cave – only possible at low tide. Please note that these hikes are challenging! Since most routes involve steep gradients, dense forest and rugged coastal sections, all hikes are supervised by the manager of the property. However, gentler, more family oriented forest and coastal walks are only a short distance away at Natures Valley, or through forests on other parts of the Estate.
Horse -riding
Supervised horse-riding is available, either around the gardens and grounds, or trekking through the forest. Three riding horses and a Shetland pony are kept on the Estate. They are kept in a large fenced paddock at night, and are usually free to wonder the Estate during the day – although guest’s preferences will be accommodated in this regard. They are all gentle, friendly horses and the Shetland is an ideal companion for children. In addition to horse-riding on the Estate, there are a number of places that offer horse-riding and trekking in the surrounding area. For Polo enthusiasts, lessons can be arranged at neighbouring Kurland.
Swimming
Forest Hall has its own private beaches, with rock pools that are ideal for children to swim in and play safely. The beaches can be reached via several paths down though the forest – these are very steep and challenging, and then there is the climb back up! For those with small children or who are feeling less like a true adventure through the ancient lichen-covered and moss-hung trees, the beaches can be reached on a 4×4 drive from the front garden area of the Manor house. The difficult paths through the forest and the inaccessibility of the beaches from anyhwere but Forest Hall Estate itself means privacy…and unspoiled coastline.
The 25 metre ‘Infinity Pool’ near the Manor House is heated with solar panels, and is kept sparkling with an environmentally friendly salt-water cleaning system that does not require the use of chlorine. A Jacuzzi adjacent to the pool can accommodate up to 16 people.
Mountain Biking
Forest Hall Estate lends itself to mountain-biking – with 220 ha of open ground and forest, there is no shortage of trails and paths. Trails range from easy to highly challenging. For those who wish to venture farther afield, trails can be found in the Tsitsikamma, Harkerville and Knysna Forests. The surrounding Crags area and the road and forests of Natures Valley are also a cyclist’s paradise.
Bird Watching
Forest Hall offers amazing opportunities for bird-watching! The Tsitsikamma forest, which ends right in the front garden, is home to the spectacular Knysna Loerie and the rare endemic Narina Trogon, among many others. Click on the following local link and let your cursor rest on the pictures of the birds for information on the four primary species that can be seen flitting through the forest canopy – and through the trees around you as you enjoy the afternoon on the deck or relaxing in the swing chair:
BIRDS OF THE TSITSIKAMMA
Whale watching
The cliffs and beaches of Forest Hall Estate offer incredible whale-watching opportunities. Southern Right whales (so named because they were once the ‘right’ whales to hunt) move through the area off the Estate’s coastline during the winter months, from late April to early October. They come to the Bay to breed and calve, and can be seen singly or in groups of several individuals close to shore. Walk down the cliff with a pair of binoculars and you may get to enjoy the experience of watching a whale calve. Brydes whales are present throughout the year, and Humpbacks move through in considerable numbers during the summer months – close in shore. Humpbacks are of course famous for their ‘breaching’ behaviour – throwing their enormous bulk out of the water in apparent exuberance. It is an incredible sight to see, and Forest Hall offers one of the finest vantage points along the Garden Route coast. Sightings of these majestic creatures are virtually a daily occurence.
For a truly close encounters, two permitted boat-based whale-watching companies operate from Main Beach at Plettenberg Bay. Year round trips promise dolphin sightings, winter trips offer close encounters with Southern Rights, and summer trips the very real chance of getting splashed by a breaching Humpback!
Line-fishing
Forest Hall’s own beach is known as a great spot for line fishing. With the right tide and weather you can settle in for the day to catch your own supper in a spectacular and private setting – nothing and no-one around you but soaring cliffs, lush coastal forest and the open ocean. Your only companions might be dolphins, or Humpbacks and Southern Right whales at certain times of the year.
Waking with cheetahs
There are many opportunities to get close to animals in the Crags, and one of the most rewarding and thrilling of these encounters is offered at the nearby Tenikwa Awareness Centre. Tenikwa offers visitors the chance to go along with the handlers when they take the Centre’s cheetahs for their daily walks. This is something that we at Forest Hall can personally recommend, having been priviledged to have experienced ourselves with our 4 year old son. It was incredibly moving and something we will never forget. The cheetahs are used to people and prefectly safe to be around, but this does not detract from the experience; if anything it makes it even more incredible – to be so close and accepted by this beautiful wild African cat.
Weddings at Forest Hall Estate
With its dramatic and elegant architectural proportions and ample outdoor areas, the Manor is an ideal venue for events such as weddings. The kitchen can cater for a large number of guests, and the living and recreational areas of the Manor and the Estate can be set to accommodate specific seating requirements.
The garden, the forest, the views – all combine to provide the perfect setting for ceremonies and parties.
We will be happy to work with you or your wedding planner to arrange your special day! Please see below for guidelines and conditions of rental. A minimum rental period for weddings is 2 days (1 night). Up to 30 people can be accommodated on the Estate overnight, with up to 120 guests catered for during the days.
The per day rental is inclusive of full time availability and assistance from the staff of six, including the Estate Manager Pieter and a full time cook & housekeeper, Florida, who lives on the Estate. It does not, however, include catering, any special staff requirements, or extras such as flowers or the setting up gazebos and tents.
Further cooking, cleaning and maintenance staff can be arranged, as can a professional chef, waiting staff, and security guards. As per normal holiday rental drivers, sport trainers, yoga instructors and spa therapists can be arranged for the happy couple and guests.
Limited rental cars can also be arranged, as can airport transfers.
Please note that any or all of the above should be requested before-hand to avoid disappointment.
Rates
Forest Hall Estate Gallery
Enquire Now
- + Accommodation
-
Forest Hall Estate Accommodation
The Manor House at Forest Hall Estate is situated within a large area of smooth green lawn, but it is surrounded by indigenous forest. From each of the windows guests are treated to uninterrupted and breath-taking views – in one direction over this forest to the foothills above the Kurland Polo fields, and the Outeniqua mountain range; in the other over the Tsitsikamma to the Indian Ocean.
The indigenous forest that covers much of the Forest Hall Estate is home to vervet monkeys and baboons; bush-buck and wild pigs can often be seen at dawn on the border between the forest and the lawns.
First floor
- A 200 m² Master Bedroom with an open-plan bathroom and a large dressing room + a private studio loft that serves as a separate children’s room (Sleeps 3 and has own en-suite bathroom).
- Two en-suite double bedrooms.
- An entertainment room with a drop-down cinema screen and projector with en-suite bathroom. Can be converted into another en-suite double bedroom if required.
- Linen room.
Ground floor
- Fully equipped kitchen, with a double Godin professional cooker, 3 refrigerators, a 9 m² double-door cold room & wall-mounted freezer.
- Dining room, with a yellow wood table that can sit up to 25 people.
- An extensive living and entertainment area (incl. an large atrium,a morning room and a sun room).
- Study with computer, printer & internet connection.
- Sun lounge adjacent to the sun room that can also be converted in an extra en-suite double bedroom if needed.
- Sun deck: A large outdoor deck area with 2 large tables, and a second sitting area with a swing bench overlooking the Indian ocean. Perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing under the African sun. A linen shade cloth and nearby trees over the lawns provide cover.
A number of Cottages are set in the grounds close to the Manor House, offering accommodation for a further 12 people.
East Cottages: Four adjoined rooms each with their own with en-suite bathrooms.
West Cottage: Two en-suite bedrooms and own kitchen.
Forest Cottage: Two en-suite bedrooms and own kitchen. - + As a Retreat
-
Forest Hall Estate As a Retreat
Forest Hall Estate is situated on a confluence of magnetic Earth energy lines – or ‘ley’ lines as they sometimes known. This gives the place a very powerful healing energy. Combined with the beautiful, natural surroundings and the location – far from the noise of cars on the road and above cliffs overlooking the ocean – this makes Forest Hall particularly suitable as a Retreat. The afro-montane forest that surrounds the property, and which borders the garden only metres from the house on the eastern side, is another source of palpable and powerful natural energy – hard to define, but a recognisable force that any local living here will attest to: an energy that comes from the trees and gives this part of the world a unique atmosphere.
Forest Hall Estate has been described in accounts of its history as having been a very happy home. It has also been said that there is something magical about the place. Today, the cliff-top location, the forest, the sea and gardens, the splendour and magnificence of the environment (more preserved here than anywhere else in the Garden Route) – these are complemented by so many more features: the animals wondering around the gardens, the character of the house such as the genuine wooden floors, doors and ceiling beams, the luxurious furnishings and the combination of Victorian and modern appointments, the pool and facilities and the attentive staff – not to mention the proximity of passing whales and dolphins which can be viewed from the Forest Hall Estate Manor House. All of these factors combine to make Forest Hall Estate perfectly suited for those seeking healing – whether from post-traumatic (emotional) or post-operative stress (physical and often also emotional) or just from the effects of modern living. Forest Hall offers a complete getaway that will help individuals to re-connect with themselves and nature; to rebalance mind, body and spirit, and to leave behind the distractions and stressors that inhibit personal growth and fulfillment.
In order to facilitate any such pursuit, or purely in the interests of maximising the relaxation factor of your holiday, we can arrange massage and Spa therapists, yoga & meditation instructors, and astrologers. We will be happy to assist in procuring the services of whatever professionals you have in mind. The Garden Route is known to have many such practitioners, drawn to live in this part of the world by the same energies and peace that makes a stay here so special.
- + Facilities
-
Facilities
Pool, Jacuzzi & Pool House: The 25 metre Infinity Pool is heated with solar panels, and is kept sparkling with an environmentally friendly salt-water cleaning system that does not require the use of chlorine. A Jacuzzi adjacent to the pool can accommodate up to 16 people: where children can play safely while parents sunbath or relax on the pool deck. The pool house is fully equipped with professional style kitchen, wood fired pizza oven, fireplace and barbecue, and a table for 12. Ideal for long summer lunches and suppers.
Gym: A fully equipped gym offers keeping in shape in-between all the eating, drinking, relaxing and having fun.
Business Centre: A business centre is located in one of the guest cottages opposite the main house and is equipped with computers, fax and internet connection (including wireless).
Internet: Broadband internet access is available across the property.
Farm & Vegetable Garden: A small animal farm on the property has sheep, lambs, rabbits, horses, ponies and ostriches to watch and feed. A well-tended vegetable garden provides a wide range of organic vegetables for every day use at the Forest Hall tables, and an indigenous nursery and re-aforestation laboratory on the Estate is part of a local re-aforesation initiative in association with SANParks.
The house is situated on the edge of 10 hectares of smooth lawn and paddocks, perfect for walking, exercising and horse riding. A number of deck areas are perfect for outdoor pastimes, breakfasts, lunches and romantic dinners looking toward the Indian Ocean:
The Sun Deck: the main deck (with a linen shelter) overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The Orb Deck: overlooking the Outeniqua Mountains – perfect for sundowners.
The Pool Deck: ideal for sunbathing.
Mickey’s Deck: on the way down to the private beach – the perfect spot for whale watching.
The Caravan Camp: overlooking the Indian Ocean – unbeatable for romantic picnics. - + Activities
-
Forest Hall Estate Activities
Forest Hall Estate offers a number of educational and leisure opportunities for both children and adults.
For the little ones: looking after our animals! A number of farm animals roam the Estate – from sheep, rabbits, horses, chickens, a pig, to four rare and indigenous Nguni cattle…and a peacock! Endless entertainment for children which is also educational.
For both adults and children: Learning in our laboratory about the re-aforestation and alien clearing program which has been run by Landmark Foundation scientist Albert Ackhurst for some years. An indigenous nursery on the Estate is a wonderful opportunity for guests to get involved in or just appreciate the local flora and the efforts currently underway in the Garden Route to clear alien vegetation and re-establish the unique Afro-montane ecosystem that is found nowhere else in the world apart from the Amatole/Hogsback region in Kwazulu-Natal – where it was the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous book The Lord of The Rings.
Walks into the pristine Tsitsikamma forest right on the property to learn about this ancient and unique African ecosystem – the home of the prized Yellow-wood. The Tsitsikamma is true ‘fairy forest’ and the name is an ancient khoi word meaning ‘place of many waters’ due to the abundance of waterfalls to be found in the greater Tsitsikamma area.
Barbecue (or ‘braai’)! There are several perfect spots – each equipped with deck, table and barbecue, near the beach, in the shade of the trees, where the children can play safely, bathe and wait for the grill to be ready.
Sleep-over at the grotto. A night in the very large natural grotto overlooking the sea is a unique experience, and a great outdoors experience to share with your family.
Hiking
Forest Hall is situated right on the Western edge of the beautiful forest of the Tsitsikamma National Park – near the finishing point of the world-renowned Otter Trail – 42 kms of pristine beaches, cliffs and coastal forest from Storms River Mouth to Natures Valley. Although it is necessary to book a place on the Otter Trail well in advance (the trail takes 4 days to complete), a number of shorter trails and hikes are available in the area. Within the property boundaries of Forest Hall itself, exceptional hiking trails take you through spectacular indigenous forest down to the private beaches at the foot of the cliffs. From the house you can hike east through the forest to Salt River and from there either through more forest or along the rocky shore-line for a short distance to the popular Nature’s Valley beach and lagoon, or west along the coastline all the way to Keurbooms. For the brave at heart there is the Forest Hall Coastal Cave walk, which involves swimming through a cave – only possible at low tide. Please note that these hikes are challenging! Since most routes involve steep gradients, dense forest and rugged coastal sections, all hikes are supervised by the manager of the property. However, gentler, more family oriented forest and coastal walks are only a short distance away at Natures Valley, or through forests on other parts of the Estate.
Horse -riding
Supervised horse-riding is available, either around the gardens and grounds, or trekking through the forest. Three riding horses and a Shetland pony are kept on the Estate. They are kept in a large fenced paddock at night, and are usually free to wonder the Estate during the day – although guest’s preferences will be accommodated in this regard. They are all gentle, friendly horses and the Shetland is an ideal companion for children. In addition to horse-riding on the Estate, there are a number of places that offer horse-riding and trekking in the surrounding area. For Polo enthusiasts, lessons can be arranged at neighbouring Kurland.
Swimming
Forest Hall has its own private beaches, with rock pools that are ideal for children to swim in and play safely. The beaches can be reached via several paths down though the forest – these are very steep and challenging, and then there is the climb back up! For those with small children or who are feeling less like a true adventure through the ancient lichen-covered and moss-hung trees, the beaches can be reached on a 4×4 drive from the front garden area of the Manor house. The difficult paths through the forest and the inaccessibility of the beaches from anyhwere but Forest Hall Estate itself means privacy…and unspoiled coastline.
The 25 metre ‘Infinity Pool’ near the Manor House is heated with solar panels, and is kept sparkling with an environmentally friendly salt-water cleaning system that does not require the use of chlorine. A Jacuzzi adjacent to the pool can accommodate up to 16 people.
Mountain Biking
Forest Hall Estate lends itself to mountain-biking – with 220 ha of open ground and forest, there is no shortage of trails and paths. Trails range from easy to highly challenging. For those who wish to venture farther afield, trails can be found in the Tsitsikamma, Harkerville and Knysna Forests. The surrounding Crags area and the road and forests of Natures Valley are also a cyclist’s paradise.
Bird Watching
Forest Hall offers amazing opportunities for bird-watching! The Tsitsikamma forest, which ends right in the front garden, is home to the spectacular Knysna Loerie and the rare endemic Narina Trogon, among many others. Click on the following local link and let your cursor rest on the pictures of the birds for information on the four primary species that can be seen flitting through the forest canopy – and through the trees around you as you enjoy the afternoon on the deck or relaxing in the swing chair:
BIRDS OF THE TSITSIKAMMA
Whale watching
The cliffs and beaches of Forest Hall Estate offer incredible whale-watching opportunities. Southern Right whales (so named because they were once the ‘right’ whales to hunt) move through the area off the Estate’s coastline during the winter months, from late April to early October. They come to the Bay to breed and calve, and can be seen singly or in groups of several individuals close to shore. Walk down the cliff with a pair of binoculars and you may get to enjoy the experience of watching a whale calve. Brydes whales are present throughout the year, and Humpbacks move through in considerable numbers during the summer months – close in shore. Humpbacks are of course famous for their ‘breaching’ behaviour – throwing their enormous bulk out of the water in apparent exuberance. It is an incredible sight to see, and Forest Hall offers one of the finest vantage points along the Garden Route coast. Sightings of these majestic creatures are virtually a daily occurence.
For a truly close encounters, two permitted boat-based whale-watching companies operate from Main Beach at Plettenberg Bay. Year round trips promise dolphin sightings, winter trips offer close encounters with Southern Rights, and summer trips the very real chance of getting splashed by a breaching Humpback!
Line-fishing
Forest Hall’s own beach is known as a great spot for line fishing. With the right tide and weather you can settle in for the day to catch your own supper in a spectacular and private setting – nothing and no-one around you but soaring cliffs, lush coastal forest and the open ocean. Your only companions might be dolphins, or Humpbacks and Southern Right whales at certain times of the year.
Waking with cheetahs
There are many opportunities to get close to animals in the Crags, and one of the most rewarding and thrilling of these encounters is offered at the nearby Tenikwa Awareness Centre. Tenikwa offers visitors the chance to go along with the handlers when they take the Centre’s cheetahs for their daily walks. This is something that we at Forest Hall can personally recommend, having been priviledged to have experienced ourselves with our 4 year old son. It was incredibly moving and something we will never forget. The cheetahs are used to people and prefectly safe to be around, but this does not detract from the experience; if anything it makes it even more incredible – to be so close and accepted by this beautiful wild African cat.
- + Weddings
-
Weddings at Forest Hall Estate
With its dramatic and elegant architectural proportions and ample outdoor areas, the Manor is an ideal venue for events such as weddings. The kitchen can cater for a large number of guests, and the living and recreational areas of the Manor and the Estate can be set to accommodate specific seating requirements.
The garden, the forest, the views – all combine to provide the perfect setting for ceremonies and parties.
We will be happy to work with you or your wedding planner to arrange your special day! Please see below for guidelines and conditions of rental. A minimum rental period for weddings is 2 days (1 night). Up to 30 people can be accommodated on the Estate overnight, with up to 120 guests catered for during the days.
The per day rental is inclusive of full time availability and assistance from the staff of six, including the Estate Manager Pieter and a full time cook & housekeeper, Florida, who lives on the Estate. It does not, however, include catering, any special staff requirements, or extras such as flowers or the setting up gazebos and tents.
Further cooking, cleaning and maintenance staff can be arranged, as can a professional chef, waiting staff, and security guards. As per normal holiday rental drivers, sport trainers, yoga instructors and spa therapists can be arranged for the happy couple and guests.
Limited rental cars can also be arranged, as can airport transfers.
Please note that any or all of the above should be requested before-hand to avoid disappointment.
- + Rates
-
Rates
- + Gallery
-
Forest Hall Estate Gallery
- + Enquiry
-
Enquire Now