Enough has been written and said already about the history of Simola Country Estate situated in the panoramic Knysna Forest. The sleeping giant is now seemingly set to become a major role player in terms of Garden Route investments. Admittedly the actual sale of Simola has been an arduous and frustrating affair, but there's no holding back the potential of this prime property. While other local golfing and country estates have made major inroads to the international investor market, they all seem to have very young characters and it may take some time before their true investment potential is realized. On the other hand, Simola is regarded as one of the grandfathers of local estates, simply waiting for the right investor to arrive.

The unleashing of this splendid 267-hectare estate onto the property and commercial industries will surely invite some serious long-term investments. Much has been proposed for Simola in the way of commercial development with the probability of houses, a hotel, a sports complex, a golf academy and a golf course in the offing. Granted, with the Garden Route already perceived as one of the golfing Mecca's of the world, you could ask if another golf estate is necessary. It is however a fact that golfing itself is a way of life throughout the modern world and one would be hard pressed to develop an area such as Simola without succumbing to this influence. Quite simply put, Knysna and surrounding industries can and will only benefit from the rebirth of Simola.

Simola was re-auctioned in December 2002 following an initial default sale. The purchasers, investors from the Eastern Cape, do not have any immediate plans for Simola. They prefer to see Simola as a long- term investment, which will bear fruits if careful planning and consideration is undertaken. It seems that they are committed to doing things the right way, much deserving of such a rich piece of property.