Situated on the western shore of the Knysna Lagoon, Belvidere is noted mainly for its Manor and a picturesque little church.
In 1830 the relevant land was acquired by George Rex, who practically owned Knysna and settled here to become the foremost timber merchant in the district. In 1833 a young Scotsman, Thomas Henry Duthie, married George’s third daughter Caroline, and bought the farm, Belvidere, from his father-in-law for £750. On a gentle slope only paces from the lagoon Duthie, during a five year span, built a church. Today this miniature in the Norman style of the 11th and 12th centuries is a famous landmark and tourist attraction.
The original homestead, Belvidere House, also served as a post office to the community, as such being the meeting place of businessmen and farmers alike.
Today, as throughout the Southern Cape, developers have moved in and the pristine beauty of the environment is now forever marred by luxury housing estates with units priced from R1.5 million to R12 million.