Mariner’s Apartment at The Dry Mill

"Rise with the tides, dine by the water and let the spirit of the marina shape your days." At Mariner’s Apartment, the name tells its story. Once a timber drying shed, The Dry Mill has been reimagined as a collection of distinctive homes where maritime heritage meets contemporary design. This triplex residence honours its origins with steel and timber elements that feel both authentic and refined. Private jetties, lookout decks and tensile sail shades echo the nautical spirit, while generous, light-filled spaces create a feeling of calm connection to the canals beyond. Here, every day flows with the quiet rhythms of island life, rooted in Knysna’s history and elevated by the comforts of modern living. Set across three levels, the apartment unfolds with purposeful simplicity. You enter directly from the covered parking into a welcoming hall, which opens onto a private deck and jetty, an invitation to launch a kayak at dawn or simply watch the water’s shifting reflections with your morning coffee in hand. The second level is dedicated to rest and retreat. The main bedroom is en-suite, with serene canal views that blur the line between indoors and the shimmering waterways beyond. The second bedroom, positioned at the rear of the apartment, feels private and tucked away. With access to a separate bathroom, it’s equally suited to use as a guest room or a quiet study. Ascend to the third level and the apartment reveals its true character: a fully open-plan loft-style space designed for living and entertaining. A functional kitchen flows into the dining and sitting areas, with a fireplace warming the space on cooler winter days. From here, sliding doors lead to two distinct decks: one lookout deck oriented to capture the canal’s tranquil beauty, complete with a built-in braai and tensile sail shade structure that shelters the verandah while echoing the maritime theme. The second verandah, opening directly from the kitchen, enhances airflow throughout the living area and creates a sheltered spot that extends the sense of space in the warmer months. Life on Thesen Island is a quiet celebration of community and connection. Here, children ride their bikes safely through the precinct, dogs wag their tails along leafy footpaths and neighbours greet each other by name. Whether you’re paddling out from your private jetty, wandering to Thesen Harbour Town for a sunset meal or simply relaxing on your deck, every day feels a little like a holiday and offers the chance to savour the simple pleasures of waterfront living in one of the Garden Route’s most sought-after addresses. What We Love: - Seamless indoor-outdoor flow for easy entertaining - Private jetty for kayaking or relaxing by the water - Unique industrial design inspired by the old timber mill - Lock-up-and-go convenience without compromise - Secure island living in a peaceful, walkable community What You Need to Know: - Triplex apartment with two bedrooms (main en-suite) - Private covered parking and direct entry - Two upper verandahs plus ground-level deck and jetty - Open-plan top floor with fireplace - Located in the Dry Mill on Thesen Island - Walk to restaurants, cafés and shops - Perfect as a main home, holiday escape or rental investment - Offered fully furnished for an effortless transition and immediate enjoyment