Why you should visit Knysna’s old power station

When public relations guru Theresa Gibbon approached me to spend a weekend at the Turbine Hotel, I initially said no because I have lived in Knysna for three years – and visited the Turbine on and off – and really didn’t know what I could share with readers and locals.

Being a PR expert for the last 20 years, she wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

But am I ever glad I went because I am so excited to say I live in Knysna and have actually explored what was a working power station and is now an iconic hotel.

Not only for decor

I vaguely knew the hotel’s history as a power station, but did not have the fascinating insight into why all the pipes and former working parts are painted the colours they are. Funky and for decor effects I would have thought, but the actual working colours have been kept, in other words, green and blue pipes represent salt and fresh water.

The actual working parts of the power station have been left in place and the hotel is built around it hence the eclectic nooks and crannies, rooms and dining areas.

So glad I went because not only can I share what an icon this hotel is, unique in the world, but because I can say to all readers that we live in an amazing part of the world and forget to look at it – and also experience it.

Rich history behind it

Just for starters, before one even moves out of the hotel, absorb the history. The Thesen family moved from Norway to Knysna in 1870 and founded numerous business entities in the town. In 1904 Charles William Thesen bought Paarden Island (now named Thesen Island) and began processing timber there in 1922. Wood waste from the mill was subsequently used to start a power station that generated electricity from turbines. These premises eventually were part of the Eskom grid and it supplied Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield and Knysna with electricity from 1939 until the June 2001.

A museum concept never materialised and the site was sold to current hotel owners Geoff Engel and Dandre Lerm-Engel in September 2007.

A new era begins

Rezoning, approvals and building of this incredible hotel took three years and commenced trading on 12 August 2010.

Before the hotel was built, conglomerate Barlows purchased the logging operations on the island in 1974, but they were decommissioned in early 1980 due to adverse environmental factors and subsequently sold to CMAI architects, who developed the islands into an internationally acclaimed marina which it is today, housing Thesen Harbour Town with shops, favourite local restaurants and 596 residential houses and apartments, 19 interlinked islands and the numerous canals.

A flag to be proud of

Blue Flag status was awarded to Thesen Island in 2013.

The Turbine Hotel is a very important part of our rich Knysna history fabric and deserves visits from locals for various reasons.

Quite apart from the Island Cafe, The Turbine Gastro Pub and pool deck dining, a leisurely stroll around to look at the old pipes and engine with descriptions makes for a very special Sunday afternoon outing. All the parts from the old power station have been kept and are everywhere in the building.

If he is around, a very approachable and knowledgeable general manager Chris Schutte is very happy to answer questions about the history.

Then there is the simply spectacular art, curated by Corlie de Kock of Knysna Fine Art.

Art for all tastes

Each piece has been chosen by Corlie to make the most of the space it needs to fill, the mood it needs to fit. From exquisite beach paintings that make one feel as though your feet are immersed in the sand, and fun and unusual works done in silicone in the lounge area, to huge black-and-white mystical charcoal works, a self-guided art tour is a must.

What is more, as residents, instead of doing your routine weekend thing or taking guests to the same old places, how about the Turbine Water Club?

I really wasn’t keen on riding a bicycle (never done this since a friend fell over the handlebars and knocked all her teeth out), but Theresa once again wasn’t taking no for an answer and what a stunning way to see Knysna.

Boat trips a must

Funnily enough, on our Turbine Club cycle path to the Heads we happened to bump into the parkrun enthusiasts, which to the other members of the group gave the impression that the whole of Knysna runs on a Saturday morning, from young to old, you name it.

Then the Turbine Water Club also offers a boat cruise with a difference. Monty the skipper doesn’t narrate the trip as such, but knows who lives where and offers a fascinating insight into life around the estuary.

To impress guests, booking this boat trip with delectable snacks is a great idea.

If you are adventurous, then let the Water Club take you out on a stable (not the skinny kind bound to tip you out) canoe trip around the 19 islands – a view not seen unless you own your own canoe or boat and live there.

Long and short is, even if we live here we should be finding adventures, and what better way to start than the Turbine whether food, history, art or adventure is your thing.