Teniqua Tree Tops

In February 2002, Viv and Robyn Patz sold up their properties and business interests in Johannesburg and bought into the dream that is now the paradisical Teniqua Treetops, tented tree house resort. Their son Alex was just 3 years old when they packed up all their belongings, two dogs and a cat, and and moved down to Sedgefield inhabiting the tiny 2 roomed farmhouse and a small caravan for their first 2 years, furniture stored in a large cattle barn on site (now the conference centre and reception areas, workshop and laundry).

Initially, this was a joint purchase with 9 other investors, each with their own ideas, on a repossessed cattle farm, the estate being sold by ABSA bank. The diversity of the development mix didn't work and, over a period of time, Viv and Robyn bought up the whole tract of land in this area of outstanding natural beauty, simultaneously applying for rezoning and planning permission for permitted development in a nature reserve, no small task.

During the building period, the small farmhouse has been redesigned, (Viv is an engineer) upgraded and extended into a comfortable and spacious 4 bedroomed family home and office for the business. The outbuildings have been upgraded, some rebuilt into what is now the games room, braai (BBQ) area, guest facilities for the 2 swimming pools and sun decks and of course, the conference centre with a small on-site shop for essential items.

Between them, and together with a team of trusted workmen, they have designed, built and equipped each tree house in a unique, caring and environmentally sympathetic manner, one by one, taking great care to preserve the forest throughout the building process. The first year saw the completion of 2 tree houses; 3 the next year; and the final 3 the following year.
A rolling maintenance program ensures continuity of quality
of accommodation. Viv, Robyn and Alex are always there to greet and welcome their visitors before settling them into their forested tree houses.

In addition to the family, there is a small team of service staff to look after you. These are Beatrice who works at reception, service staff, Jackie and Lenie, Gert is the groundsman and Alan and Johnnie are in charge of maintenance and building.

Two friendly dogs, Seepie and Sandy, two cats called Marlene and Pixie, and 5 horses (they are our lawnmowers) complete the team.

Teniqua Treetops is a totally African experience; a rustic, ecologically sound, small development of 8 unique tree houses, situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Knysna forests in the beautiful Cape Province of South Africa.
Memorable and authentic.

Please get in touch with Teniqua Tree Tops from the Contact box on the right.