Courts of the Forest

Courts of the Forest

Grass and clay tennis. Forest air. A table worth lingering at. Join us at Portland Manor, Knysna, for a hosted weekend with good company and room to breathe.

Our next Courts of the Forest dates are coming soon. Leave your details below and we’ll let you know when they’re released.

3 Nights Grass & Clay Courts Forest Feasts Art & Wine

Where tennis meets the forest

A morning rally. Strawberries between sets. Stories that carry on over dinner. At Portland Manor, grass and clay courts sit among gardens, trees and mountain views, and the weekend has time to unfold. Our first gathering in September 2026 brought together tennis friends, familiar faces and a few lovely surprises. We’re shaping the next one with the same care: thoughtful hosting, generous local flavour and space to enjoy it all at your own pace.

A weekend our guests are still talking about

“Best best best weekend! I haven’t had that much fun in such a long time.”

Ashley, September 2026 guest

Get a feel for the people, play and little moments that made our first gathering special. Read the September story or explore our weekend photographs. We’re still adding photos, so pop back for the latest.

Grass & Clay Courts

Play across Portland Manor’s rare grass and clay courts, surrounded by gardens, trees and mountain views.

Art, Wine & Local Flavour

Make room for Knysna’s creative spirit, Cape wine and generous local food, with experiences chosen for each departure.

Forest & Stillness

Enjoy time among the trees and on the estate, with space to walk, rest and take in the quiet of the Garden Route.

Heritage Stay

Settle into Portland Manor, a characterful country estate where old-world charm meets the quiet rhythm of the forest.

A feel for the weekend
Explore the rhythm of Courts of the Forest below, or revisit the moments from our September gathering. The next itinerary will be shared when dates are confirmed.

A typical weekend, at your own pace

Day 1 - Arrive and settle in
The journey gives way to forest air and a warm welcome at Portland Manor. Settle into your room, meet your fellow guests and find your feet around the estate. Depending on arrival time and court conditions, there may be a gentle first hit before welcome drinks and a relaxed evening together.
Day 2 - Find your rhythm
Enjoy breakfast before a hosted session on the grass and clay courts. There’s room for guidance, social play and a courtside pause, with time to catch up between rallies. Shared meals and a relaxed evening bring the group together; local flavours and seasonal touches shape each departure.
Day 3 - Play, explore and celebrate
Another day opens with possibilities on and beyond the court. Friendly competition may take the form of our Heritage Cup, while a local art, food or wine experience offers a different way to enjoy Knysna. Leave space for the estate, the forest and a little rest before a celebratory dinner together.
Day 4 - A gentle close
Take breakfast at an easy pace, with time for a final hit, a short walk or a quiet coffee if the departure schedule allows. Then it’s time for farewells and the journey home, carrying a few new friendships and the feeling of a weekend well spent.

Good company. Thoughtful hosting.

Come for the tennis; settle in for everything around it. We bring our coaching experience and love of South Africa to each weekend, with a warm welcome, time to find your rhythm and care in the little details. From the first courtside conversation to the last shared meal, we want you to feel part of the gathering. There’s room to play, to explore and simply to enjoy being here.

Together on the Journey

With thanks to the people and brands who helped make our inaugural September 2026 weekend possible.

Founding Friends of Courts of the Forest
With special thanks to Paul & Rosario Boling and Lucinda Gibbs for their generous support of the inaugural weekend.

Ready to play where the forest meets the court? Our next dates are coming soon. Leave your details and we’ll be in touch when the next Courts of the Forest weekend is ready to share.

Be part of the next forest weekend

Leave us your details and we’ll share the next dates with you. Tell us a little about your tennis, who you’d like to bring, or anything that would help you feel at home. We’re happy to talk it through. For now, you’re simply raising a hand. There’s no booking commitment.

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