Old Timber Shed - Image 1
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Old Timber Shed

4.1
·13 reviews·Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

A historical timber storage structure from 1786, this beautiful ruin offers a glimpse into Plettenberg Bay's past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Old Timber Shed - Image 1

Old Timber Shed

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historical timber storage structure from 1786, this beautiful ruin offers a glimpse into Plettenberg Bay's past.

4.1
(13 reviews)

"Beautiful ruin. 2nd oldest building in plett."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Age

Appreciate the rustic beauty and historical feel for great photos. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Combine with Plett's hikes for stunning coastal views. :hiking_boot:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

The second oldest building in Plett, a testament to Dutch East India Company's timber trade.

Architectural Remnant

Architectural Remnant

A beautiful ruin that evokes a sense of age and the area's past maritime importance.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History

The Old Timber Shed is a historical gem, dating back to 1786. While it offers a sense of age and historical significance, some visitors note it could use tidying up, with mentions of rotting materials. Plan for a visit that appreciates its past rather than expecting pristine conditions.

Plett's Coastal Charm

Located near Plettenberg Bay, the Old Timber Shed is part of a region known for its stunning coastal views and beautiful hikes.TikTok+1 Consider combining your visit with exploring the Garden Route for a fuller South African travel experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Add it to your list 😍😍🏕 #campingsouthafrica #campsites #travelsouthafrica #southafricafyp #plettenbergbay #fyp #vanlife
@life_of_betts
24.9K likes • 372.5K views

📸 Capture the Age

Appreciate the rustic beauty and historical feel for great photos. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Combine with Plett's hikes for stunning coastal views. :hiking_boot:

📍 Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape #travelSA #southafricatiktok #fyp
@treven_moodley
21.4K likes • 372K views
Old shed had to go and a new timber shed in its place! This was a fun backyard project. Let us know if you need a timber shed! #shed #estatetimbers #timbershed #concrete #demolition #mississauga #framing
estatetimbers
22 likes • 4.6K views

🧐 Understand its Past

Learn about its role in timber trade for a richer visit. :books:

⚠️ Be Prepared

Some areas might need tidying; embrace the historic charm. :warning:

Old coal shed brought back to life on our #southchurch project! Loads of space in here now! #landscapersofinstagram #landscapers #shed #coalshedrefurb #timber #storage #essex #outbuilding
haldon_limited
35 likes • 3.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Age

Appreciate the rustic beauty and historical feel for great photos. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Combine with Plett's hikes for stunning coastal views. :hiking_boot:

🧐 Understand its Past

Learn about its role in timber trade for a richer visit. :books:

⚠️ Be Prepared

Some areas might need tidying; embrace the historic charm. :warning:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Old Timber Shed for its historical significance and its status as the second oldest building in Plett, offering a sense of age and beauty. However, some note that it could benefit from tidying up, with mentions of decaying materials.

"It was nice, but it could use a bit of tidying up. There were huge piles of what looked like carpet tiles that had gotten wet and were rotting."

Bee Thomas

"In August 1786 the Dutch East India Company decreed erection of the Timber Shed for storage of timber prior to shipment by sea. Declared a national monument on 11th September, 1936"

Axel Will

"A sense of age, very long and beautiful"

Yan Bing

What People Like

Historical significance
Sense of age
Beautiful ruin

What People Dislike

Needs tidying

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Timber Shed is located near Plettenberg Bay, a popular stop along South Africa's Garden Route.TikTok Access typically involves driving, as it's part of the scenic coastal region. Many visitors explore it as part of a road trip, with Plettenberg Bay itself being a key destination.TikTok+2

Public transport options directly to the Old Timber Shed might be limited. It's best accessed by car, especially if you're exploring the wider Garden Route. Consider car rental for flexibility.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information on specific ticketing for the Old Timber Shed is scarce. As a historical site and ruin, it may be accessible without a formal ticket, but it's advisable to check local Plettenberg Bay tourism resources for any entry fees or access restrictions.

As a historical ruin, the Old Timber Shed likely has open access, but specific hours are not widely published. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better viewing.

There is no widely advertised admission fee for the Old Timber Shed, suggesting it might be freely accessible. However, it's always a good idea to confirm with local Plettenberg Bay tourism information.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Old Timber Shed is primarily an attraction for its historical significance and rustic beauty. Visitors can explore the structure, appreciate its age as the second oldest building in Plett, and imagine its past role in the timber trade.Reddit+1

Absolutely! The Old Timber Shed offers a unique, aged aesthetic perfect for photography. Its 'beautiful ruin' status provides a sense of history and character that many photographers seek.Reddit

Facilities at the Old Timber Shed are minimal, as it's a historical site. Visitors should expect a natural setting without amenities like restrooms or cafes. Plan accordingly.

The best way to experience the Old Timber Shed is to approach it with an appreciation for its history and rustic charm. Take your time to observe the structure and its surroundings, imagining its past.

📸 📸 Photography

The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most flattering light for photographing the Old Timber Shed, highlighting its textures and historical character.

Focus on capturing the details of the timber structure, the play of light and shadow, and the overall sense of age. The surrounding natural landscape also offers complementary backdrops.

Architectural, historical, and landscape photography all work well here. The shed's rustic nature also lends itself to moody or atmospheric shots.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Old Timber Shed itself might not have specific child-centric activities, its historical nature can spark curiosity in young minds. Frame it as a visit to an 'old fort' or a 'pirate's storage house' to make it more engaging. The surrounding Plettenberg Bay area offers plenty of family-friendly options, from beaches to wildlife sanctuaries, making it a great addition to a broader family itinerary.TikTok

📸 Photographers

The Old Timber Shed is a dream for photographers seeking rustic charm and historical depth. Its 'beautiful ruin' status provides ample opportunities for atmospheric shots, especially during the golden hours. Capture the textures of the aged timber, the play of light and shadow, and the overall sense of history. Consider pairing it with the stunning coastal landscapes nearby for a diverse portfolio.TikTok+1

🚗 Road Trippers

For those traversing the iconic Garden Route, the Old Timber Shed is a worthwhile historical stop. It offers a moment of reflection on the region's past as a timber hub. Combine it with other Garden Route highlights like scenic drives, coastal hikes, and charming towns like Knysna and Wilderness.TikTok+1 It’s a perfect, quick historical interlude on a longer journey.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Old Timber Shed in Plettenberg Bay holds a significant place in the region's past. Erected in August 1786 by the Dutch East India Company, its primary purpose was the storage of timber before it was shipped out by sea. This function underscores Plettenberg Bay's historical importance as a timber port during the colonial era. Declared a national monument on September 11, 1936, the shed stands as a tangible link to this period, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with South Africa's early trade history.

While the structure is described as a 'beautiful ruin' and the 'second oldest building in Plett',Reddit it's important to manage expectations regarding its current state. Reviews mention that it 'could use a bit of tidying up,' with some areas showing signs of decay due to moisture.Reddit This rustic charm, however, is precisely what draws many visitors, offering a sense of authenticity and age that a perfectly preserved building might lack. It’s a place to appreciate the passage of time and the enduring legacy of historical structures.

Visiting the Old Timber Shed is an experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing. It's an invitation to reflect on the historical context of the Garden Route and Plettenberg Bay's role in it. For those interested in South African history, colonial architecture, or simply seeking a site with a profound sense of place, the Old Timber Shed offers a compelling, albeit unpolished, glimpse into the past.

Exploring Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route

The Old Timber Shed is situated in the heart of Plettenberg Bay, a jewel on South Africa's famed Garden Route.TikTok+1 This region is renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, making it a premier destination for road trips and outdoor adventures. Visitors often combine a stop at the Old Timber Shed with exploring the many natural attractions Plettenberg Bay and its surroundings have to offer.

Popular activities in the area include hiking along the coast with its 'never ending views',TikTok exploring national parks, and enjoying the pristine beaches.TikTok TikTok creators frequently highlight the beauty of Plettenberg Bay, showcasing its appeal for both locals and tourists.TikTok+3 The Garden Route itself is celebrated as one of the most spectacular road trips in South Africa, offering a continuous panorama of natural wonders.TikTok

When planning your visit to the Old Timber Shed, consider extending your stay to fully immerse yourself in the Garden Route experience. Whether you're drawn to the historical echoes of the shed or the vibrant natural landscapes, Plettenberg Bay provides a rich tapestry of experiences. Many travelers find that the scenic drives and outdoor activities complement the historical exploration of sites like the Old Timber Shed perfectly.

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