Durban has an interesting history, Vasco da Gama’s passing in 1497, Lieutenant Farewell and Shaka. In 1823 Farewell took part in a British expedition to Natal and then decided to start a settlement there. He persuaded 25 other British colonists to join him, and in June 1824 he built the first houses. Only four of these original settlers remained with him. In July 1824 he visited Shaka from whom he received a large land grant round Durban Bay. Shaka was a warrior, a military leader, and king of the Zulu people of southern Africa (1816-1828). By the time of his death, Shaka had the largest and most powerful kingdom in south-eastern Africa.

Berea

From these early beginnings Durban was born and with it the “Berea” was formed bordering the Durban C.B.D. The Berea originated as a residential area and housed, amongst others, the wealthy industrialists and businessmen of the time. The area enjoys and lies on an elevated ridge of land stretching from North to South with expansive views of the City and sea. The area encompasses suburbs of Morningside to the North and Glenwood to the South with the Berea occupying the centre spot.

All these residential areas encompassed by the Umbilo River in the South, the Umgeni River to the North, the N2 freeway to the West and the City in the East are made up of well-established houses which were built in colonial and post-colonial times and reflect the period architecture in their design and structure. The aesthetics of each are emphasized in the Berea and Morningside suburbs, mouldings and architraves from classical architecture are utilized on many of these houses and therefore encourage people to live in the elegance of the old Colonial style. One can see the difference in each of these suburbs and differentiate in their choices. A good deal of modernization has taken place in many of these areas which now also reflects a distinct contempory influence. The variety of architecture is evidenced by an eclectic mix of architectural styles that include large Victorian, Edwardian, art deco and modern homes, the majority of which bring to mind the days of yore. The views of this garden suburb with its tree-lined streets offer some of the most superb sea and city vies. The city centre is an easy bus trip, the beaches are close by and the pavement restaurants are renown, as is the Botanic Gardens. The hub of the area is the Musgrave Centre which houses, shops catering for most if not all requirements. To supplement the above and in close proximity are golf clubs, the Natal Sharks Board and the Ushaka Marine World. In 1931 Howard College opened and offered the first tertiary education with 327 students enrolling in 1936, escalating to 27 500 students in 2002 when the Westville University was incorporated.

Durban Beachfront

The area covers North Beach, South Beach, Esplanade, CBD and Point Waterfront. It is central and easy access to everything from schools, colleges, businesses, shopping, the beach and the harbour. From beautiful art deco buildings along the beachfront and the Victoria embankment to compact city studio apartments and ultra-modern apartments on the Point Waterfront – the area offers something for everyone.

Glenmore

Glenmore is a lovely leafy green suburb in Durban neighboring Glenwood. This residential suburb boasts wide grassy verges with beautiful trees making it a perfect area to raise your children. Many a resident are seen walking dogs, cycling, skateboarding and jogging on a daily basis. Residents have access to first class schooling namely Glenmore Primary School, Eden College, Holy Family College as well as many pre-schools right on your doorstep. With the Universtiy of KwaZulu Natal – Howard College and Nelson Mandela School of Medicine being within walking distance many students are accommodated within the area. Glenmore residents are lucky to have major hospitals, shopping centres, coffee shops, restaurants and take ways nearby, catering to their many needs. Security and maintenance of the area of paramount importance to the community so you will find Blue Security patrolling the streets on a regular basis. An additional benefit to the Glenmore community watch which will enable to keep up to date with locate happenings in the area.

Glenwood

This suburb though having very similar geographical positions as Berea and Morningside to the city is generally different in so far as the houses built in the area are more conventional and though there are some large houses the majority were developed in the 1950’s to serve the large sector of the population who were employed in the harbour and the industrial areas to the South of the City. Because of the migration of this population to the Bluff, Merebank and areas further South the area blossomed catering for the younger person employed in the CBD and those professionals and students associated with the University. In recent years the area has become trendy with an abundance of restaurants and pavement coffee shops. The higher density housing provide for community living as opposed to the lower density housing associated with the Berea and Morningside. Additional multi-unit and flat development also caters for a discerning sector of the population. Most major roads are on bus routes and all facilities in the city are easily accessible.

Morningside

Is a large gentrified suburb that spreads from the lower end of the ridge overlooking Durban, to just above Greyville Race Course. Morningside also offers some classic examples of large Edwardian and Victorian style homes with tin roofs and wide veranda’s, including the State Presidents residence. It has large sprawling parks like Mitchell Park and Jameson Park as well as trendy streets on which a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere attracts a vibrant nightlife to its restaurants and pubs, especially around Florida Road. Morningside ranks as one of Durban’s three most popular suburbs which one can get good value for money. The established tree lined streets and close proximity to the city makes it even more appealing. The new Moses Mabhida soccer stadium forms a landmark.

Umbilo

Umbilo is situated approximately 2 kilometers from Durban’s City Centre business area and close to the Durban Harbour, it’s also positioned close to Maydon Wharf, home to National Companies including Portnet. The neighborhood comprises of the older types of buildings, many family businesses such as workshops, warehousing, commercial and retail clothing factories started here. The homes are ideal for the larger family, with spacious rooms, wooden floors, high ceilings and gardens big enough to accommodate a pool. Affordable houses and flats for the middle man to invest into. Same history that surrounds Umbilo is that it still has the oldest transport route still running "Route 7" - the Umbilo River was named by the Zulus and was the home to many Hippos. The first Indian Temple was built in 1875 but was destroyed by the floods in 1905. One of the oldest churches in Umbilo is St Cypricans Anglican Church built in 1869 is still going strong. A wonderful family atmosphere, an entertaining evening out once a month at the Rhumbelow Theatre which was built by the service men and women of the 1st and 2nd world war residing in the Umbilo area, with shopping malls, places of workship, hairdressers, nursery schools, junior and high schools and take aways, all supported by the community.

Climate

The Berea and related suburbs have one of the finest climates in the world with mild Winter’s and summers of sunshine all of which is conducive to good health and a joy in living.

Home Styles

Vary from the conventional to colonial and post-colonial era, and Edwardian and Victorian architecture abounds.

Schools

All areas have Junior and Senior schools and the University of KwaZulu Natal is in close proximity. Addington pre-primary is located on South Beach and George Campbell High school is on North Beach. In addition the areas have the following high profile schools:
Durban Girls College
Clifton Private School
Maritz Brothers
Glenwood Boys High
Durban Girls High
Durban High School

Shopping Centres

In and within close proximity to the Berea are numerous shopping centres and malls which house all the best-known and favourite stores. In addition the weekend Essenwood market is a favourite for people who would like a relaxing alternative to conventional shopping.

Recreation

Greyville Race Course for the avid gambler, Durban Country Club, Beachwood and Windsor Club for the golfer. Botanic Gardens for relaxation and good music. The Bulwer Art Gallery for the artiste and many other relaxing sports such as bowls and tennis are available. The area is spoilt with choices for entertainment – boasting Ushaka Marine world, Suncoast Casino and Hotel, pristine beaches, the Durban Harbour, the prestigious Play House Theatre, Moses Mabhida Stadium, the newly revamped promenade that has been extended from Blue Lagoon right through to Ushaka and various shops and restaurants on virtually every corner.

General

All of the suburbs in the Berea are accessible by car, bus or taxi. Medical facilities such as Entabeni Hospital, St Augustine’s and numerous others are within easy reach. The Beach area has a very diverse population ranging from students to retired people, executives and families. With everything the area has on offer and the easy travelling distance to anywhere in Durban the area really is sought after and remains a wonderful place to live and invest.

Typical Properties

Berea and suburbs offer a choice of Colonial (Edwardian-Victorian), Conventional type homes and multi-unit developments. Most homes on the Ridge enjoy fantastic sea, city and harbour views.

Area:
Berea and adjacent suburbs, Glenwood, Morningside, North Beach, South Beach, Esplanade, CBD and Point Waterfront

Types of Properties:
Houses, Simplexes, Duplexes, Flats, Townhouses and minimal vacant land, with the Beach area being primarily flats – sectional title and share block as well as duplex and townhouses

Price:
Houses from R850 000 to R15 000 000+
Simplexes & Duplexes from R850 000 to R2 500 000+
Flats and Townhouses from R100 000 to R10 000 000+
Vacant Land from R250 per sqm

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Durban at a glance

Durban
at a glance