Westville, Durban

Westville at a glance

Westville, a leafy suburb in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, embodies the picture-perfect ideal of a homeowner's dream. Renowned for its cultural diversity and community-driven spirit, Westville offers easy access to top-tier schools, retail centers, healthcare facilities, business parks, and more. This prestigious area is a coveted place to call home.

History

Westville's roots trace back to 1847 when it was a farm settlement named in honor of British Lieutenant Martin West. Initially, the area farmed cotton before shifting to produce sold in the city. The oldest remaining house, now the Bergtheil Museum on Queens Avenue, dates back to the 1840s. By the mid-1950s, Westville had evolved into a fully integrated community and was declared a borough, attracting Scottish, English, German, and Indian settlers.

Climate

Westville enjoys a subtropical climate with dry, mild winters and humid summers marked by frequent afternoon showers. Summer highs range from 28-30°C, while winter lows fall between 18-23°C. This weather is ideal for those who love sunny days and maintaining lush gardens.

Distance from Key Points

• King Shaka International Airport: 35 minutes (41.4 km) via the N2.
• Durban CBD: 15 minutes (13.6 km) via the N3.
• Durban beachfront: 19 minutes (15.5 km) via the King Cetshwayo Highway.

Education

Westville is renowned for its excellent schooling system, offering both public and private education options. Notable schools include Cygnet Preparatory School, Star College, Westville High School (separate campuses for boys and girls), Atholl Heights Primary School, and more. The area also hosts the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Varsity College Durban Westville, providing education from primary to tertiary levels. Specialist culinary schools like the International Hotel School and The Fusion Cooking School are also located here.

Healthcare

Westville provides a comprehensive spectrum of premium healthcare services, including numerous reputable clinics, dentists, physiotherapists, and chiropractors. The 24-hour Life Westville Hospital, one of the best in the country, houses the Westville Mother and Baby Wellness Clinic. The Westville Clinic on Norfolk Terrace offers primary health services. Pet owners also have access to the Westville Veterinary Hospital on Jan Hofmeyr Road for urgent and preventative animal care.

Shopping Centers

• The Pavilion Shopping Centre: One of the city's largest malls, featuring department stores, electronics, eateries, homeware, a Nu Metro theatre, a games arcade, and more.
• Westville Mall: A central hub offering Virgin Active, Checkers, Mugg & Bean, beauty outlets, banks, and more.
• Westville Junction: An all-in-one convenience center anchored by Pick n Pay, with retailers like Bidvest Waltons, Alpha Pharm, and PEP.
• Westwood Mall: An upmarket mall with over 100 retailers and eateries, including boutiques, jewelry stores, home decor, and more.

Restaurants

Westville boasts a diverse culinary scene catering to every taste:

• Lupa Osteria: A modern Italian restaurant on Jan Hofmeyr Road, offering handmade pasta, pizzas, antipasti, desserts, and an impressive wine list.
• The Fat Fish: Located in Westville Junction, this seafood restaurant promotes seasonal and sustainably caught fish, with an extensive menu including prawns, calamari, surf and turf, pasta, and burgers.
• RocoMamas: A classic American burger bar at Westville Mall, famous for its unique twists on burgers, ribs, wings, and more, along with double-thick milkshakes and Belgian waffles.
• Atasca: A Portuguese restaurant on Rodger Sishi Road, offering traditional dishes like salted codfish, flame-grilled chickens, fillet medallions, and crisp salads, complemented by an impressive wine and cocktail menu.

Special Attractions

• Bergtheil Museum: Preserves the history of Jonas Bergtheil and the founding of Westville, with many historical artifacts and interesting exhibits.
• Westwood Paintball: Located at the M-Level parking lot of Westwood Mall, this paintball arena is perfect for parties, corporate events, or a fun day out with family and friends.
• Palmiet Nature Reserve: A beautifully maintained natural habitat featuring 10 km of trails, over 150 bird species, 170 tree species, cliff views, and picnic sites. The reserve emphasizes environmental education and conservation, making it a special community spot for relaxation and nature enjoyment.