Westville Area Information
When you think of a suburb that fits the picture-perfect ideal of what a homeowner's dream looks like - you think of Westville. This leafy area of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality is one of the most culturally diverse and community-driven places to live in the region. With easy access to great schools, retailers, healthcare, business parks and more, Westville has always been an upper-echelon area to call home.
History
With roots as far back as 1847, Westville was known as a farm settlement and named in honour of a British lieutenant called Martin West. The area was then used to farm cotton for a short while before moving on to produce that was sold in the city.
The oldest remaining house in Westville was built in the 1840s and is now the Bergtheil Museum on 16 Queens Avenue. Westville became a fully integrated community in the mid-1950s and was declared a borough, with Scottish, English, German and Indian settlers.
Climate
Prone to a subtropical atmosphere, Westville experiences dry winters with mild conditions and humid summers with frequent afternoons showers. Highs are usually experienced at 28-30°C and lows between 18-23°C. The weather is perfect for those who enjoy the warmth of a sunny day and is the perfect conditions for maintaining a lush garden.
Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)
Westville is roughly 35 minutes (41,4 km) away from the King Shaka International Airport via the N2 and 15 minutes (13,6 km) from the CBD via the N3. The Durban beachfront is about 19 min (15,5 km) away via the King Cetshwayo Highway.
Education
If there is one thing Westville is known for, it is an excellent schooling system. There are both public and private education options available and the standards have consistently been upheld throughout the years. Some of the most notable schools in the area include Cygnet Preparatory School, Star College, Westville High School (with separate campuses for boys and girls), Atholl Heights Primary School and several other fine institutions.
There are also two prominent universities located in Westville, and this has proven to be the ultimate convenience for many families. There aren't many places where your children can enjoy their schooling careers from start to completion and Westville offers just that. The two universities are the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Varsity College Durban Westville.
Specialist culinary schools include the International Hotel School and The Fusion Cooking School.
Healthcare
With numerous reputable clinics, dentists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and more - Westville offers a complete spectrum of premium healthcare providers to locals. The 24-hour Life Westville Hospital is among the best in the country and houses the Westville Mother and Baby Wellness Clinic as well. The Westville Clinic is also available for primary health needs and is located on Norfolk Terrace.
With so many spacious properties on offer throughout the suburb, many homeowners are proud pet parents too. The Westville Veterinary Hospital on Jan Hofmeyr Road provides urgent medical care and preventative treatments to a variety of animals.
Shopping centres
The Pavilion Shopping Centre, one of the largest shopping centres in the city, is home to a wide range of department stores, electronics, eateries, homeware, a Nu Metro theatre, games arcade and more. This mall houses an expansive range of international brands and the exclusive Browns Jewellers.
The Westville Mall is known as a central stop for an all-around shopping and lifestyle experience. You can find Virgin Active, Checkers, Mugg & Bean, beauty outlets, banks and more all under one roof.
Westville Junction is an all-in-one convenience centre that lists Pick n Pay as the anchor store. The supporting retailers are household names like Bidvest Waltons, Alpha Pharm and PEP.
Westwood Mall has over 100 retailers and eateries and is an upmarket mall with boutiques, jewellery stores, home decor and more. You can also easily access ATMs, optometrists and cellular stores.
Restaurants
Featuring an eclectic array of food options, Westville has many restaurants and takeaways to cater to your every culinary craving.
Lupa Osteria on Jan Hofmeyr Road is a modern Italian restaurant with authentic, handmade pasta and pizzas. The menu features a selection of antipasti, desserts and an impressive wine list as well. This restaurant is decorated in classic Italia style with huge tins of tomato sauce as centrepieces, while black-and-white framed photographs dot the walls. It is the perfect spot for a special occasion or quiet Sunday lunch.
The Fat Fish has quickly gained popularity in being the go-to seafood restaurant. Located in Westville Junction, the eatery promotes seasonal and sustainably caught fish. Patrons can select from prawns, calamari, surf and turf, pasta, burgers, desserts and more. There is also an online order service on the website, and you can choose to buy either fresh or frozen crayfish, mussels, etc. to be parcelled and ready for pickup at your convenience.
If you're looking for a classic American burger bar, RocoMamas is conveniently located at Westville Mall and has transformed the humble burger forever. Famous for its unique twists on flavourful favourites, expect to find menu items such as the rockstar burger with swiss cheese, sweet fire ribs, lemon pepper wings, turbocharged cheese fries, feta bombs and more. The restaurant also serves double-thick milkshakes and Belgian waffles.
Atasca is a Portuguese restaurant that's big on family and traditional flavours. The food is an ode to Portuguese heritage and is lovingly prepared. On the menu are dishes like salted codfish, flame-grilled full chickens in lemon butter or peri-peri sauces, tender fillet medallions, crisp salads and more. There is also an impressive wine and cocktail menu. Located on Rodger Sishi Road, the restaurant has ample parking and a modern, clean setup.
Special attractions
The Bergtheil Museum is an ode to Jonas Bergtheil who was an integral part in founding Westville. The house was lived in by Jonas and has been preserved with many historical artefacts and interesting information you can peruse while walking through this monument.
If you're looking for something to get the blood pumping and adrenaline flowing, paintball may be the answer. Westwood Paintball can be found at the M-Level parking lot of Westwood Mall and is the perfect place to let loose with family and friends or hire out for a party or corporate event. The area has been transformed into a battleground with secure netting and barricades for players' safety. All that's left is to suit up and add some colour to your opponents!
The Palmiet Nature Reserve is a beautifully kept natural habitat of forests and grasslands. There is 10 km of guided/self-guided trails and sunset and night trails. There are over 150 bird and 170 tree species to enjoy, and the stunning cliff views make this an ideal place for bird watching and photography. Including braai and picnic sites, access to environmental education is easily available and focuses on the value of conservation. The Palmiet Nature Reserve is a special place in the community that brings people together to relax and enjoy nature.
Redefine real estate in Westville
With so many perks to living and working in Westville, you can secure your investment in this premium suburb today. Shelley Residential is dedicated to helping you find the best possible future home and we also operate within Westville such as Dawncliffe, Dawncrest, Atholl Heights and Berea West. Contact us today.