Learn more about what it's like to live in this suburb, in KwaZulu Natal.
When you look at the development which has taken place on the Mount Edgecombe estate, it’s difficult to believe that what was once a lowly golf course, built for those who didn't want to have to travel into Durban on sand roads for a round of golf, has been transformed into a virtual paradise.
Named after the seventh Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, Edward Piers Edgcumbe, work on the original nine-hole golf course began in 1925 and the course was later extended to 18 holes in 1935. Built exclusively for locals, the club expanded rapidly when “town members” were allowed to join 22 years later and it quickly went on to be regarded as one of the best courses in KwaZulu-Natal. The original clubhouse burnt down in 1988 and the existing clubhouse was then built. The country club now features two championship courses, each with its own clubhouse and, in addition to a good round of golf, the venue provides world-class conference rooms, restaurants, expert golf tuition, practice facilities, and offers tennis, squash and bowls.
The residential sector of the estate comprises 299 hectares, which are split into two residential estates, each with its own golf course. There are more than 1,000 stands on the estate, most of which are freehold property. Some, however, have been turned into sectional-title developments.
Lightstone statistics reveal that the average price paid for a freehold home last year was just over R5m. A sectional-title unit averaged around R2,1m. A total of 85 freehold homes and 156 sectional-title units were sold last year. Twelve of the freestanding properties and 53 of the sectional-title units sold between March 2015 and February 2016 were priced between R1,5m and R3m.
It's not surprising that the estate remains a popular choice. It's located 20 minutes away from King Shaka International Airport and is close to La Lucia Ridge and the vast array of business parks in the area.
“I have lived on the estate for 15 years and, although I travel a great deal, it always feels like I'm on holiday when I come home. Fabulous amenities are just the tip of the iceberg, and the fact that I feel so secure living in a place that offers so much is, as far as I'm concerned, an added bonus.” Resident, Elly Weir
Top schools:
- Crawford La Lucia College, which offers primary and senior education
- Victory Christian Academy (in La Lucia)
- Atholton Primary School
Hospitals:
- Nurture Umhlanga Hospital
- Netcare Umhlanga Hospital
- Gateway Private Hospital
Best in food:
- Remo’s Fratelli: for great-tasting Italian fare
- MarcoPaulo: a bistro that serves delicious gourmet food
- The Gateway Theatre of Shopping has a plethora of restaurants to choose from including Beluga, and Barrio.
- Duke and Duchess: a cafe in New Town that shares its space with a motorbike shop, offers gourmet hot dogs and build-your-own hamburgers.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
Take a trip through Umhlanga here:
