Essenwood, Durban

Essenwood is a suburb situated between Musgrave and Morningside within the Durban area of the KwaZulu-Natal province. It is a family-friendly suburb that boasts lush greenery and breathtaking views that are some of the best in Durban. With its Victorian architecture, glorious mansions and proximity to craft markets like The Musgrave Market, Essenwood is a wonderful place to live. The area has various types of properties available including freestanding homes, townhouses and apartments that are all set within beautiful surroundings. 

A brief history of the area

This green neighbourhood was aptly named in light of the 'essenwood' or 'ironwood' trees that populate the area. Although over the years, the area's properties have become modernised, you can still spot much of the original architecture belonging to the Edwardian and Art Deco periods. Currently, Lightstone data reveals the market stock is primarily centred around sectional title units (76%). The data also shows that 49% of existing Essenwood owners have owned their properties for 11 years and older, hinting at the desirable lifestyle on offer in the area.

Distance from key points

Essenwood residents looking to reach King Shaka International Airport can do so in approximately 29 minutes (32,3 km) via the M4 and N2. Durban Beach is only eight minutes (3,9 km) away via Sandile Thusi Road.

Climate

Essenwoods warmest month of the year with an average high temperature of 26.6°C is February and the coldest month of the year is July with an average high temperature of 21.2°C. The wettest month is December with the area seeing roughly 22 days of rain with precipitation reaching 78mm.

Schools in the area

Essenwood is an excellent place for families to live as it has some wonderful schools to choose from. Some of the top pre-primary and primary schools in the area include Happy Feet Pre-Primary and Daycare, Little Noddy Pre-School, and Hartley Road Primary School.

For a combined school, Maris Stella and Durban Girls' College are great options within Essenwood. Maris Stella, which opened in 1899, and Durban Girls' College, founded in 1877, are both prestigious schools that have historical value as well as an acclaimed reputation.

Ridge Park College, Durban High School, Curro Heritage House High School, and Orient Islamic School are also good options close to the suburb. 

Healthcare in the area

Essenwood residents have Netcare Parklands Hospital on their doorstep. This 200-bed hospital boasts a range of healthcare professionals, including oncologists, specialists, radiologists, paediatric haematologists, radiotherapists and dieticians.

Of course, being well located, you can also travel a short distance to other healthcare facilities near the suburb. These include McCord Hospital, Netcare St Augustines Hospital, and Life Entabeni Hospital. 

If you're just in need of a check-up, Humana Health Care and Overport Medical Clinic are roughly five minutes away in neighbouring suburbs.

Shopping centres

For your daily essential groceries and services, you can head to Cowey Park Centre. This friendly centre is the perfect place to buy groceries, get a haircut, pick up your prescription, and more. 

If you travel a short distance out of Essenwood, you'll have even more retail options. Nearby Musgrave Centre has over 120 stores, a food court, and a cinema. There is also The Atrium Berea, Windermere Centre, and City View Shopping Centre.

Restaurants

Local Essenwood restaurants and eateries include The Oriental Restaurant, Smokin' Joe's Knockout Burgers, The Bread Mill, Tong Lok, and Market Café Restaurant. These restaurants cater to a variety of tastes whether you're in the mood for a bunny chow, cheeseburger, or a decadent doughnut. Cowey Food Park is also a trendy food stop for clay oven pizzas, po'boy sandwiches, and snack boxes. 

Special attractions

There are various attractions within and around Essenwood for you to enjoy. Here are some of the best places to visit.

Within Essenwood, you'll find the Killie Campbell Museum. It holds a range of books, manuscripts, artworks, and fascinating artefacts. The museum's grounds also hold one of Durban's oldest trees. At least 135 years and standing at 34m, this strapping Forest Natal Mahogany is a sight to behold.

Travelling a bit out of Essenwood, you can visit the Durban Botanic Gardens. This is an absolute must-see attraction that offers beautiful surroundings, rare plants, a picturesque setting for picnics and even concerts a few times a year.

Once a week, on a Saturday, you can also explore the nearby Musgrave Market which has food and shopping stalls, live music, kid activities, and more. 

Make Essenwood your home. Let it be your story.

Essenwood is a family-oriented area that provides a clean and safe suburb close to great schools and amenities. Whether it's a townhouse, flat or free-standing home you're after, Seeff has a wide variety of properties for you to choose from, so contact one of our property practitioners today.