Berea, KwaZulu Natal

Berea at a glance

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 center 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, moldings 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.

There are numerous retirement complexes located on the Berea catering for all price ranges - from bachelor apartments at Robert Storm House (which offer independant living) priced from R450 000 to 2 bedroom apartments at The Caister (offering hotel-like accommodation) priced at R1.5 million plus. 

Other retirement complexes on the Berea include Garden Grove, Cambridge Gardens, Eden Gardens, Bill Buchanan, Tuinsug, Ocean View, Lucas gardens, Barns Cottages and Glenhaven.