Kloof

Location
Kloof is a leafy upper-class suburb and small town, that includes a smaller area called Everton, in the greater Durban area. This little village has a reputation for a tranquil lifestyle that offers a retreat from the sometimes enervating humidity of the city of Durban.

The word Kloof means 'gorge' in Afrikaans and the area is named after the deep ravine formed by the Molweni stream. The Kloof Gorge is part of the 4.47-square-kilometre Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. Kloof extends from the top of Field's Hill and borders Winston Park, Gillitts, Forest Hills and Hillcrest. These suburbs are collectively known as the Upper Highway Area or the Outer West region of Durban. Kloof is known as a mist-belt and has winding roads and tree-surrounded mansions. 

History
The land Kloof occupies formed the 7,010 acre Richmond Farm No. 999 which was given to William Swan Field by the British Government in 1851 as a reward for his services. 

The original farmhouse, called Richmond House, was built by William’s brother, John Coote Field, in 1854 to replace an earlier house. Upon the death of John, the farm was divided amongst the surviving heirs: 560 acres for each son and 395 acres for each daughter, and the homestead plus 500 acres to his youngest son, Benjamin Cromwell Colenso Field. 

The further subdivisions and sale of portions of Richmond Farm No. 999 by the Field heirs after 1901 resulted in the birth of Kloof as a residential area. Numerous plots were sold to wealthy Durban residents and businessmen.

Kloof was originally called 'Krantzkloof' by J C Field, after the nearby Kloof Gorge, but this name was later changed to 'Kloof'. 

As roads improved, an increasing number of people began permanently living in Kloof and during the 1960s and 1970s, the development of the traditional Kloof houses occurred. These consisted of large houses that were built on stands of at least 1 acre. Many of the houses have slate roofs, a swimming pool, small guest houses and tennis courts and they are often tucked away amidst the trees.

Property market
Properties in this area are highly sought after and range from approximately R1.5 million to R5 million +. The majority of property buyers in this area are aged between 36 and 49, making this the perfect place to raise a family.

Attractions
The Kloof Country Club is steeped in history and is regarded as one of the best country clubs in KwaZulu Natal. The club is an established golfing landmark, as well as the networking and social hub of the Upper Highway Area. It is a place where young professionals, families, retired locals and, holidaymakers are all welcome. The club also boasts an indigenous tree planting program that has made the club grounds a haven for bird-watchers. Facilities are extensive and include a bar, big screen TV, boardroom, driving range, halfway house, lobby, locker rooms, lounge, practice bunker, Pro Shop, putting green, restaurant, squash courts, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf club and cart hire as well as pull trolleys.

Memorial Park, known as the dog park to the locals, is a hugely popular park in Kloof and is well known as a gathering place and one of the very few open spaces where you can safely walk your dog. With jungle gyms, tables, and benches, this is the perfect spot for a day out with your family and four-legged friends. 

The Krantzkloof Nature Reserve conserves 668 ha of the Molweni and Nkutu River gorges that incise the sandstone Kloof plateau. The reserve is just four kilometres from the centre of Kloof and offers some breathtaking views of the forested gorge. Most of the reserve is covered by dense indigenous forest, making it a haven for wildlife. A wonderful picnic area next to the dam at the head of Kloof Falls is an attractive option for a weekend. From here there are various walks that descend into the gorge, following the course of the Molweni River.

At the heart of Kloof you’ll find the enchanting Makaranga Garden Lodge, with thirty acres of indigenous and exotic botanical gardens, 18 ponds, meandering streams and a waterfall. Here, you can experience the largest private collection of Zimbabwean stone art in Southern Africa as well as hand selected Italian sculptures. 

Stoker’s Arms is situated in the old Kloof Railway Station and is, as a result, steeped in history and oozing a special heritage. This railway station dates back to the second half of the 19th century and was used for all manner of things – from a post office and telephone exchange to the site of church services. Today, you’ll find a bustling restaurant where locals enjoy a good pub meal and beer on tap. 

On the last Sunday of every month, you can take a ride on one of South Africa's oldest steam trains. The Umgeni Steam Railway offers steam train rides which depart from the railway outside Stoker’s Arms and travels from Kloof to Inchanga where there is a craft market. Children love travelling on an authentic steam locomotive, waving at passers-by. This 1hr trip takes you up some of the steepest railway gradients in South Africa, through one of the oldest running tunnels, Drummond Tunnel, and around the hills overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills to Inchanga Station. 

Kloof & Upper Highway SPCA provides a wonderful day out. Not only are they an animal shelter, but offer a quaint tea garden and nursery. Every Saturday, you’ll find visitors perusing the second-hand shops for hidden gems.

Amenities
Kloof is home to a range of highly acclaimed schools, including Kloof High School, Kloof Senior Primary School, Kloof Junior Primary School and Kloof Pre-Primary School, Thomas More College and St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls. 

Thomas More College is the largest independent school in KwaZulu Natal and it functions in three phases, allowing the nurturing of the child from Grade 000 to Grade 12. Each phase specialises in providing for the development of the whole child – academically, emotionally, spiritually and physically. 

St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls is a Christian private day and boarding school for girls. Their well-balanced curriculum is designed to motivate, challenge and engage their students. The school creates an environment of learning where students are empowered to be the best that they can be.

Kloof boasts many smaller shopping centres such as Delcairn Centre, Field's Shopping Centre, Maytime Shopping Centre, and The Village Mall.

If you’re looking for a quiet, beautiful town to settle down, then Kloof is an exceptional choice. Get in touch with us, and let’s find your perfect family home.