Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, place in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Westville is a suburb west of Durban with rolling hills where homes sit on spacious plots and trees line the winding streets. It combines a mix of older and modern residential buildings with parks, shopping centers like Pavilion Mall, established schools, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The settlement began in 1847 as a farm owned by Martin West and was shaped by German settlers who arrived in 1848 to grow cotton. In 2002, Westville became part of the larger Durban metropolitan area, though it retained its own distinct character.
Westville takes its name from Martin West, the original farm owner who settled the land. The streets show a mix of older homes with German architectural styles alongside modern buildings, reflecting layers of different communities that settled here over generations.
The area is best explored by car since winding streets make bus routes difficult. Pavilion Mall offers free parking for an hour and serves as a good starting point for exploring, with various restaurants and shops to visit.
The Outspan Tree is a historic landmark that marks old travel routes to other cities; the original tree was cut down long ago but a new one grew nearby and still stands as a reminder. The Bergtheil Museum offers insight into early farming life and preserves memories of the German settlers who shaped the area.
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