Musgrave, Durban

The recent convenience or nuisance, depending on how you view it, of converting a section of Musgrave Road and its counterpart, the parallel Essenwood Road, to one-way traffic in either direction has eased the flow of traffic in this prestigious part of Durban.

The possible name change from Musgrave to Walter Sisulu Road is a bit of a hot potato, but neither of these changes affects the beauty and sheer elegance of this part of town. Musgrave Road sits just before the crest in the ridge, home to the popular Musgrave Centre, a shopping and entertainment emporium of note that includes major retailers, boutiques, movies and restaurants. A fair amount of rezoning has taken place in this part recently and businesses have bought up stately old homes and turned them into upmarket offices, giving the area a facelift and adding value to the already beautiful tree-lined streets and enviable gardens.

The views from many a home on the ridge along Musgrave Road from the west of the city draws visitors, and one can understand why this is such a prestigious address - proximity to the city centre and easy access to major roads in and out of Durban.

The Musgrave Centre market on Sundays offers an added shopping item to one’s already full agenda and features crafts, fashion, accessories, antiques, books and exotic food. And the Dockyard Supper Theatre has moved up the hill from the Point Waterfront’s harbour entrance to the old Legend’s Restaurant at Musgrave Centre.