Empangweni Mission 1863 – Moorleigh

November 25, 2017, 7:54 am

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I have a strange fascination for the declining fortunes of the structures of the past – a fascination a little akin to that of a moths attraction to light. Empangweni Mission is a case in point. The Mission Press (1909), St Johanneskirche (1908), and Gnadenkirche (1913), were built by German Lutheran Missionaries, long after the original founding in 1863.

Today the ravages of neglect, are evident, as depicted here, except for St Johanneskirche, which retains some semblance of upkeep, as opposed to its neighboring manse.

More images are found in the Moorleigh – Empangweni album under Gallery – Churches – Moorleigh

Empangweni – St Johanneskirche

The derelict Empangweni Gnadenkirche

Entrance to the derelict Gnadenkirche – Empangweni

Interior of the derelict Gnadenkirche – Empangweni Mission

Manse for the Empangweni Mission Churches – in ruins

 

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Paton Country Rail and Aloe Festival

November 27, 2017, 2:41 am

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One of the special events on the KZN tourist calendar has to be the Creighton Aloe festival, and steam train trip, usually in July which coincides with the unequaled display of Aloes.It has everything for the boys, (steam train) , and families, and also the local fair for those perhaps wanting to buy something different. The train goes from Creighton, via the Ngogwana River to the deserted village of Riverside. What a treat to be on a steam train and see the amazing landscape of aloes.

Creighton’s Aloes alongside the railway line

Paton Rail’s enthusiastic driver

The 19 D class GMAM Garratt

Full Steam through the Aloe fields

Paton’s Country Rail passenger carriage

Riverside siding – another use for the sign – boys will be boys

 

Lions Bush Private Cemetery

November 27, 2017, 6:23 am

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This Cemetery on Lions Bush Farm has the graves of some of the persons who shaped the history of Natal and KZN. My thanks to Chris Brown, the owner of the farm who allowed me to photograph the graves.

The grave of Duncan McKenzie, born Scotland (1826 – 1900) was the original Pioneer who settled in the area, and the father of General Duncan McKenzie K.C.M.G, who played a large part in the Natal Carbineers, during the Boer War , Bambatha Rebellion and WWI (S.W.A.).

This post also has the grave of Peter McKenzie Brown ( 1925- 2004), former farm owner, who was the Leader of the Liberal Party in Natal, prior to 1994. Peter Brown was at odds with the Nationalist Party prior to 1994 and spent time in prison and under lengthy house arrest for his political beliefs.

Lions Bush Cemetery – Grave Duncan McKenzie (1826 – 1900) – Pioneer farmer in area

Views of Fort Nottingham area from cemetery

Lions Bush Farm Cemetery grave Peter McKenzie Brown 2004 – farmer politician

 

Fort Nottingham – Lions Bush Farm

November 30, 2017, 12:23 am

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Leeuw Bosch was originally owned by a Voortrekker farmer, Johannes Maritz a close relative of Voortrekker, Gert Maritz and then by Duncan  McKenzie’s and more recently the Brown family. (See Gallery – Natal Farms – Fort Nottingham – Lions Bush for more images).

However its the images in this post that are of interest. The original thatch home, and the replacement reflected here, (the painting), both burnt down.

Below one sees the old image of the barn, before its conversion to the current Lions Bush home. It’s a marvel to see how this old stone barn has been converted into Chris Brown’s present home.

Add into this imagery, the remnants of a boiler dating back to 1897, and any history lover’s imagination will be sparked into life.

My thanks to Christopher Brown for allowing me to capture all these images, including the family cemetery.

 

Lions Bush Farm – old late 1800’s boiler.

Current Lions home derived from the old stone barns.

Lions Bush Barn converted to the current homestead.

Painting of the old Lions Bush homestead prior to the fire.

Richmond – Beaulieu Estate

December 6, 2017, 6:37 am

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Under, Natal Farms, in the Gallery you are able to find more images of this old Estate which was settled by Yorkshireman William Nicholson, and his wife Fanny in the 1850’s as part of the Byrne settlement program. The Victorians didn’t mess around and this settler had 12 children, many of whom subsequently farmed Beaulieu. Thankfully most people now realize families this size are unsustainable and child mortality rates are low.

These old farms are often characterized by wide verandas for summer coolness and the introduction of exotic trees that thrive and also create a sense of peace and tranquility.

Access road to Beaulieu Estate near Richmond

The present farmhouse with the Dutch Gables

Now a corporate owned farm, the attention to the old gardens has slipped

Beaulieu farm entrance with a sense of calm

Beaulieu Estate house wide veranda to control the summer heat

 

Himeville – Peter McKenzie

December 6, 2017, 11:02 am

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This post commemorates Peter McKenzie who was a local farmer based at Seaforth, brother of General Duncan McKenzie , but most importantly for me, one of my grandfathers lifelong friends. Benjamin Adam Bland, who for many years worked for the two McKenzie brothers transport riding from Natal, between Delagoa Bay and Barberton, and between Beira and Salisbury. I have correspondence between the brothers and my grandfather from Seaforth.

This post has an image taken in the Himeville Museum and of his grave in Himeville Cemetery. A full Gallery of graves can be found in Gallery – Cemeteries – Himeville Cemetery.

Himev 1861 – 1951ille Cemetery – Grave Peter McKenzie

Portrait – Peter McKenzie, farmer and transport rider in the Himeville Museum

Karkloof – Colborne Farm

December 14, 2017, 6:32 am

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Timber in the early days of Natal, was a fairly abundant resource in the south facing slopes of the hills of the Natal Midlands. It is thus not surprising that wood features so strongly for ceilings, floors, doors, and windows. As usual verandas were widely used to keep the homes cool. Colborne Farm, in the Karkloof is no exception. More images at Gallery – Natal Farms – Karkloof Colborne.

Colborne Farm east facing facade

The rich wooden floors of Colborne

I nterior of Colborne Farm

Extensive use of timber in windows and doors

The cooling effect of wide verandas – a feature of Natal farm construction

 

Lidgetton – Lastingham Country Lodge

December 15, 2017, 7:16 am

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Lastingham Country Lodge, presently run by Lynne Holding and Mike McNab, as a B&B, was built in 1911 by the Lidgett’s after whom Lidgetton is named. The Lodge is on 100 acres of the original farm of 5169 acres granted to John Lidgett in 1859. The farm originally, called Riet Vallei belonged to W.S. Pretorius, a Voortrekker. Up until 1971, members of the Lidgett family had been successive owners.

Contact Lastingham at 033-2344400 or www.lastingham.co.za

Info : Lions River Heritage Society.

For more images go to Gallery – Natal Farms – Lidgetton Lastingham.

Lastingham Cottages

Lastingham – built 1911

Lastingham Country Lodge

Lastingham Interior hallway

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Princes Grant Golf Estate

December 27, 2017, 3:59 am

≫ Next: Durban to PMB – Natal old rail line

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There are some real hidden gems in KZN and Princes Grant Golf Course is no exception, with its verdant greens and fairways, and beautifully designed club house and facilities.The course is built on a portion of the Farm Hyde Park granted to George Prince in 1856, and then owned by Babu Bodasing, where cane and rice was grown for many years.

Contact : 0027(0)32482005

Princes Grant Club foyer

Princes Grant Club House

Painting in Princes Grant Club House

 

Durban to PMB – Natal old rail line

January 3, 2018, 3:44 am

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The Natal old main Rail line is of great interest to the Railway enthusiasts. I have just published images of the stations and support infrastructure in the GALLERY , under Bridges, Dams, Roads and Rail – Old Natal Rail Line. Many of these structures are being neglected and will eventually disappear. There are a few exceptions, such as Kloof and Hillcrest, where commercial food outlets use the premises, and are responsible for upkeep.

Bellair Station

Bothas Hill Station

Mpushini Viaduct – rerouted line

Hillcrest Station – Now used as a Pub and Grill

Mpushini Rail Motor Generation plant for old line – decommissioned

Northdene Railway Station

Pinetown Railway Station

Pietermaritzburg railway station

Fort Napier – Officers Mess

January 3, 2018, 6:17 am

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A second visit to Fort Napier allowed me to photograph the wood and iron Garrison Officers Mess. Sadly it is in a serious state of neglect. Fort Napier was established on 31 August 1843, and the first British Regiment, the 45th built the Fort. It was last used as a Garrison fort in 1914, but was used thereafter in WWI for German POW’s. In 1920 it became the Fort Napier Psychiatric Hospital, and is still in use.

State entities are renowned for their neglect of assets, and this old heritage site has a bleak future.

Fort Napier (PMB) – Wood and Iron Officers Mess

Fort Napier (PMB) – Wood and Iron Garrison Officers Mess

 

Dusi Canoe Marathon

February 21, 2018, 10:59 am

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Dusi competitors watching their canoe washing away in horror.

Having completed 10 Dusi  Canoe Marathons, it is a great privilege to be a second to my son in law Marc Parker this year. I shot a huge number of images on the race, but this image encapsulates the drama and passion of this signature event in KZN. Despite the depredations in this river system, there is something special about this PMB to Durban race, initiated by renowned environmentalist Dr. Ian Player.

He was passionate that another river, the Umkomaas River should run unhindered from the mountains to the sea. Despite other viable alternatives, there are now plans to dam this spectacular river. The upper catchment extraction will affect the entire river ecology. Its an utter disgrace. Already compromised rivers like the Tugela is a better alternative  – its  has the biggest catchment area in KZN and could be tapped closer to the coast in order that the entire river system isn’t affected. Too costly no doubt in the short term.But who cares? Screw the future.

 

Owthorne Farm – Dargle Valley

February 25, 2018, 1:14 am

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Owthorne farm in the Dargle Valley was built in 1882 by Charles William Shaw, but still retains most of the original structure.

Further images of this farmhouse can be found under Gallery – Old Natal Farms – Dargle Owthorne.

A book featuring this farm and many more Old Natal Farms available from Otterley Press in PMB.

Owthorne Farm Gable – William Charles Shaw 1882

Owthorne front facade

Owthorne front facade

Owthorne front verandah

Owthorne interior stairs

Owthorne interior stairs

Adamshurst – Boston Road

February 25, 2018, 4:06 am

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Adamshurst is named after the first owners William and Ellen Adams who received the farm by way of a grant, and the home built in 1881.  The home with its two gables, has a wide 36 m long passage along its width and crossed by a similarly wide passage from front to back.  As well as the corridors, other features of the home are the Victorian blue and white tiles, Burmese teak floors and mahogany doors, that add lustre to the lounge and dining rooms.

Farm murders are sadly a prevalent occurrence in South Africa today, and this farm and their family have not been spared, with the brutal, senseless murder of Warwick Dorning, in November 2009.

This post is dedicated to the courage of Dawn and to the memory of Warwick .R.I.P.

Look under – Gallery – Old Natal Farms – Adamshurst, for more images.

Adamshurst – Gothic door arches

Adamshurst front facade

Adamshurst – corridor along the length of the home

Adamshurst Lounge and teak floors

Adamshurst – Prayer inlay above front door

Underberg – Umzimkulu River Lodge

February 25, 2018, 5:14 am

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Umzimkulu River Lodge , on the banks of the Umzimkulu River, is a mere 22 kilometers from Umzimkulu or about 2 hours drive from Durban. Whether its peace, quiet, and relaxation or maybe canoeing, this is the place to go.  The lodge is on the banks of the river, which sets the scene for an idyllic stay.

The rooms are comfortable, and you can take your pick of self catering or full board.

Owner Stephen Williams is engaging and helpful.

Contacts:0762379112 for reservations / 0848045458 for reception or info@umzimkuluriverlodge.com

One of the self catering units.

Views over Umzimkulu River towards Lodge

Lodge view over the river

Main Lodge reception, games, pool & bar area

 

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Cramond House – Albert Falls

March 7, 2018, 5:15 am

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Cramond House, originally part of a 3063 acre farm, near Albert Falls, has been in the Mackenzie family since 1856. The present home was built in 1900 and retains much the same footprint.

The farm is presently owned by Drummond and Bridget Mackenzie, and the house still retains its original charm, along with its owners.

See Gallery – Natal farms – Cramond, for further images.

Cramond House

Cramond house views from verandah

Dargle – Kilgobbin Farm

March 24, 2018, 7:57 am

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Kilgobbin Farm,with its gables looks like a church and in fact Kil means church and Gobbin, is the name of an Irish Saint. Kilgobbin was built in 1875 by Merydyth Fannin, son of Thomas Fannin who came out in the 1840’s. Merydyth had made much money in the diamond fields but he wanted to settle in the Dargle Valley. In 1873 he bought a 1400 acre farm, Middel Bosch and called it Kilgobbin.  See Gallery – Natal farms – Dargle – Kilgobbin for more details and images.

Overhead image taken by Hugh Bland, with thanks to pilot Owen Llewellyn Davies.

Kilgobbin in the Dargle Valley from  the air

Kilgobbin’s graceful front arches

 

Dargle – Dargle Farm

March 26, 2018, 8:35 am

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Dargle farmhouse, originally a Boer farm named Buffelshoek was acquired by Thomas Fannin in the 1840, and is one of the older houses in the Dargle valley in the KZN midlands.

The original house was replaced by the Dargle cottage which features in the album under – Galleries – Old Natal Farms – Dargle Farm. Ref : Farmhouses of Old Natal 2017 – Otterley Press.

 

Entrance road to Dargle Farm

Backdrop to Dargle Farm in the Dargle valley

Dargle Farm cottage with its stone walls

Dargle cottage underlying construct revealed.

Dargle cottage showing stone construct and steep gable

 

Villa San Souci – Pietermaritzburg

March 29, 2018, 1:20 am

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Many of the traders of old are only now giving way to the new breed of traders. The home Villa San Souci, built in 1884 by John Harwin, was a relative of the founder of Greenacres & Harvey in Durban. John started his trading empire in Pietermaritzburg as a draper and his business, later became John Orr’s.
The beauty of this house is a testimony to his success, and many of the hard working entrepreneurs, responsible for the development of Natal (now KZN).

See more images at – Gallery – Natal old Farms – San Souci

Villa San Souci veranda & views

Villa San Souci – main entrance doors

Villa San Souci’s magnificent front facade – little changed since 1884

San Souci interior hallway

San Souci’s many stain glass windows and doors

San Souci’s detailed veranda’s

Eden Lassie – Tala valley

March 29, 2018, 1:54 am

≫ Next: Montrose Farm – Mpomphomeni

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I recently was attending the Alan Paton Book Festival, at Eden Lassie wedding and Conference Centre, in the Tala Valley, where our book “Farmhouses of Old Natal” was being presented.

Not having been there, it was good to visit another great functions venue, and meet the very hospitable owners. The well turned out venue is very accessible to PMB and Durban people, and the venue itself has amazing views over the Tala valley. The  manicured gardens set the appropriate scene for weddings, in particular.

Contact: Judy Lowry 0835529130/edenlassie@sai.co.za

Eden Lassie – Alan Paton Book Festival

Eden lassie Chapel

Eden Lassie Chapel Bell

Eden Lassie Gardens and outlook over Tala Valley

Eden Lassie Gardens