Clik here to view.
Empangweni Mission 1863 – Moorleigh
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Paton Country Rail and Aloe Festival
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Lions Bush Private Cemetery
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....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fort Nottingham – Lions Bush Farm
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 –...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Richmond – Beaulieu Estate
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Himeville – Peter McKenzie
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Karkloof – Colborne Farm
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,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Lidgetton – Lastingham Country Lodge
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Princes Grant Golf Estate
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Durban to PMB – Natal old rail line
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fort Napier – Officers Mess
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dusi Canoe Marathon
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Owthorne Farm – Dargle Valley
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Adamshurst – Boston Road
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Underberg – Umzimkulu River Lodge
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cramond House – Albert Falls
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dargle – Kilgobbin Farm
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dargle – Dargle Farm
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Villa San Souci – Pietermaritzburg
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...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Eden Lassie – Tala valley
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...
View Article