Drummond, Hillcrest

The picturesque little village of Drummond is an ideal place to start or raise a family. The clean, fresh air and lack of pollution make the area a dream to live in.

This peaceful suburb is home to beautiful villas and smaller cottages with large grounds and an abundance of natural trees and plants.

Moreover, Drummond is conveniently situated near the important amenities and facilities that residents require.

A brief history of the area

Newlyweds Elise and Captain Percy James Kingham arrived in Drummond in 1902 and later bought the Traffic Hotel, on the site of the present-day 1000 Hills Hotel. Percy built a reservoir and pipeline that supplied water to the hotel and local residents. By 1926, the Kinghams owned thousands of acres of land, stretching from Drummond down to Peacevale alongside the present N3. Percy died in the late 1930s, and Elise later sold off the land and retired to Durban, where she died in 1967.

Climate

Warm summers and temperate winters are the way of life in Drummond, with summer months, between December and March, frequently seeing the mercury rise into the low to mid-30s. Summer evenings are much cooler, dropping to the high teens or low 20s. A typical winter's day sees maximum temperatures in the low to mid 20s, and minimum temperatures that drop to the 10°C mark or lower at night.

Schools in the area

There are many top-notch schools available for scholars residing in Drummond. Kearsney College, Highbury Preparatory School, Roseway Waldorf School, Hillcrest Primary, and Hillcrest High are some of the prominent schools located near the area.

Healthcare in the area

The Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital is a short 10-minute drive from Drummond. Other medical facilities near the area include the Healing Hills Hospital.

Shopping centres

The Hillcrest Corner Shopping Mall is a quick 15 minutes away from Drummond. Here residents can get their goods from stores such as Checkers, Clicks, Dischem, Mr Price, Old Khaki, Woolworths, and more. Other malls accessible to residents include the Hammersdale Junction Mall and the Watercrest Mall.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

The King Shaka International Airport is 68 km away from Drummond. This journey will take a 54-minute drive via the N3 and N2.

Restaurants

The Drum and Bell Country Pub and Restaurant, Intaba View Restaurant, Rebel's Rock Steakhouse & Pizzeria, The Lapa at Huntersfield, and The View Cafe, are fantastic dining options available in and around Drummond for residents.

Special attractions

The countryside village of Drummond is a great place for the whole family to have fun. The 1000 Hills Brewing Company, Drummond Tunnel, Comrades Marathon Wall of Honour, and Monteseel View Point are some of the most talked-about attractions.

1. 1000 Hills Brewing Company

The 1000 Hills Brewing Company is conveniently situated in Bothas Hill, just 10 minutes away from Drummond. The majestic landscapes of the Valley of 1000 Hills serve as the ultimate setting as visitors sip on the finest South African craft beer. The brewery forms part of 1000 Hills Chef School where students learn the art of craft beer brewing. There is also a deli and restaurant at the brewery that gives visitors the chance to learn about pairing food with beer.

2. The Drummond Tunnel

From Kloof to Inchanga and back, the Umgeni Steam Train passes the Drummond Tunnel to overlook the captivating landscape of the Valley of a 1000 Hills. The tunnel has been in use since 1880 and features a classic stone masonry design. The historic 1912 locomotive runs on railway lines built in the early 1800s.

The Umgeni Steam Railway operates trains on the last Sunday of each month between Kloof and Inchanga, with special trains running from Pietermaritzburg to Inchanga and Nottingham Road.

3. Comrades Marathon Wall of Honour

The Comrades Marathon Wall of Honour is situated along the Comrades Marathon route at a point where the road overlooks the Valley of 1000 Hills. It was created to serve as a permanent landmark to commemorate the achievements of Comrades Marathon runners who completed the epic journey between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The wall is constructed of attractive interlocking blocks with a plaque which records the name, race number, and status of a runner.

4. Monteseel View Point

The Monteseel View Point provides mesmerizing picturesque views of the area. Visitors can take a cool walk and catch a glimpse of a panoramic view of what lies below. While sitting on the cliff edges can be an adrenaline rush, be sure to take safety precautions when taking pets and children along.

Make Drummond your home. Let it be your story.

Drummond is a fascinating place to live in. From quaint restaurants to magical views, the area is a breath of fresh air for any homeowner. Contact Seeff Hillcrest & Kloof today to find your piece of heaven in Drummond.