What if these walls could talk at WAKESLEIGH? This imposing dwelling has witnessed over a century of Durban’s history. Let’s step back in time to 1882. Imagine the excitement as architects Robert Sellers Upton and Philip Dudgeon designed and erected this grand home.
WAKESLEIGH quickly became a local landmark. Its late Colonial Victorian style was unlike anything else in Natal. You can almost hear the sounds of horse-drawn carriages arriving at its entrance. Picture the elegant parties held within its walls.
Fast forward to 1898. A billiard room was added to WAKESLEIGH. This addition suggests a life of leisure and entertainment. Can you envision gentlemen engaging in a friendly game of billiards? The clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversation fill the air.
WAKESLEIGH stood as a testament to a bygone era. Its architectural integrity remained remarkably intact. This is why it was declared a National Monument on 31 July 1981. This designation recognized its importance to South Africa’s heritage.
Today WAKESLEIGH stands as a reminder of Durban’s rich past. It represents a time of elegance, architectural innovation, and colonial history. As you stand before WAKESLEIGH appreciate its enduring beauty. Think about the stories it could tell. It is a tangible link to Durban’s vibrant and multifaceted history.