Fashion designer, Colleen Eitzen, tells us what she loves about living in Kloof
Colleen Eitzen, a local fashion designer, recently moved from the quiet, country setting of the Upper Highway suburbs west of Durban to the heart of bustling Kloof. She deliberately chose a property on an arterial road. “It’s busy and noisy, but I really enjoy the sounds around me and the constant activity.”
Colleen looked for a while before she found a home that would o¬ffer her the convenience and lifestyle she wanted. “Kloof is in close proximity to two of the country’s best schools, St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls and Kearsney College, and this was important to me because my children were at these schools. My daughter has completed school now, but my son is still at Kearsney.”
The fact that many people go past her house as they walk to and from work, run to get some exercise, walk their dogs or ride their bikes makes Colleen feel part of the community. “There’s always that lovely chatter that I can hear over my garden wall. I love the busyness and activity of my road.”
Over the years, pockets of central Kloof have become mixed-use areas due to rezoning. Businesses can now be found close to homes and large shopping centres are within walking distance. Many old Kloof houses have been refurbished to house businesses, preserving the area’s country feel.
Colleen loves her entire house but says the kitchen counter becomes the congregation point whenever she has visitors. “I generally work there too, so it could be called my favourite spot. The house and the kitchen were designed by my closest friends, Greg and Roche Dry of Egg Designs, and my kitchen certainly has a special energy.”
Living in the heart of Kloof provides Colleen with quick access to many of the suburb’s popular eateries. Her favourite? “Sprigs, first and foremost – it’s a Kloof icon, and sisters Fiona and Clare are the most wonderful, warm people who never forget anyone. I also love Phuket Thai, which is just up the road, predominantly because of the owner and sta¬ff. They have a glass of wine waiting for all their customers and they also never forget a face.”
Colleen’s son is a boarder at Kearsney and only comes home on weekends. She likes to spend Sundays with him. “He recently received his learner’s licence, so we’ve been out driving a fair amount. We explore the quieter roads in Kloof; they’re perfect for teaching someone to drive! In the late afternoon, I try to walk my two dogs.”
Kloof is about 15 to 20 minutes away from Durban, so when Colleen has a break she heads to the coast. “I’m a beach person, so whether it’s relaxation for a day or a week, any beach will do for me!”
It’s that lovely familiarity which I really enjoy about Kloof and the people. There’s no pretention and I honestly feel that people get along well.
Schools in Kloof, Durban
- St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls
- Thomas More College
- Kearsney College
- Highbury Preparatory School
- Kloof Pre-Primary School
- Kloof Junior Primary School
- Kloof Senior Primary School
- Kloof High School
Where to eat in Kloof, Durban
- Phuket Thai: for authentic Thai food
- Stokers Arms Restaurant: for good pub grub and a large selection of craft beers
- I Love My Coffee: for great coffee and delicious breakfasts
- Sprigs: for amazing food made from fresh and organic ingredients
- Bellevue Cafe: for hearty and nourishing meals
- Jooma Coffee: for tasty cafe food
- 1904 Bistro Americain: for mouth-watering American-style diner food
Nature nearby:
- Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, including Kloof Gorge and Everton Conservancy
- Kloof Conservancy
- Giba Gorge Nature Reserve
- Shongweni Farmers Market
- Makaranga Botanical Garden
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.