Gillitts Area Profile

Gillitts at a glance

Calling all nature lovers: Gillitts is for you. Set in the lush countryside of the Upper Highway area, Gillitts offers you peace and tranquillity. Yet, each of its suburbs - Winston Park, Everton, Clifton Park, St Helier, Woodlands, and Chelmsfordville - ensure you stay a stone's throw away from the city.

With a strong sense of community, Gillitts is ideal if you wish to raise a family or make the most of your golden years. The area boasts a range of amenities, quick access to the M13 and N3, and beautiful homes. In fact, you'll easily find a spacious townhouse, cosy flat, or secure complex that meets your needs.

A brief history of the area

Gillitts is named after William Gillitt, a pioneer of the Upper Highway area. In 1849, William Gillitt and his family emigrated from Buckinghamshire. The family settled at Wyebank, near Field's Hill. Around 1870, Gillitt purchased a 500-acre portion of the property Everton, on which he established his own farm, Emberton. He also bought land west of Everton. The farm he created here, Albinia, would later become the site of Hillcrest.

Climate

Residents of Gillitts enjoy great weather all year round, with warm summer days between November and March rising to average temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s. During winter, Gillitts locals experience temperatures in the high teens or low 20s during the day. On a summer's night, the temperature drops pleasantly into the teens, while a winter's evening can see the mercury drop below 10°C.

Schools in the area

The Upper Highway is blessed with fine academic options. For little ones, look to The School of Modern Montessori, Little Seedlings Pre-Primary or Little Red Hen Pre-Primary School. Primary schools in the area include Winston Park Primary School. Of course, Gillitts's location allows your child to also enrol in Kloof and Hillcrest.

Notably, Gillitts caters for children with special needs. Fulton School for the Deaf is devoted to hearing-impaired pupils from Grade R to Grade 12. Cawood Academy, a private school aimed at the gifted to autistic, helps develop their unique talents.

Healthcare in the area

Your quickest stop for medical care is the Gillitts Medical Centre. This multidisciplinary family practice has general practitioners, dietitians, a chiropractor, physiotherapists, a dentist and a reflexologist in service. You can also seek treatment in Kloof and Hillcrest. These include Gillitts Medical Centre, Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital, Assagay Oasis, and the Highway Sub-acute and Rehabilitation Hospital.

Shopping centres

Gillitts Shopping Centre is the area's go-to shopping spot. It includes an eatery, hair salon, gym, liquor shop, and more. Checkers Gillitts provides a convenient stop for groceries and important household items. You can also take a short trip to nearby Kloof Village Mall, Fields Hill Shopping Centre, and Delcairn Centre. Gillitts is also in close proximity to the food and craft markets that the Upper Highway area is renowned for.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

King Shaka International Airport is 52 km away from Gillitts. Your trip will take you about 40 minutes via the N2. Pietermaritzburg Airport is a closer 51 km (37 minutes) away via the N3. Gillitts is roughly a 23-minute drive from Durban CBD (27 km) and 39 minutes away from Pietermaritzburg CBD (53,5 km).

Restaurants

Whether you're a casual eater or fussy foodie, Gillitts's restaurants are sure to please. Gillitts caters for a range of appetites. These include curries (Gate of India Gillitts), sushi (Takami Sushi Bar), pizzas (HayWay's Gourmet Pizzas), and vegetarian and vegan cuisine (La Verdure Real Food Cafe).

Special attractions

Spending time in nature is good for your physical and mental health. Gillitts is full of outlets to venture out into the great outdoors.

1. Iphithi Nature Reserve

Iphithi Nature Reserve is a 12-hectare natural area in the heart of Gillitts. It's a wonderful getaway to fish, picnic, go birding, enjoy scenic walks, or traverse the man-made dam on a boat.

2. Ashley Park/Dam

This charming park and dam area can be found in the middle of Ashley Drive in Gillitts. With a small playground, it's a good place for the kids to play. During quiet days, you can watch the clouds pass and enjoy the odd bass jumping out the water.

3. Giba Gorge Trail

This trail is a gorgeous place to walk, hike, cycle, and just enjoy the wonders of nature. It's popular with both children and fur babies.

Make Gillitts your home. Let it be your story.

Gillitts lets you get in touch with nature, while still embracing the safety and convenience of suburban living. There are homes here filled with the country charm and character you're looking for. View Seeff Hillcrest & Kloof's properties for sale or to let and make contact today.