Cool forest, warm sea, Westbrook

Fall asleep to the sound of the sea and wake to the song of birds. Situated in a secure complex in a sub-tropical coastal forest, this comfortable 3-bedroom simplex is a short walk to a Blue Flag beach and an easy drive to Ballito and Umhlanga. This spacious, well-maintained simplex is situated in the tranquil North Coast village of Westbrook. Our spectacular Blue Flag swimming and surfing beach is only a five-minute walk away. The restaurants, shopping malls and nightlife of Ballito and Umhlanga are easily accessible on the N2 freeway or the M4 that takes you through the bush and canefields of the lush North Coast. And you can be in the city of Durban in under thirty minutes. The house – cool in summer – offers three bedrooms with comfortable queen, double and single beds. The main bedroom, overlooking the forest, has an en-suite bathroom with a bath big enough for two. The second bathroom is fitted with a shower. There is ample cupboard space in all three bedrooms. The modern kitchen is fully equipped with an oven and hob, fridge, microwave oven and washing machine. The garage is being used by the owner for storage but there is undercover parking for one car and parking for two in the driveway. There is a recess in the open-plan living area that can be used as an office or a dining area. The house comes with full DStv, wireless internet and Weber braai. The large, tiled veranda looks directly onto a forest that is home to a variety of indigenous birds. It's also an occasional resting spot for the local troop of vervet monkeys. Unaccustomed to aggression, they're very polite and are a delight to watch. There is a swimming pool in the complex – ideal for cooling down after a hot day at the beach. Access to this secure complex is via remote controlled gates. Guests have full access to the complex, including the swimming pool. If the owner, Mark, is out of town, guests will be welcomed by Erna Taylor who manages the property. She will be more than happy to offer guests advice or assistance. Westbrook is a peaceful village with a nearby Spar, a petrol station, a cafe called Seagull's Roost, a Post Office and a takeaway offering good curries. Spice Restaurant is on Westbrook beach within walking distance of the complex. "Linda, the chef, and her partner Russell, draw from their taste for the uncluttered and their extensive travels in Europe, the Caribbean and New Zealand. This focus on simplicity is reflected in the décor, which is modern and clean but at the same time warm and relaxed. The spacious interior and bar are complemented by the canopied verandah/terrace area which is perfect for lunches or warm summer evenings." A three-minute drive away is Beach Bums, a very popular bar and restaurant right on the beach. "Our restaurant and bar features indoor and outdoor settings. Drawing upon an open air ambience, swaying palm trees and tropical trade winds, our restaurant features “relaxed cuisine” and a varied menu with options for light dining such as our gourmet pizzas and burgers as well as the Chef’s creative preparations of the specials of the week. During the week our guests will enjoy a beachside music program that blends various genres of music with later hours offering a more upbeat soundtrack. DJs perform every Saturday, turning the beach into their dance floor while Sundays have been dedicated to live music with different bands appearing every week." Ballito is 10kms north of Westbrook, Umhlanga and Gateway Shopping Centre is 20kms south and Durban itself is 30kms away. There is not a single traffic light all the way from Westbrook to the city, making travel quick and easy. There are car rental companies at nearby King Shaka International Airport as well as in Ballito and Umhlanga. Uber taxis are also available. When you go out, please make sure the windows and veranda doors are shut, unless you want the monkeys to clean up the kitchen.