PARADISE FOUND
Montcalm is a private enclave of 29 exquisite properties, located within Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate. Boasting spectacular sea and breaker views, Montcalm benefits from the finest security measures, professional estate management and access to all the wonderful amenities that Zululami has to offer.
Imagine being able to walk a quick 100m to the prestigious Sheffield Beach and Christmas Bay, where you can enjoy having all the unspoilt and revitalised natural splendours on your doorstep.
Montcalm offers a select few the unique opportunity to indulge in the best of relaxed coastal living.
Living in Sheffield has always been sweet, as the area is known for its long history in the
sugar industry. The name for the area was given in honour of Sir Leige Hulett, a sugar
magnate and philanthropist who was born in Sheffield, England.
Sheffield was maintained as the Hulett Family’s farming portfolio until the late 60’s where
Dr Edward Rubenstein purchased it. Dr Rubenstein headed the Glen Anil Development
Corporation/Investments, however Glen Anil hit bankruptcy, and the land was soon bought
back into the Hulett family.
Thereafter the land has been used for sugar cane farming. As you journey through Umhlali
and other parts of the North Coast you will see the vast amounts of sugar cane fields, and
soon become more aware of how relevant this 19th Century history is.
A NEW BEGINNING
A PLACE STEEPED IN HISTORY
The North Coast was home to one of South Africa’s biggest Zulu leaders in the 1800’s,
King Shaka. King Shaka and his army of fearless foot soldiers were known for engaging
in highly effective hand-to-hand combat. During his reign as the Zulu empire, King Shaka
had settlements and military camps constructed within Shakaskraal and Umhlali. His final
resting royal settlement was within KwaDukuza where a maze of 7000 huts encircled his
enormous regal dwelling. King Shaka shaped the Zulu and the North Coast history and
his legacy is remembered and honoured in many facets within this area, specifically in the
naming of the King Shaka International Airport.
AWASH IN CULTURE
The North Coast is rich in South African culture. These cultural attractions include the
charming village known as Shakaskraal, that once was the base for King Shaka’s Royal
Military. As you explore the history of this region you will soon discover the Luthuli Museum
in Groutville, which is another significant homage dedicated to South Africa’s first Nobel
Peace Prize winner and one of the top South African Struggle Leaders, Chief Albert Luthuli.
The KwaDukuza Museum, also known as the Natal North Coast Museum, gives visitors a
comprehensive look into how Stanger was established and how it has evolved over time.
FEATHERING NESTS
Weaver birds, otherwise known as Ploceidae or Weaver Finches, can be seen around the Sheffield area. These small and brightly coloured birds get their name because of their elaborately woven nests, which are the most spectacular of any birds’. These birds are the artisan extraordinaire of the bird world. It is generally the males who do the weaving, to advertise their skill and quality to potential mates. Weavers do not migrate, and often nest in colonial groups. Their sound is not musical, instead they are harsh repeated chirps, and you will find them noisily buzzing and displaying around their communal nesting.
A NATURAL TREASURE
Can you imagine having the seaside right on your doorstep? Whether you enjoy the views from the comfort of your own home or whisk over to the beach to take pleasure in it in person, Montcalm indulges residents in the ultimate luxury beach life.
This picture-perfect land brags in having the best ski fishing area in South Africa as its ‘back garden’. While it may have a strong coastal pull, Montcalm also enjoys a green belt of forest enveloping the prized piece of land. Nature lovers will be delighted to find the beautiful birdlife and nature trails close by.
Residents are free to stroll the shoreline, delight in casting a line out, absorb the peaceful serenity from the crashing waves, enjoy watching the sun rise and set in all its glory, or simply adventure through the estates forest and bird watch. This secluded estate is within close proximity to local preparatory schools, Christmas Bay and Sheffield Bay beaches, Tiffany’s Mall and some of the best golf courses KwaZulu-Natal has to offer.
BRIGHT SHINING STARS
Growing naturally along the coast of the sunny parts of Natal, the Natal Dune Vygies can be found most commonly on dunes along beaches. This plant species is distinctive through its triangular shaped leaves and the pinkish purple flowers, and can be found especially within Montcalm. The leaves from this plant helps alleviate the sting from blue-bottles, and is often used where you have been stung.
Not many people know of the unspoilt wonders Sheffield Bay has to offer. Located on the very tip of the Northern side of the Dolphin Coast, this opulent spot is KwaZulu-Natal’s best kept secret. Home to untouched land and undisturbed beaches, it’s recommended that new town residents warm up to locals to discover where the spots are for first-class snorkelling,
fishing and surfing.
Sheffield Bay is a step away from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring North Coast towns
like Salt Rock, Ballito and Umhlanga. These nearby towns are a lot busier, with new malls
and restaurants popping up at every turn, as well as overcrowded beaches and fishing spots.
Sheffield Bay is a ‘hush-hush’ location, a discreet playground for the few that know of it. This
location is ideal for separating yourself from the crowd, and enjoying a tranquil lifestyle, while
still being close enough to local amenities.
THE WONDERS AT YOUR FEET
SECLUDED BAY BEACHES
Soak up the warm KwaZulu-Natal weather at two of the finest, most secluded and quietest beaches around. Sheffield Bay beach is a quiet, small-town beach that is home to the few families and locals from around the area. Just a stone’s throw away from Montcalm, you’ll enjoy the rock pools, the sights of the sea, fishing and chilling along the clean rich caramel sandy beach.
Just a bit further up from Sheffield Bay beach is Christmas Bay beach, one of the closely guarded treasures of the North Coast. Known for being one of the very few beaches that doesn’t suffer from over crowdedness, Christmas Bay beach lets you truly take in the beautiful sun kissed shores and peaceful surroundings.
Offering a path that’s less travelled, these calming beaches welcome visitors to make memories and enjoy the relaxing postcard setting. These beaches are ideal spots for spear fishing, picking mussels, cray fishing and snorkelling. If you are looking for an activity a lot less involved, the sandy shorelines are a perfect spot to walk along, or spread out your towels and picnic blankets on.
Owning a home within Montcalm provides the quintessence of seaside living. It is a safe and secure estate, where you can fall asleep to the serene sound of the undulating waves and wake up to stunning ocean views. At any given time, residents have the luxury of frequenting the beach easily and effortlessly; as the beach is a stone’s throw away from the estate.
Equally just as stunning is the green belt of forest, the rolling hills of untouched sugar cane fields and distant views of the surrounds of Durban that wrap around this prized boutique estate.
Residents are not only spoilt with the sights and sounds around them, but can make use of the facilities on offer at Zululami, including a cutting-edge member's club house, sports amenities and running and riding trails. In addition Surf-skis and surf boards can be docked at the Montcalm gatehouse for easy access.
LIVING AT MONTCALM OCEANSIDE ESTATE
Humpback whales have a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and knobbly head. They range at 36000kg and 12 – 16 meters when they are adults. Humpback whales leave their feeding grounds in Antarctica to migrate to the warmer East coast waters of South Africa and Mozambique where they arrive in May.
Humpback whale season peaks around June/July as they head North, and then again in September / October when they head back South. The route these whales take starts along the South of Cape Town from around Hermanus and extends to Durban St Lucia. During these times of the year, the humpback whales are often seen just beyond the breakers, breaching the water and also blowing water upwards as they take in air.
MUSIC FROM THE DEEP
LUNCH IN PARADISE
When visiting Sheffield Bay beach, you will find locals scouring the rocks for the beautiful
fresh black-shelled mussels. Collect your fair share of mussels and make your lunch right on
the beach or in the comfort of your home while enjoying the view of the ocean. After all, this
is the ultimate coastal lifestyle, indulge in the tastes of it too.
INGREDIENTS:
CREAMY MUSSEL POTJIE POT
1kg Fresh Mussels, cleaned and bearded
2 Cloves Garlic, crushed
3 - 4 Spring onion, chopped
250ml Fresh Cream
5 – 6 Peppadews, chopped
2 Medium Tomatoes, finely chopped
1 Cup Dry White wine
3 Tablespoons Oil
Fresh sprigs of parsley, finely chopped
Salt & Pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
-
Heat the potjie pot up over medium to low open fire.
-
Add the oil, heat up and then add the spring onions for 3 – 5 minutes until soft.
-
Following after the spring onions, add the peppadews and tomatoes, stir in the ingredients to mix them together and allow to heat through.
-
Pour in the white wine and the fresh mussels. Cover the potjie pot with a lid and allow to simmer for 30 minutes (until mussels are open and cooked).
-
After this time, take off the lid, add in your salt and pepper, and allow the pot to simmer for a further 20 – 30 minutes, or until the wine has reduced quite significantly. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pot.
-
Once you have reached the stage where the wine has reduced by half, add in your cream. Stir to mix ingredients together and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the cream to thicken a little.
-
Remove off the open fire, sprinkle over freshly chopped spring onion and parsley, and serve straight away.
-
Best served with rustic artisan bread and a Chenin Blanc wine.