We are very grateful to Fred Smith for submitting this fantastic description of 'The Laurels' (Weston Street, Mooi River). The historic home and its magnificent garden are an integral part of the heritage of the area. [Originally published in 2013]
There is very little documentary evidence available on the first owner who initiated the building of the modest red-bricked Edwardian colonial house. He was an English born pharmacist, Mr Peck, who had established a pharmacy in Lawrence Road in the village of Mooi River. He was also an accomplished photographer. Peck built the house for his English bride in 1909.
Peck‘s site was large and the house was South facing, overlooking the picturesque Mooi River with its meandering path and verdant willow trees whose branches dipped into the water. At the time, the river was a popular boating venue and picnics were held by locals on the banks. Weston Road linked the village of Mooi River with the older village of Weston, over the Helen Bridge on the Mooi River. On the banks was also the popular Lakeview Hotel, which was later destroyed in a fire.
“The Laurels” as the house came to be known, had many features of that period in Natal. It had a wrap-around verandah along three sides of the house, with sash windows and shutters. Only two of the original sash windows remain. The original verandah tiles are still in place and have an interesting history. Ships bringing imported goods from England often contained ballast in...
