Durban — Today’s history of Durban starts with Billy The Bums and gets up to date with Curfew.
504 Lilian Ngoyi Road in Windermere has been a hotspot for decades, first as Billy the Bums (Basic Up Market Socialite) was a favourite among the young, hip, vibey crowd with, according to a 2004 report on IOL, the “best bartenders in town”.
It was then home to Peaky Blinders, which opened in 2017, and is now Curfew Lounge, a bar, grill and dance spot which has maintained the tradition of attracting the hip, vibey crowd.
The beautiful building has been well maintained, keeping its quaint “broekie lace” finishes all through its colourful history. Its bright and breezy upper floors are sought-after office spaces.
The house was the home of James Taylor Ross, who left Scotland and arrived in Durban in 1882. He founded JT Ross & Son Pty Ltd, a firm of building contractors, in 1902.
Originally Ross focused on carpentry but soon offered building services. The firm is very much active today and is best known for developing The Square on La Lucia Ridge, The Crescent on Mhlanga Ridge and more recently renovating the Glass House.
No 504 Windermere is thought to be the oldest existing property developed by Ross.
In 1917 the rear of the property was still used as his workshop, before it moved to First Avenue Greyville.
Independent on Saturday