Our Legacy
Philip Garlick's name and vision helped shape Garlington into a thoughtful blend of heritage and place, where ‘Garlick’ meets ‘Hilton’ in both spirit and name.
Garlington Estate today stands as a beacon of timeless elegance, harmonious design, and a deep sense of belonging. Yet beneath its refined façades and flourishing amenities lies a story of aspiration, perseverance, including those whose vision shaped its very soul, especially Phil Garlick and Dr Douglas Crowe.
Dr Crowe, who recently passed away at the age of 85, was more than the Chairman and principal shareholder of the Garlington Development Trust. He was the architect of a dream. His dedication to the Midlands region is etched not only in the estate’s homes and landscapes but in the living, breathing community that resides here. It was Doug’s entrepreneurial insight and steadfast resolve that secured the pivotal acquisition of 136 hectares of former commercial forestry from Phil Garlick. Then a trustee of Garlick Timbers, he envisioned a place that would blend heritage and modernity; hence the name 'Garlington' – a graceful fusion of 'Garlick' and 'Hilton', anchoring the estate in both history and locale.
Born in Pietermaritzburg, Doug attended Maritzburg College, where his intellect and sporting flair were already evident. His academic journey led him to Stellenbosch University and later to Duke University in the United States, which is reflective of his lifelong commitment to excellence and growth. While he possessed shrewd business sense, Doug was equally known for his warmth, leadership, and ability to inspire. His influence extended beyond Garlington and was seen also in the flourishing Ballito Business Park on the North Coast, another testament to his flair for visionary development.
Garlington Estate itself is Doug’s lasting legacy: a community carefully crafted to balance luxury, lifestyle, and an enduring sense of home. From its panoramic vistas and curated clubhouse to its wellness centre and meandering walking trails, it offers more than residences, it nurtures a way of life. Offsite, Doug was devoted to family and the simple joys of life – his beloved wife Dickie, daughters Katherine, Sarah, Alexandra, and Georgina, and twelve grandchildren who brightened his days. His passions were wide-ranging from golf, wildlife reserves, and global travel, to an insatiable love of reading.
Doug Crowe’s impact on the Hilton community, and all who knew him, is profound. He was a visionary who saw potential where others saw raw land; a principled leader who built more than structures, but connections and purpose. His legacy is evident in every corner of Garlington, an estate that continues to flourish, echoing the life and ideals of the man who first dreamed it into being. As Garlington Estate flourishes under new stewardship, we honour Dr Douglas Crowe: a pioneer, a family man, and the heart behind a remarkable community.