Diamond Of The Drakensberg – Castleburn Resort

Castleburn resort was founded on a farm in the Underberg region, the farm was bought in 1983 and with humble beginnings consisting of caravan and outhouse. Since then, it has been transformed into a luxury mountain resort which is part of the Magic Breakaways Leisure resorts portfolio. Castleburn derives its name from the Garden Castle Mountain which overlooks the resort and the Scottish word for a small stream – a burn. Earning their living from the construction trade and smaller farming operations, the Barnett family were the original owners of the land. They dreamed of building a lake with cottages on its shores, both overlooked by their own home higher up in the valley.

And so their labours turned toward manifesting this vision and construction of an earth dam wall began in 1991, along with 4 cottages and a club house. At the end of 1991, the goddess of rain stirred and the first rains of the year filled the lake. Castleburn was thus born in 1991.

Castleburn farm became Castleburn Mountain Resort after Dave Barnett and Peter Foaden from Magic Breakaways met and formed a winning relationship. Magic Breakaways is a part of the Legacy Group of companies – a large African corporation and authority in the hospitality industry – and operates in the resort development aspect of the business.

Castleburn is indeed the result of this winning relationship and has grown to accommodate: 22 three-bedroom chalets; 4 Chalets with Jacuzzi; 4 luxury chalets for 8 guests; 6 single room apartments; 12 two-bedroom apartments

The region’s climate is void of weather extremes and visitors will experience warm (but not too hot) summers and cool (but not too cold) winters. Seasonal temperatures remain pleasant and avoid temperatures which other harsher parts of the world endure, the summer months see highs of 26 degrees Celsius and thereabouts and winters see lows of 2 degrees Celsius. The resort is located at the foothills of the Southern Drakensburg, making it witness to beautiful snow-capped mountains and visitors; witness to many a moment to be savoured with family and / or loved ones in the regions peace. All chalets are equipped with heating systems as well as stone fireplaces for the colder months.

Trout fisherman and nature enthusiasts will be in their element at Castleburn however, the resort has many more activities to offer as well. The resort’s main attraction is Lake Madingofani (formerly Castleburn Lake) and there are 7 smaller dams in the resort as well. Sharing a border with Castleburn is a Natal Parks Board nature reserve. Lake Madingofani is home to three species of trout – rainbow, triploid and brown. The fishing is always good as the dams are continually stocked up.

There are plenty of other things to do including: hiking, rowing, canoeing, sailing, squash, guided horse trail, swimming in a rock-hewn swimming pool, volleyball court, two walks in the grounds, , trampolines, outdoor chess, tennis court  and children’s playground. Other more lighter activities include: ahealth and beauty salon as well as restaurants and cocktail bar, putt-putt and even a recreation centre with darts and pool. And for those wishing to indulge in ultimate relaxation, the chalets and apartments offer satellite television and patios for meals, novels or simple reflection and contemplation of the nearby mountain ranges.

The regions bird life will keep the bird-watching folk occupied with some one hundred species of bird to be seen. And while the birds are being surreptitiously observed, the fauna also vie for a spot in binocular vision with Reedbuck and Eland commonly sighted as well as Bush buck, Duiker and jackals making appearances.

Castleburn resort is easily one of the most understated of resorts in its category as a relaxation destination and timeshare or fractional ownership prospect. Castleburn resort has a Four Star Gold Crown rating, thanks to the many skills and experience which Legacy has brought to its offering.

About the Author

Legacy Private Residencies have packaged a highly appreciative and debt-free style of investment through fractional ownership. Staff at Castleburn are most welcoming, that combined with the peace and tranquillity of the region account for the majority of fraction owners keeping owner status for many a year.

White Water Canoe Trip – River Ettrick – Jan 2010

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