Castleburn resort began as a bare farm in the Underberg region with caravan and outhouse as the only dwelling in 1983. Today it is a luxury mountain resort in the Magic Breakaways Leisure resorts portfolio. The Garden Castle mountain which overlooks the farm and the Scottish name for a small stream a burn are what gave the name to the farm:-Castleburn. 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.
The construction of an earthen dam wall as well as a clubhouse and 4 cottages began in 1991, probably a year that the Barnetts remember very well as being the start of their dreams manifesting. One could say that a degree of divine intervention was experienced at Castleburn when the rains filled the lake shortly after completion at the end of 1991.
2 years later, Dave Barnett and Peter Foaden from Magic Breakaways met and created a winning relationship resulting in large scale development at Castleburn. Magic Breakaways operates in the resort development area of the Legacy Group of companies a large African corporation and a leader in the hospitality industry.
Indeed the relationship proved to be a winner and Castleburn is now home to 58 units comprising: 4 Luxury chalets with Jacuzzi bath; 6 single bedroom apartments; 22 chalets with three bedrooms; 4 luxury chalets accommodating 8 guests
Climate in the region is moderate with cool winters and warm summers. The coldest months are April through September with the lowest temperatures dropping to 2 degrees Celsius in winter mornings and highs peaking at 26 degrees during December. 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 and a Natal Parks Board nature reserve share a border; it is also host to Lake Madingofani (formerly Castleburn Lake) and 7 smaller dams forming the major attraction of the resort. Rainbow, triploid and brown trout are the three main species of trout abundant in Lake Madingofani. The dams are continually restocked and so a disappointed fly-fisherman is an uncommon occurrence.
Other activities available will cater for all and include hiking, rowing, canoeing, sailing, squash, guided horse trail, volleyball court, two walks in the grounds, swimming in a rock-hewn swimming pool, trampolines, outdoor chess, tennis court and children’s playground. If one’s idea of true relaxation does not involve physical exertion the resort is equipped with a health and beauty salon as well as restaurants and cocktail bar, putt-putt and even a recreation centre with darts and pool. Of course the chalets and apartments are kitted out with other indulgent conveniences such as satellite television and comfortable patios inviting al fresco meals and quiet times against a fabric of majestic mountain ranges.
For bird-watching enthusiasts will find themselves busy enough with over a hundred species of bird to be seen. Birds are not the only creatures vying for attention in telescopic vision, Reedbuck and Eland as well as Bush buck, Duiker and jackals also find themselves commonly spotted.
In the class of relaxation destinations, Castleburn is easily the most understated and I implore all readers to consider it as a 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.