Surrounded by 45,000ac of untouched wilderness in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Reserve, Singita Castleton, the former home of the grandfather of Singita’s founder, Luke Bailes, is steeped in history. The property went through a recent design refresh to ensure that guests continue to enjoy the utmost exclusivity and comfort in the African bush.
With lighter interiors – from the main homestead to the six guest cottages spilling onto tree-shaded lawns – the private-use villa now also boasts a brand-new yoga pavilion alongside its state-of-the-art and fully equipped fitness centre, which is accessed via a covered walkway through Castleton’s tranquil gardens.
The property’s impressive wine cellar has also been expanded and is now conveniently located adjacent to the dining room and lounge. Boasting a collection of the finest South African vintages, it’s the perfect setting for pre-dinner tastings under the guidance of Singita’s knowledgeable sommelier.
Many antiques and furnishings of the original homestead have been refashioned, adding authenticity to the living areas that extend outdoors onto deep, covered verandas overlooking a busy waterhole nearby, where game regularly gather to drink. The outdoor boma not only provides uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape, but also offers magical fireside dinners under a canopy of stars and is the perfect backdrop for a taste of traditional local dishes prepared to perfection.
The wildlife at the Sabi Sand Reserve is protected by the Singita Lowveld Trust.
The reserve’s wildlife is protected by the Singita Lowveld Trust, an independent non-profit fund that operates a highly skilled canine anti-poaching unit manned 24/7 to protect the area. In addition, a variety of community partnership programmes, including 20 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, are supported with nearly 2,500 children per year that benefit from these programmes.
As part of Singita’s Private Villa Collection, guests at Castleton enjoy the comforts of a private game-viewing vehicle as well as a full staff complement, which includes a field guide, private chef and host. Game drives, mealtimes and activities are entirely according to preference, so guests have complete freedom to choose the rhythm of their days.
The perfect location for a bush escape for families and groups of friends, Castleton offers numerous opportunities for shared activities – from boules to tennis, cricket and a private pool, combining the best elements of an authentic safari with the rustic charm of a farmhouse. The main house boasts comfortable, beautifully designed communal living spaces and cottages accommodating a maximum of 12 guests
