| Fractional Ownership at Castleburn |
From Family Homestead to luxury resort - the Story of CastleburnCastleburn resort began as a bare farm with caravan and outhouse as the only dwelling in 1983. Today it is a luxury mountain resort in 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.
The land was originally the family homestead of the Barnett family who earned their living in the construction trade and smaller farming operations. The Barnetts dreamed of building a lake with cottages on its shores, both overlooked by their own home higher up in the valley. A very picturesque and inviting scene with the grandiose Drakensberg mountain range serves as a canvas background.
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.
2 years later, Dave Barnett and Peter Foaden from Magic Breakaways met and created a winning relationship resulting in large scale development at Castleburn. The Legacy Group of companies is a large African corporation and an institution in hospitality with Magic Breakaways operating in the resort development aspect of their operations.
Indeed the relationship proved to be a winner and Castleburn is now home to 58 units comprising:
The thing about Castleburn that stands out the most is that it does not stand out much at all. Albeit the number of chalets and apartment units is sizeable, the architect-designed buildings blend subtly into the surrounding landscape and are equipped with heating systems as well as stone fireplaces for the colder months.
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. Being located in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountain range, the resort is witness to snow-capped mountain peaks in winter months which make for some highly charming moments to be savoured whilst submerged in the region's serenity.
The resort has much to do on its activity list however, trout fishing and nature enthusiasts will find themselves in their element at Castleburn. The resort shares a border with a Natal Parks Board nature reserve. Lake Madingofani and 7 smaller dams form part of the resort. Trout is in abundance in the waters and the three main species are rainbow, triploid and brown trout. The dams are continually restocked and so a disappointed fly-fisherman is an uncommon occurrence.
Other activities available will cater for everyone 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. Naturally, the confines of the units are equipped with luxurious conveniences such as satellite television and patios from which one can relish a meal, cup of tea or one's favourite novelist.
Bird watchers will find themselves entertained as there are in the region of one hundred bird species to observe. 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/ fractional ownership prospect. It is complemented entirely by the regions tranquillity and well off the beaten tourist path. Naturally, the expertise and experience which Legacy has brought to the party ensure that the resort maintains its high calibre and guests enjoy time and time again the Four Star Gold Crown rating.
One will be glad to hear that ownership opportunities exist through the fractional ownership avenue; a highly appreciative and debt-free style of investment available from Legacy Private Residencies. Castleburn has easily proven that it is a worthy investment as the majority of fraction owners are still in possession of their investments citing the beautiful location and welcoming staff as their reasons for staying at Castleburn. |