Refresh for historic 12-guest Singita private villa

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Singita Castleton in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Reserve has emerged this month with a design refresh, designed to ensure that future guests benefit from the utmost exclusivity and comfort in the African bush. Surrounded by 18,000 hectares of untouched wilderness, the former home of the grandfather of Singita’s founder, Luke Bailes, is steeped in history.

With lighter interiors – from the main homestead to the six guest cottages spilling onto tree-shaded lawns – the private-use villa features enhanced facilities, including tennis and boules courts, and a brand-new yoga pavilion alongside its state-of-the-art fitness centre, which is accessed via a covered walkway through Castleton’s tranquil gardens. Guests can now also choose between double and single massage treatment rooms.

The property’s impressive wine cellar has 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.

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.