This villa for rent in South Africa is located at the end of a dirt road, an unassuming access route for a home that's very far from the ordinary. When you arrive, you'll find a residence that was built to imitate the land surrounding it, resembling, on the outside, a sandcastle with roughly hewn turrets.

Perched on the coast of the Indian Ocean, it's part of a 250-hectare estate that includes its own wildlife conservancy, a long stretch of private beach perfect for windswept walks and ocean dips, plus bushveld or woodlands. The home itself has two dwellings, two swimming pools, and generous outdoor lounge areas. It's a remote hideaway that's a destination in itself, perfect for a large family holiday or a lavish celebration.

The interiors of the home were created in African adobe style, influenced by cultures across both Africa and South America. Soft, warm earth tones set the mood, and architectural features include double-volume ceilings, large picture windows, undulating walls, and cozy nooks like the sunken fireside conversation pit. The space is filled with rich tapestries and imposing, locally crafted art.

The main building houses four king-sized bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and ocean views. There is an additional cottage on the estate with two further king-sized bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Three of the beds can be split into two three-quarter beds. Additional rooms include a formal dining area that seats 12 guests, two lounge areas with fireplaces, and an office space.

Outside there are two solar-heated swimming pools, with day beds and sun loungers, plus another dining table for 12 guests, a sheltered courtyard, a lounge, a barbecue, and a pizza oven. Don't be surprised if you spot a giraffe at breakfast or while you're lounging in the pool. The land is filled with them, as well as zebras, sables, antelopes, yellow mongooses, civets, and genets.

This villa for rent in South Africa is rented on an exclusive basis for up to 12 guests.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Daily housekeeping and 24-hour security is included, and a private chef can be arranged at additional cost. There is a private landing strip as well as a helipad.

The property can also be booked for events, and it's ideal for indoor-outdoor gatherings, from intimate cocktails and canapés to larger banquets. There are picturesque backdrops for wedding ceremonies by the lagoon, ocean or bushveld, and on the spacious lawns.

AROUND

This villa for rent in South Africa is located on the shoreline of the Eastern Cape, 50km from Port Alfred, 75km from East London, and 200km from Port Elizabeth. The region is dominated by mountains, woodlands and coastal forest. It's a part of the country that is free of malaria, making it a great area for game viewing in both summer and winter.

With its moderate climate, this is an ideal year-round destination and, although the oceanside location can occasionally be gusty, respite can be taken on windy days by walking through the reserve's bushveld (woodland) as it has many shady spots and tree-lined paths. Other activities that can be arranged on-site include game viewing, hiking, surfing, angling, kayaking and mussel picking.

LOCATION

Wesley, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Nearest airport: East London (75km, 1 hour), and Port Alfred Airfield (50km) for larger private jets. There is an 800m private landing strip on the land, as well as a helipad next to the villa.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The region receives 305 days of sunshine per year, with an average temperature of 22-27 degrees Celsius. making this a great year-round destination.