In the Middle Ages, a castle’s “close” was the area immediately adjacent to a great lord’s keep. On the island of Barbados, the exclusive residential compound known as Castle Close also stands in the shadow of a great man’s house—in this case, the splendid Regency “Castle” built by the island’s most notorious son, wastrel, and privateer, Sam Lord.

The Castle Close villas are located on the southeastern coast of Barbados adjacent to Sam Lord’s Castle. There are ten individually-owned, private bungalows, some of which are available for short-term rental.

Baranga Villa is one of these villas and is nestled in the landscaped Castle Close. Recently renovated and re-decorated, the living area has a pickled peaked ceiling with a bar area and comfortable couches for lounging or watching cable television. The formal dining area lies between two of the bedrooms and the living room, while the gazebo that overlooks the pool and waterfall is a perfect location for casual dining. From this area, you can enjoy ocean views over the lawns and shrubbery.

Baranga Villa’s recently-added master bedroom opens onto the pool deck via French doors. This bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with shower and separate Jacuzzi. There is an enclosed privacy garden which is accessed from this bathroom where guests may have an outdoor shower but are ensured privacy by the surrounding wall.

There are two other bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms; while identical in size, their decor is different. Air-conditioning is provided in each bedroom but is seldom required, as breezes waft through the villa by day and night. A well-equipped kitchen and laundry room round off the accommodations at this villa.