Experience 1 of Africa's legendary homes 'Prynnsberg Manor, Free State'

Known as a jewel of the eastern Free State, Prynnsberg Manor is 1 of Africa's legendary homes and the grandest of the Free State's famous sandstone mansions. Built by Kimberley diamond magnate Charles Newberry in 1881, it is now available for visitors to stay in and experience.

The ghost of Elizabeth Newberry is delighted tonight. Her beloved Victorian-era Prynnsberg Manor in the Free State is alive with guests, gardeners, cooks and flowers.

Everything is just as it was when she lived here 130 years ago.

Standing at the base of the flight of stairs leading up to the billiard room, Elizabeth, looking as regal as ever in black velvet and diamonds, smiles approvingly at the laughter and tinkle of crystal.

Standing alongside her, looking equally stylish, are Rick and Sue Melvill, the current owners of Prynnsberg.

Co-directors of a Johannesburg-based communications company and the originators of Melvill and Moon safari luggage, they have restored and recreated Prynnsberg – renowned as 1 of Africa's legendary homes – into a dramatic, romantic retreat in the golden grasslands of the Free State near the towns of Clocolan and Ficksburg.

Prynnsberg was built in 1881 by Englishman Charles Newberry, who made his money in South Africa from diamonds. His vision was to create an English country estate in Africa, in the shadow of the Maluti Mountains.

And so, together with his bride, Elizabeth, he built the sandstone manor house with 39 rooms and 14 chimneys.

Prynnsberg Manor House and the Gamekeeper's Lodge have both been tastefully restored by the Melvills, and can be booked on a self-catering basis, or for classic country weekends complete with themed dinners, clay-pigeon shoots, high teas, a visit to a cave where San people once sheltered and appetite-rousing walks.

Time spent here is a combination of Lady Chatterley's Lover and Alice in Wonderland. It's a time capsule; it's amazing.