Overview
A 1900 ancestral plantation home of the Fernando family.
Renowned "˜boutique' hotelier and son and wife team, have renovated this charming mansion into a luxurious heritage residence with stunning 360 degree vistas.
It is situated within a coconut plantation, deep in the arable countryside of the Western province enroute from the airport to
Away from all "˜city and Western ways`, the house and the large landscaped gardens overlook its working estate. The frangipani lined drive leads to the white mansion and to the rear, a glistening 50ft pool. An inviting outdoor Jacuzzi bubbles beside the manicured lawn and tranquil waterfall feature.
Step inside to terracotta floors and the beamed ceilings of a central hall.
A perfect start or finish to life on this serendipitous island.
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Rooms
A collection of upper level master suites and ground floor garden rooms.
Suite "Maha Camere"Â, a luxurious and spacious room full of light with French doors leading on to the wrap-around balcony. Antique 4 poster bed, wardrobe and jackwood chaise longue. Handmade crochet curtains and bedspreads invite admiration whilst soft white nets frame the bed.
The contemporary en-suite bathroom blends hand painted ceramic tiles with colonial style fittings and the stone shower room bridges old and new. Large bath sheets are replenished as required under the eco-laundry policy.
Rooms are equipped with a ceiling fan but opening the verandah doors invites the sounds of rural birdsong.
On the landing is a relaxed sitting area with planter`s chairs to unwind from a stressful flight with tea and delicious carrot cake.
Family Suite "Maedae Camere"Â: A triple and double bedroom with a large private terrace overlooking the gardens. The triple room comprises a 4 poster king size jackwood bed and a single bed in colonial style, equipped with fan and luxury en-suite shower room. The double room is smaller with a 4 poster queen size sateen wood bed. Private and original washroom with shower.
Garden Room "Watta Camere"Â: A bright and spacious room with a private verandah overlooking the front garden and plantation. An ornately carved Indian 4 poster rosewood bed furnished with crisp cotton sheets and an antique brass single bed. An ebony and glass vanity washroom and granite tiled/polished cement shower room. This room can be given as a double or triple room.
Pond Room "Pokuna Camere"Â: A modern summer house in the gardens. A verandah opens onto the poolside lawn and hammock draped woodland. A polished cement bed is lined with ebony and fitted with a Sri Lankan style mattress. A modern granite tiled and pebble shower open to the sky and a polished-cement washroom. Equipped with wardrobe and fan.
The main house would benefit from a cosy lounge downstairs but the grandeur of the entrance hall will engage as you relax in the corner sofas.
Dining
The staff will stall your hunger pangs and delight with unusual and tasty snacks at all times of the day, immaculately presented, overly polite but softened with a local smile. Some of the ingredients, spices and fruits are produced on the estate. The menu has a strong Sri Lankan influence with many delicious temptations.
Sip cocktails and munch on light onion rings and chilli crackers with a mouthwatering spicy tomato cream dip.
We dined on a traditional
Wholemeal rice, organic vegetables and a range of curries- 8 dishes to whet your appetite.
Dessert of Tarte aux Citron and cream - deliciously sharp.
A selection of wines are stocked at the mansion from $20/bottle. Even solo travellers can enjoy a glass and re-cork for the duration of their stay. Other spirits, soft drinks and fresh fruit juices are also served.
Lunchtime snacks, sandwiches and pastas are available and guests are free to drop into the kitchens to make a cup of tea. You would be wise to indulge in a Sri Lankan breakfast at Horathapola - each day could be different - pittu and coconut, toast and spicy omelette, fresh Rotti and Dhal.
The grand dining room creates a colonial atmosphere for large groups but the verandahs and floodlit poolside may be preferred for dinner a deux, accompanied by the sound of the tumbling water feature.
Things to do & local tips
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Take a view of the estate, preferably with a member of the Fernando family as a guide. Beware of snakes in the high grass. 4 adults can climb aboard the bullock cart.
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3 mountain bikes and one basic bicycle can be hired.
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Take a day out in the country lanes and visit the ancient city of Panduwasnuwara and the rock temple Yapahuwa
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Visit the local villages to view the many production factories of the coconut bi-products: shells, sap, treacle, basket weaving, leaves, milk, husk etc.
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Visit
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Head North to
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Airport transfers can be arranged.
For recommendations on places of interest, visit our regional views.