Rosyth Estate House, Kandy & The Hill Country

rooms

Named after the fragrant local fruits and spices, the gorgeous colonial-style rooms are large and air-conditioned. Classic Rooms (Cardamon, Clove, Mango and Palm) are found in the main house. Rooms can be configured with twin beds or a king-sized double and offer luxurious en-suite bathrooms.

The Deluxe Rooms (Cinammon, Coconut and Lime) offer separate living quarters from the house. Cinnamon is found next door with lovely views over the courtyard and swimming pool, or the more private Lime and Coconut Rooms have entrances from the rear gardens and are spread across two floors with large king-sized beds and luxurious day beds from which to view the spectacular mountain vistas beyond.

New for 2016 are the two new Plantation Suites. Situated a few meters from the front of the house and with stunning views from the front elevation, each suite will have an outside living space and outdoor bath on the terrace.

facilities & activities

Enjoy the stunning vistas from your hammock on the cool terraced verandas or from the swimming pool, set in the lush tropical gardens - perfect for afternoon tea. There’s an extensive and welcoming library, full of interesting titles and an elegant lounge for relaxing with board games. Explore the many paths, nooks and crannies of the estate itself, hop on one of the in-house mountain bikes to the lovely local villages or enjoy a game of badminton. The welcoming staff are full of interesting local information and only too pleased to help. Join the local ladies plucking fresh tea leaves or just wander down to the waterfall, through the tea terraces and rubber fields, spotting the resident monkeys along the way.

The estate also offers some great excursions, all within easy distance. Start with the nearby tea factory, where the friendly owner will show you around. Pinnawala elephant orphanage is a short distance away or stop off at the beautiful botanical gardens of Peradeniya that date as far back as 1310. The brightly coloured city of Kandy (a world heritage site) is top of the tick list; immerse yourself in its history, take a stroll around the lake and visit the sacred Buddhist sites.

dining

Home-cooked and fresh, the emphasis here is on locally-sourced and seasonal produce – much of which is grown on the estate. The profusion of coconuts, mangoes, papaya, jack fruits, peppers and cloves are carefully blended with fish, meats and spices of Sri Lanka and served up house-style. Guests tend to eat together, although you can choose your own setting and time to eat if you prefer.

There are cooking lessons and demonstrations from the chef and guests are encouraged to take a tuk-tuk to the market in Kegalle to select their own produce and soak up what is a very authentic experience.

family

The estate is very family friendly and guests will enjoy the home-spun atmosphere. There’s plenty to keep them entertained – from splashing in the pool, to spotting monkeys and exploring the pathways and lush tropical gardens. When the sun goes down, the cosy snug offers a haven for little ones and is filled with DVD's, books, toys and board games.

The menu can be tailored to small appetites and the chef is very happy to accommodate special requests. There is only one high chair and one cot however – so do put in a special request if you need these. Spacious interconnecting rooms are also available such as the Classic Rooms in the Main House as well as Lime and Coconut set over 2 levels.

location

The seven-bedroom estate is perched high on the hillside, just a 10 minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Kegalle and 2 1/2 hours from the airport. Transfers can be organised with the hotel or hire a car with driver and enjoy an insider tour of the lush countryside. Tranquil and quiet, it is also the perfect base from which to explore the delights of the Cultural Triangle and the stunning World Heritage Sites. The city of Kandy is under an hour away and is famed as the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings.