Ellerton BungalowReviewed by Emma Boyle

Having a spectacular hilltop location, Ellerton is a refurbished plantation bungalow originally built over 100 years ago for the manager of a major tea estate. Enveloped by a rich tropical garden and benefitting from magnificent views over the Mawanella Mountain Range, the house is set within nine acres of an organic tea and spice estate, only a half hour drive from Kandy. Ideal for families, couples and groups of friends who will love its private, secluded location, the present owners’ renovations have included some new additions, such as the Valley House, but essentially preserved the ambient character of its colonial days. English and Asian antiques are thoughtfully placed, oriental rugs top rust-red floors whilst photographs and paintings give the place a homely feel. Certainly, the staff at Ellerton place great emphasis on making guests feel at home, assisted by pet dogs, Ben and Polly, who are always keen to accompany anyone on an exploratory walk.

Ellerton’s six rooms are spread out between the Main House, the original planter’s bungalow, and the Valley House, a newly constructed building a short distance from the house that was built on the site of an old tea factory. The views from here are unrivalled and even better from the cool depths of the spectacular infinity edged swimming pool, as the vista takes you between the trees to gaze as far as 20 miles down a verdant valley overlooked by mountain peaks. Tranquillity reigns; there are many places to peacefully unwind, quietly read a book or even be inspired to write one. At 2,400ft above sea level, the climate at Ellerton combines the best of the island’s weather where sunny days are fresh and evenings are cool but not chilly.

Guests dine at the open-sided pavilion adjoining the main house. The cosy Sitting Room opens to the garden, the library is filled with interesting books and magazines while a TV and DVD player is located in the Study. The garden hugs the property and is full of interesting flowers as well as being a haven for wildlife, especially birds such as the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, the Golden Oriole and the Plum Headed Parakeet. Walks have been created through the garden, while the many paths and tea estate roads that traverse Ellerton offer opportunities to explore the local villages, temples, tea plantations and paddy fields on foot, or, for more coverage, on one of Ellerton’s mountain bikes.

The Main House has three large guest bedrooms; a double and a twin and a family suite. The double has a king-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom with twin vanities and a bath with a shower. The twin room also has an en-suite bathroom as well as an attached single room that opens onto the verandah making it ideal for children. The family suite has a double room with a king-sized bed with a connecting door to a dressing/bedroom which has a single bed and an en-suite bathroom.

The Valley House, which overlooks the swimming pool, comprises three spacious guestrooms which are light and airy. Two, a double and a twin, are located to the front and open onto the poolside verandah whilst a larger main guestroom featuring a king sized four poster bed, a lounging area and an en-suite bathroom with twin vanities, a shower and a bath is situated at the back. The twin bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with a shower whilst the double has a bathtub as well. 

All of the rooms have ceiling fans, mosquito nets and beautiful garden views.

Rooms

Each cosy room is spacious, has a comfortable double or twin bed and an en-suite bathroom with shower and bathtub (except the Valley House twin which only has a shower). The rooms in the Valley House are more modern than those in the Main House, which have more of a colonial feel.

 - Visit The Temple of the Tooth, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the country, where Buddha’s tooth is kept as a relic

- Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch in the Botanical Gardens

- Walk around the lake built by the last King of Kandy in 1807 and soak up the atmosphere of this leafy university town

- Play a round of golf on the spectacular Victoria Golf Club course

Ellerton is very child friendly with a large garden and many walks and bike rides to enjoy in the surrounding area. A day trip to Kandy is a good idea – meet the elephant and learn about Buddhism at the Temple of the Tooth and learn about the different plants in the Botanical Gardens, many are medicinal and some of the orchids carry scents of coffee and vanilla.

The chefs produce an excellent variety of Asian and European cuisine, as well as plenty of delicious Sri Lankan curries. A three course dinner is provided every night and is inclusive of local alcohol and fruit juices. A sample dinner menu might include chicken and avocado terrine for a starter, fish kebabs with an oriental sauce on a bed of noodles for a main followed by a passion fruit soufflé for dessert. Guests can also choose an alternative main course of Sri Lankan curry with a few hours notice. Much of the fresh produce used in the dishes is sourced from Ellerton’s own organic garden. Drinks are provided free at mealtimes and there are no extra charges for tea and coffee during the day so it feels more like a private house than a hotel.

Guests can eat at any time of their choosing and dinner is normally served in the dining pavilion which has open views and is surrounded by a tropical garden but guests can also choose to eat in the elegant dining room in the main house. Guests are encouraged to bring their own wine with them (purchase in Kandy), which can be kept chilled in the kitchen, although there are small fridges, for guests to use, in both buildings.