Jim's Farm Villas

Introduction

Jim’s Farm Villas is an escapist and hilly eco-retreat set on a 50-acre coconut and spice estate in the tiny village of Pallepola near Matale. This is a splendid property in a beautiful, little-known location, ideal for those travelling to Kandy from the vultural triangle. Named after its British owner’s ancestors, this green and tranquil spot offers a distinctive holiday experience: complete relaxation mixed with an experience of living on a spice estate. Jim’s puts much emphasis on organic farming and rainwater harvesting. The farm offers the chance for several gentle strolls in attractive surroundings and the views are gorgeous. Bird watching is rewarding here with over 80 species of birds that can be spotted including the Grey Hornbills and Serpent Eagles.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in 14 well-appointed and spacious units with good degrees of privacy, set in three separate villas – Hill Top Villa, which sits on a hillock with spectacular mountain views; the Spice Garden Villa, set closer to the farm entrance, and also housing the reception area; and Mango Villa, also blessed with hilltop views and housing the restaurant at a lower level. Family rooms are available. Each villa can be booked as an individual unit or exclusively. The villas have timber floors, high roofs and most open on to a verandah with mountain or garden views. Interiors are well furnished with custom-made, hard wood and rattan furniture including king-size beds dressed in fine linen. In-room facilities include a/c, overhead fans, tea/coffee facility, wifi and safe. Ensuite bathrooms have h/w showers and bathtubs. Only some rooms have TV so this facility should be requested if you require one.

Spice Garden Villa:  There are four spacious bedrooms on the upper floor. Two of the bedrooms are interconnecting and are ideal for families. The main reception, office and kitchen are also located on the ground floor. There is a small TV lounge cum library.

Hill Top Villa:  A five minute tuk-tuk ride from reception. This villa has one single bedroom on the ground floor and four double bedrooms on the upper floor all with mountain views. The ground floor has an open plan living and dining area opening on to the front gardens and mountain views at one end; and the swimming pool on the other end. The swimming pool is shared by guests in all three villas. There is also a fully equipped, modern kitchen at Hill Top Villa which can be staffed on request.

Mango villa:  The Mango villa has five ensuite bedrooms of which three are Family Rooms. All rooms have scenic views of the Knuckles Mountain Range and Riverston National Park as well as views across Jim's Farm and village paddy fields. A main restaurant lies on the lower deck with outdoor and indoor eating areas, bar and small area for tv and pool table.

Facilities

Dinner is on individual tables, inside or outside on the veranda. It may be served in Spice Garden Villa during off-peak periods. You can also request a meal in the privacy of your own veranda if you prefer, and requests for adjustments to menus can also be accommodated. Sri Lankan and international cuisine is prepared with fresh farm produce including herbs, fruit, vegetables, milk and eggs.

Jim’s Farm can be explored on foot or in one of the tuk-tuks (trishaws) that belongs to the estate. Join the in-house naturalist who is also in-charge of the plantation, on an early morning walk. Jim’s Farm is well staffed with a resident Manager, experienced chef, and friendly staff.

Why We Like It

Getaway-from-it-all escaplsm on a hidden working plantation with a hill country feel en route between the cultural triangle and Kandy.

Location

Jim’s Farm Villas is equidistant between Kandy and Dambulla, both less than an hour away, and is perfect for those wanting a taste of hill-country living without the time to head deep into Sri Lanka’s hill country.