Ellerton

Introduction

Ellerton is a highly-regarded Sri Lanka hill country property situated on a 9-acre organic tea and spice estate near Gampola and blessed with magnificent mountain views. This 100-year-old planter's bungalow has been refurbished by its British owners, who have successfully blended old-world charm with some modern touches. The property consists of the old colonial-style Main House, the Valley House – a separate three-bedroom villa with panoramic views of the Mawanella mountain range – and the Garden Room, which has views across the valley and mountains. Carefully-selected antique furniture blended with contemporary touches, oriental rugs, photographs and murals gives Ellerton a relaxing, homely feel.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in the Main House, a refurbished century-old planter’s bungalow; the Valley House, which is more modern and recently constructed; Garden Rooms, which boast mountain views, and the Aurora Bungalow. Air-conditioning is not required at Ellerton, where the climate is comfortable in the evenings, and rooms have overhead fans. A fridge and tea/coffee facilities are available in all rooms.

Main House: Three bedrooms (doubles/twin),all of which have ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs and h/w showers. Two of the rooms are attached to interconnecting twin rooms and are suitable for families.

Valley House: Of the three bedrooms, two open out to the front veranda and the swimming pool. One of these bedrooms is fitted with a comfortable king-sized bed on a polished concrete base, built-in seating and an ensuite bathroom with bathtub and h/w shower. The other is a twin room and has an ensuite bathroom with h/w shower. The large main bedroom situated at the back is on split levels and is furnished with a king-sized four-poster bed and has a lounging area and ensuite bathroom has a bathtub and h/w shower.

Garden Rooms: These are self-contained bedrooms each with a sitting area, ensuite bathroom and private balcony with views down to the valley and Ulagalla mountains.

Aurora Bungalow: This two-room suite was named Aurora because it gets the first rays of sunshine in the morning which guests can enjoy whilst relaxing on a private sunbed on the balcony. The sitting room can be turned into a twin room, making this bungalow another great option for families. There is also an ensuite bathroom, shared by both rooms.

Facilities

The Valley House veranda opens out to a magnificent infinity pool. There are plenty of tranquil spaces with stunning views, including the pool deck, the veranda and the garden swing at the edge of the property. Meals are served in the open-sided pavilion next to the Valley House or in the dining room in the Main House. Sri Lankan rice and curries and western dishes are prepared by the in-house chef using local fresh produce. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and local alcohol are served free-of-charge throughout the day. Cocktails or other drinks are served before dinner and imported wine is included with dinner. The lounge in the Main House has a TV, DVD player and music system. Wi-Fi is available. There is also croquet, table tennis, indoor games and bicycles for those wanting to explore the surrounding villages.

Why We Like It

The head gardener will even offer to guide you on walks in the area to add to your sense of well-being in a charming spot.

Location

Ellerton is a refurbished planter’s bungalow set on a hilltop, 2,400 feet above sea level with magnificent views across the Kandyan mountains in Gampola. Particularly convenient for those heading from Kandy to Nuware Eliya and you can even catch the train from Gampola into the hills.