Kelburne Mountain View Cottages

Introduction

Kelburne Cottages are clustered at the edge of a mountain ridge in Haputale, with breathtaking views towards Sri Lanka's south coast that can stretch south for 50 miles. These three much-loved, cosy cottages attract visitors from far and wide attracted by their old-fashioned charm and dramatic vista. They are set on a 50-acre working organic tea plantation with a history stretching back to the 18C. Feedback is invariably good for those seeking simple but comfortable accommodation in a breathtaking location. Watch pink skies as the sun rises at dawn, mountain peaks gradually looming through light mist and, as a dramatic landscape finally unfolds, a sense that you are at world's end. Breakfast on the lawn in the crisp cool air as you take in the stirring landscape; stroll through the tea plantation where tea pluckers labour; take in the burnt orange skies at sunset and, after nightfall, savour a glass or two of wine by the fireplace. The individual cottages are undergoing a gradual transformation. Due to safety reasons, Kelburne is not recommended for children below 12 years.

Accommodation

Red Dot particularly recommends Wildflower and Aerie Cottages because of their location at the edge of the mountain ridge. All three cottages are self-contained with bedrooms, bathrooms, lounge and a dining area. Bathrooms are fitted with h/w rain showers, wash basin, and w/c. The rooms are basic but comfortable.

Wildflower Cottage: Approached by a flight of stairs that go down in the garden to the edge of the mountain ridge. Has three very small bedrooms furnished with twin beds (one has a double bed) with two attached bathrooms. The lounge and dining areas include a cozy fireplace, timber roof and glass French windows that open out to the terrace where lunch and breakfast are served.

Aerie Cottage: Located close to the main office on an upper level and has two spacious double bedrooms with attached bathrooms. These rooms are the most spacious and are furnished with twin beds. Has a large dining room and the lounge with a fireplace opens out to the terrace with magnificent views.

Rose Cottage: Located near the main entrance to the property through landscaped gardens. Has two double rooms with twin beds and attached bathrooms. There is a small lounge, dining room and verandah opening out to the garden.

Sunflower Cottage: Situated near the main entrance of the property, this cottage is ideal for couples. There is a small lounge area, verandah facing the garden and also a small dining room.

Facilities

A staff member is assigned to each cottage and will attend to room service, housekeeping and information. Meals are served in your own cottage. An open-sided dining area near the main office accommodates up to 10 people for group dining. Sri Lankan and Western dishes are served here including home baked bread, desserts and fresh juices prepared with fruit and vegetables from their own home garden. A romantic setting ideal for small weddings, Kelburne Mountain View has created special moments for many couples in the past. The garden has badminton nets and a basketball hoop. The main office has a telephone and fax.

Why We Like It

Huge bedrooms (one even has a pool table!) and perfect sunsets over Koggala Lake make this a contemporary villa to cherish.

Location

Haputale, on the southern fringe of Sri Lanka's highlands, can be approached via Nuwara Eliya or Ratnapura and is also en route to the south coast via Wellawaya.