Stafford Bungalow

Introduction

Stafford Bungalow is a 130 year old refurbished planter’s bungalow nestled amidst the Stafford tea estate in the village hamlet of Ragala nearby Kandapola in the Sri Lanka hill country. Built in 1884 by a Scottish plantation manager, this four-bedroom holiday bungalow has old world charm and is designed with wooden floors, fire places and gabled roof. It is set on neatly-clipped lawns with colourful flower beds surrounded by the tea plantation and scenic mountain views. Upgraded in 2013, the bungalow can comfortably accommodate up to 11 guests and is booked by the room or as a whole villa. The Stafford Bungalow and tea estate are owned by the Hemas Company that does much to conserve the environment and assist the village community.

Accommodation

There are four well appointed bedrooms equipped with twin or double beds, satellite TV, electric heaters, and modern ensuite bathrooms with h/w showers.

Master Suite (615 sq. ft): The spacious Master Suite is furnished with a king-size four-poster bed. An additional single bed can be provided. Sleeps up to three guests.

Family Suite (625 sq. ft): The Family Suite is furnished with one double bed and two single beds. Accommodates four guests.

Deluxe Rooms:  There are two Deluxe double rooms that are furnished with twin or double beds.

Facilities

The living room has a fireplace which is lit on a cool night. Sri Lankan and western cuisine is served in the main dining room while High Tea with freshly baked scones and homemade jams is served on the front lawn. Guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages. Other in-house facilities include satellite TV, DVD player, music system, tennis court, laundry service and butler service. Stafford bungalow has a team of staff including an experienced cook, housekeeper and gardener.

Why We Like It

A clay tennis court and croquet lawn are just two throwbacks in a reliable hill country bungalow with traditional earthy tones.

Location

Like many hill country plantation bungalows, the winding roadway that leads to Stafford Bungalow is rustic, but worth the effort for those in search of rural bliss. The village of Ragala is about 40 minutes away from Nuwara Eliya. Around six hours from Colombo, or consider air taxi options. You can also head to the south coast via a daily sea plane service between Hatton and Koggala.