The Planter's House

Introduction

The Planter's House is beautifully sited in Koslanda in the confines of the original Lipton’s tea estate planted in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton, This striking colonial-style bungalow lies in a secluded setting just below Lipton's Seat, one of Sri Lanka's most historic view and presides over a sea of tropical shrubs, manicured lawns, flower borders and banks of tea plants. At The Planter's House, modern comforts seamlessly mingle with colonial-style sophistication to create a memorable getaway in Sri Lanka’s south-eastern hill country.

Accommodation

The Planter's House, twice extended since its inception in the 19C, has six en-suite bedrooms, as well as a two-bedroom guest Cottage. There is also spacious living accommodation, which includes a study, drawing room, dining room, long room, veranda and inner courtyard, as well as a poolside pavilion. All rooms are furnished with period style furniture and feature wooden floors. Comfortable beds are dressed with luxurious Egyptian cotton bed linen. Each room has an ensuite bathroom with h/w and rain shower, hairdryer and towels. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi and heating.

Peacock Suite: The spacious suite is furnished with an extra-long super-king four poster bed. There is a sitting area as well as a fireplace. The room affords stunning views of rolling tea fields and valleys beyond.

Sunbird Suite: This suite has ample space and features a super-king sized four poster bed. The Bunk room can be interconnected with this suite, so is ideal for families. There is a sitting area as well as a fireplace. The room affords stunning views of rolling tea fields and valleys beyond.

Oriole: This room decked in white, has a king-sized four poster bed. Guests who are staying in this room can enjoy picturesque views of the sprawling garden and tea estates.

Fantail: This room also has a four poster bedroom and affords views of the garden.

Bluebird: Located on the ground floor, this room comes with a four poster bed.

The cottage: This is independent of the main house and feature two bedrooms; master bedroom and bunk bedroom. The cottage has its own living and dining rooms. There is also a veranda and private garden. Though the bathrooms are compact, they are well-equipped with built-in tubs and walk-in rain showers. The cottage overlooks the stunning tea fields and mountains.

Facilities

The infinity pool that overlooks the serene vistas of the hill country is ideal to take a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing. Guests can also opt for a rejuvenating spa treatment. There is a well-equipped fitness centre. The bar offers a range of alcoholic beverages including some premium spirits. Guests can play a round of table tennis, and there is also a trampoline in the neatly manicured garden. Board games are also available.

The Planter's House serves Western and Sri Lankan dishes, prepared using locally-sourced fresh produce. Guests can even enjoy the traditional bed tea served by a butler, keeping alive age-old traditions. In keeping with a relaxed ethos, meals can be taken any time of the day and dining locations include the formal dining room, al fresco on the veranda or by the pool. The Planters House also serves English afternoon high tea.

Why We Like It

This wonderful 1930s house is in a stunning out-of-the-way location in the southern highlands and particularly convenient to visit Lipton's Seat.

Location

The Planter's House is nestled on a mountainside high above Koslanda in the island’s south-eastern hill country. The bumpy 30-minute drive up to the house from Koslanda is challenging yet completely worth the effort.