Ashburnham Estate-98 Acre Tea Estate with Private Waterfalls

It felt like stepping into another world, we felt so at home. A cozy room and living area to relax in - also a lovely hot shower to enjoy while it rained. The host and staff were so kind and accommodated to my gluten free diet. Beautiful grounds and walking paths through in the area, amongst waterfalls and tea plantations. Perfect if you’re looking for a quiet base, to unwind in nature.

Nothing!

Excellent breakfast, choice of Sri Lankan, or western food

One of our most unusual and memorable stays in Sri Lanka! If you’re visiting from abroad and looking for something truly different, Ashburnham Estate is definitely worth experiencing. It feels like stepping into another world and another era. A beautiful old colonial house surrounded by nature, far away from everything. The interiors are dated, but that’s part of the charm. We stayed with my two children and were the only guests. There were plenty of books and board games to enjoy. Our room was spacious, and even the extra folding bed was surprisingly comfortable. There is no AC, but we were given a fan, and the October nights were cool enough to sleep comfortably. The estate is beautiful to explore. The walk to the waterfall is a lovely hike in itself, and I even spotted a small deer along the way! We also enjoyed a plantation tour with Mr Das, including a tasting of three different teas. The food was excellent, with Western options that my children really enjoyed. A special thank you to Kalinga and Vish for their incredible hospitality. They were genuinely kind, attentive and happy to accommodate all our requests. The entire team made our stay very special. My only regret is not bringing nicer clothes for photos - the house and gardens offer so many beautiful spots!

Getting here is an adventure in itself! There are several possible routes, but expect narrow, single-lane mountain roads with sharp bends and the occasional crazy bus coming towards you. Drive carefully and definitely try to arrive before dark, especially as some roads have ongoing construction work. The house is old, and a few bathroom fittings could use refreshing (the toilet seat, for example). But I wouldn’t want to see it modernised too much - its character is what makes it special. Also, watch out for leeches when exploring the grounds, especially after rain. My daughter encountered them twice. Fortunately, the estate provides rubber boots in different sizes and leech protection.

The dogs . Weather . Private water fall

Bungalow has so much to offer . Having stayed in many other Bungalows (Ferncliff / Stafford ) we all felt that maintainance of the place was poor. Wires attached using celotape / bathroom mirror lights only 1 was working , Table clothes & sofa cusions need cleaning. We had a rat visit us on the first day which was not very comforting. Rooms - need better pillows & towels. No room cleaning was offered hence we had damp towels throughout. No turn down service either. Rooms need to have air conditioning or more effective fans. Staff - They are reactive & not proactive . Eg - Soup & toast served...butter for the toast is brought once we were done ! Chicken soup & the Leek & Potato soup looked the same in texture, taste & colour (white!!) WEIRD . We inquired about things to see / do around the area. We were recommended to see Sembuwatte Lake . When we went there we were told they were closed (5pm) and both access roads were bad. The staff could have informed us better. Food - Over priced.