| This unique tea estate bungalow on Aislaby Estate and Farm is still owned by the only remaining British planting family in Sri Lanka. The family arrived in Ceylon in 1884 and the estate has been in the family since the early 1920's. Set in the cooler climate of the hill country, Kirchhayn provides a wonderful retreat from the heat of the low country. Drive through picture postcard manicured tea to reach this traditional planter's colonial house set in 8 acres of gardens and surrounded by 42 acres of premium quality tea.
The house has been lovingly restored by the family of the original owners of the estate and is set in a stunningly beautiful garden and surrounded by tea. The house has been crafted to give maximum comfort after a hard day on the estate and has stunning views over the surrounding area. Kirchhayn Bungalow can be rented as a whole or by the room and is ideal as a retreat from the heat of the south or from the chaos of the roads if you are traveling the country.
Location: Kirchhayn Bungalow on Aislaby Estate and Farm is located in the "Uva" tea growing district. The Bungalow stands at an elevation of 1,400 meters. 15 minutes from Bandarawela taking the Attampitiya Road. Turn right at Aislaby factory and follow signs to Kirchhayn Bungalow (7 minutes).
Accommodation: There are 5 double rooms all with en suite bathrooms featuring bath and shower. Beds are turned down each evening and the mosquito nets set. All rooms have a comfortable homely style. Two rooms can work well as family rooms. Baby cot available on request. The Bungalow can accommodate a maximum of 12 persons (including children).
Bostock Suite - The master bedroom (named after the owners) has a queen bed, dressing room and French windows that lead onto the garden. The bathroom features an old fashioned claw footed wrought iron bath and walk-in shower.
Newly refurbished. Bostock Suite named after the owners of Kirchhayn Bungalow.
Pyman Suite - Twin bedded room with en suite bath and shower (extra bed available) Pyman suite named after Elizabeth Pyman (mother of Mark Bostock).
Lushington Suite - King bedded room with en suite bath and shower (extra bed available) Lushington Suite named after Rony & Bobby Lushington who were the last expatriate managers on Aislaby Estate from 1956-1968.
Wickwar Suite - Twin bedded room with en suite bath and shower. Wickwar suite named after A J Wickwar, the original partner of Norman Bostock who were both instrumental in the building of Aislaby Estate.
Taylor Room - Two twin beds. Bathroom features walk in shower (no bath)
Taylor room named after Taylor who first introduced tea into Ceylon in 1842 after which date the coffee blight eradicated all coffee.
Facilities: Being built as a traditional English tea planters house Kirchhayn has a comfortable drawing room with sofas and armchairs that you sink into as the fire roars in the hearth. There is a more informal sitting area with low sofas and planters chairs which has the garden on either side.
Dining - Breakfast is served on the verandah, from where you can see the tea pluckers starting their daily routine. Healthy tropical fruit and local "curd" or the full Sri Lankan breakfast of string hoppers, fish, beef or chicken curry, with Aislaby tea or Kirchhayn coffee. Lunch can be a traditional rice and curry served on the verandah or a packed lunch can be arranged allowing you to venture to other parts of the tea estate to choose your picnic spot. Dinner is in the candle lit dining room served by staff in traditional crisp white jacket and sarong. Here you will feast on a three course dinner accompanied by a selection of wines.Tours of the Aislaby tea factory can be arranged so you can witness the complete process of tea manufacture. A quite game of croquet on the lawn before afternoon tea on the verandah, or for the more energetic a hectic game of "short tennis" made all the more tricky with the slope of the lawns. Well stocked library.
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