Strathisla Guest House – tea estate accommodation in Sri Lanka

Strathisla is one of the ‘grand old ladies’ of the highland bungalows. Situated in the stunning hinterland of Matale where the days are warm and the nights refreshingly cool, this tea estate bungalow in matale, kandy, is now open to all as a boutique guest house. Whether taking a dip in the local waterhole, exploring the local villages or simply whiling the day away with endless cups of tea on the expansive verandah, Strathisla will be sure to provide all with relaxation and peace.

For those feeling a little more adventurous, Strathisla tea estate guest house is also perfectly positioned to enjoy day trips to all the major sites in the cultural triangle, from Kandy (just 45 minutes to the south) to Sigiriya (50 minutes to north). Despite its proximity to the major sites, Strathisla is located in an area completely off the tourist track and therefore makes it the perfect point from which to explore the breathtaking scenery of the highlands.

So if you’re looking for tea estate accommodation in Sri Lanka, come and experience the old world charm that is Strathisla. It will be sure to captivate you!

A little about the guest house…

Strathisla was built in 1860 in Sri Lanka’s central province by an intrepid Scottish settler, who named the property after his home town in Scotland which just happened to be the home of the famous Whiskey makers – Chivas Regal. The area was renowned for the outstanding quality of the local spring water and you will find that same quality of water here at Strathisla Bungalow. Originally set up as a coffee plantation on 400 acres, the property was converted to a tea estate in the central province after the great coffee blight of the 1860’s. With several hundred acres under cultivation, the estate was the main social focal point for the early colonial tea planters of the region. After Sri Lanka’s independence the property was subdivided again and again while the bungalow gradually fell into disrepair and neglect. The civil war years were particularly harsh on the old house, where it was lucky to survive total destruction. After extensive renovations the bungalow has now been transformed into the charming guest house you see today.