Jim’s Farm named after its British owner’s ancestors, offers a distinctive holiday experience: complete relaxation mixed with an experience of living on a farm. Matale is well known for its rich fertile soil where aromatic spices such as cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper; fruits and vegetables grow in abundance. Jim’s Farm cultivates all this and more with much emphasis on organic farming and rainwater harvesting. Spring water from the mountains is put through a complex process of filtration and used on the estate. Take time to explore the farm; pick your own herbs and vegetables; and even learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Bird watching is rewarding here with over 80 species of birds that can be spotted including the Grey Hornbills and Serpent Eagles.
Accommodation at Jim’s Farm is in three separate villas – Hilltop, located on a hillock, adjacent to the pool, with spectacular mountain views; Spice Garden, set closer to the heart of the farm and immersed in nature and Mango, the latest addition, situated on a ridge overlooking the farm and the surrounding valley with stunning views of both sunrise and sunset. Hilltop and Spice Garden Villas each offer four double rooms, some large enough to be used for families, whilst Mango has five extra-large rooms plus private balconies, also suitable for families. There is also a single room at Hilltop on the ground floor for guests with limited mobility. The 14 rooms can be booked individually; although families or small groups sometimes prefer to book a whole villa. The villas are designed with timber floors, high roofs and broad verandahs. The villas are stylishly decorated and furnished with custom-made hardwood and rattan furniture and king-size beds dressed in fine linen. All rooms are en-suite and in-room facilities include individual aircon and fans, safe, tea/coffee facility, personal robes, and TV/DVD player. Jim’s Farm also offers an Ayurvedic spa, yoga pavilion, pool table, table tennis plus other games, free bikes, transport between villas by tuk-tuk and Sri Lankan cookery lessons.
Situated in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, but off the beaten track, Jim’s Farm Villas offer the best of both worlds – visiting the key local sites, including wild elephants at Habarana, and enjoying the delightful peace of the Sri Lankan countryside. The property offers a great alternative to staying in Sigiriya and serves perfectly as a stop over between the East Coast and Colombo.
