A 1926 colonial planter’s bungalow set in a 62 acre private tea and rubber estate offering outstanding accommodation, exceptional food and extraordinary experiences. The Rosyth Estate House provides guests with the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of rural Sri Lanka and offers a perfect base for the exploration of the surrounding area including Pinawela Elephant Orphanage and the ancient city of Kandy. Explore the estate, take part in an artisanal tea making experience and chill by the pool or take in the stunning views. This private house in the hills, run as a boutique hotel with only 9 rooms is a perfect place to stay if you want a truly unique estate experience that focuses on a passion for local cuisine and authenticity.
History
Records retained at the Estate House trace the history of the acquisition of land for the estate from the 1920s, and how the tea pluckers who were brought from South India during the early 20th century were housed in “The Lines”, simple one room houses, which remain today. The Estate owners were responsible for the total management of the migrant workers including recording the employment history, births, deaths and marriages within the community of the estate.
Built in 1926, The Estate House is an old colonial planter’s bungalow set in a 62 acre private working tea and rubber estate. The Estate has a rich history; originally part of a 350 acre estate it was developed by Aollin Ondaatje, a local Kegalle family & whose great nephew is the well know author Michael Ondaatje. Rosyth transferred through a number of owners before being acquired by Richard Spittal, a famous Sri Lankan doctor often referred to as the Surgeon of the Wild, his daughter and her husband before being broken up during land reform in the 1970’s.
Today, the estate produces Orange Pekoe low grown tea, particularly popular in the Middle Eastern markets, latex for rubber production, fruit and spices & continues to employ tea pluckers & rubbers tappers, many of whom are descended from the early employees.
The Team
The Estate House and 62 acre plantation was purchased by the Marikkar family in 1978 and remains in the family today. After a period of 30 years of not being inhabited, the Estate House was completely refurbished in 2010. Stemming from a background of 30 years’ experience as a retail travel agent in London and more recently as a tour operator to the island, Farzana Marikkar Dobbs and her husband Neil have invested their deep knowledge of service industries & luxury travel into the Rosyth Estate House. Drawing inspiration from the countless properties that Neil and Farzana have visited across the globe, the Rosyth Estate House is their brainchild and reflects not only the Colonial and Sri Lankan history of the Bungalow; but the decades of experience in the Travel Industry that has led them to running this truly stunning, hilltop paradise.
Given the fact the valley in which the Estate House is situated only received electricity access in 2008, the story of the Hotel has been intertwined with the developments of the local area. From a derelict colonial bungalow, a luxurious but humble property has emerged. Starting the renovations in 2010, the original house was transformed, creating an initial 3 bedrooms in the main house, all of which tastefully restoring the Planters Bungalow to its original 1920’s glory.
Following this, in 2013 the owners decided to expand the facilities by adding a swimming pool, dining pavilion, outdoor Sala and two additional freestanding rooms sitting adjacent; all of which were built to complement the existing facilities on site at the Rosyth Estate House. Since these works, the property has added two Plantation Suites in 2016, built with the best views yet, as well as the Spa which was completed at the end of 2015.
Explore The Estate
The estate contains walking trails, there are mountain biking routes and our staff will be happy to suggest places to walk or to guide you through the tea terraces, rubber plantation and down to the paddy fields. Down in the bottom of the estate discover the old rubber presses and smoke house, where on a hot day, you can cool down in the small waterfall.
Estate Life
As well as our main crops of tea and rubber, a whole range of fruits, vegetables and spices grow on the land, including King Coconuts, mangoes, papaya, jack fruit, pepper and cloves. In season, many of these are sourced freshly for inclusion in our menus.
We also have a diverse selection of fauna that you can enjoy, with different species of monkey including Langurs and Grey and Red Loris’, as well as numerous species of birds & occasionally a wild deer. With this bio-diverse and flourishing ecosystem that surrounds the Estate House, you are never short of a good view.”
Accomodation
The four categories of room have been individually designed and furnished to reflect the colonial style of the property. The simple luxuries of fine linen, comfortable mattresses, powerful rainfall showers and stylish bathrooms, are an important part of making your stay memorable. All bedrooms are air conditioned & have ceiling fans.
The Classic rooms are situated in the main house and offer a combination of double, twin, triple & extra bed options.
The Classic suite is situated in the main house with 2 rooms and sharing a bathroom. This is a perfect combination for families or a couple looking for private living space.
The Deluxe rooms are elegant rooms and are a little more indulgent, with larger bathrooms, double wash basins, two with four-poster beds and all offering some private outdoor space. Coconut and Lime interconnect. Cinnamon offers disabled access.
The Plantation Suites have stunning views from the front elevation, situated fifty meters from the main house, and these two suites include indoor and outdoor living space and outdoor baths on the balcony & terrace. The suites interconnect & offer good privacy.
Cuisine
The menu at the Estate House reflects the passion for great authentic food, where the experience of the cook and that of the food is a local fusion of flavours.
Every attempt is made to use the home-grown produce from our Organic Garden and around the estate. On offer is an extensive range of local food and a few selected recipes that have been created by the owners who love food.
The property ask guests to advise of their preferences and any allergies, where ever possible in advance of arrival, in order to provide the best culinary experience. One of the chefs will meet you on arrival and discuss with you menu for the day and how we can delight you.
Sri Lanka has a vast array of delicious and interesting fish, vegetables and fruit. Combined with locally produced spices, we have been able to create a fusion of wonderful tastes with our fantastic cook – truly an adventure in food.
Cooking Lessons
Rosyth also offer cooking lessons and demonstrations from our resident chefs, who can take you through traditional Sri Lankan dishes or any other fusion recipes that we offer on our menu at the Estate House. Cooking lessons are popular and we suggest that you pre-book a lesson. Minimum of 2 guests and maximum of 6 for the lessons.
Visit the The Rosyth Estate House website : Rosyth Estate House
