Horathopola Estate is a boutique planter’s bungalow, set about an hour’s drive north of Colombo airport in Sri Lanka. Built in the 1920's, the owners Javana and Pia Fernando, recently converted their family estate's grand mansion into a tranquil guesthouse. Retaining its original charm with large windows, antique furniture and surrounded by lush vegetation and a working farm, this unique property offers a perfect base outside Colombo to experience rural Sri Lanka.
Housed within the main building at Horathopola Estate are five spacious guest rooms. Interiors combine touches of modern luxury with the traditional elegance of colonial design, antique furniture, hand-carved four-poster beds and polished wooden floors. All rooms look out over the garden and feature either a private patio or balcony. There is a Master Bedroom on the first floor with a large veranda overlooking the pool and two large suites and family units.
Guests at Horathopola Estate will experience the planter’s lifestyle with personalised meals served when and where you want it. Experience rural village life in the surrounds and meet hospitable and welcoming locals. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy an abundance of flora and fauna, birdwatchers may see over 37 species of birds and beach lovers can take a short drive to Sri Lanka’s western beaches. In brief, this is an intimate retreat for those wanting to stay in a beautiful natural setting.
Amenities
Bar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFamily RoomGardenLibraryOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesWi-Fi AvailableStay Horathapola is home to just five spacious guest rooms. All are spacious and furnished with antique four-poster beds, dark wooden furniture and airy bathrooms with twin vanities and large shower. The Master Bedroom on the first floor has a large veranda overlooking the pool. An intricately carved kingsize four-poster bed and other antique furniture under high ceilings make it popular for honeymooners. All rooms overlook the garden and feature a private patio, veranda or balcony.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Horathapola Estate. There is a standalone two-bedroomed family suite that offers ultimate seclusion and features a roof terrace from which you can gaze out over the estate. There is also a two-bedroomed cottage, a short walk from the bungalow that looks out onto the garden and also features a roof-terrace.
Dine Dining at Horathapola Estate is a personalised affair. The house chef will discuss with you about your preferences and prepare the meals to meet your discerning taste. Meals are prepared in traditional style on clay pots and served in traditional style on thalis or banana leaves. Afternoon tea with home-made cake is religiously observed and is a not-to-be-missed event. The menu includes both Western and Sri Lankan cuisine with emphasis on vegetarian and fish dishes.
Relax The main building of the Horathapola Estate backs on to a lovely outdoor salt water swimming pool with a jacuzzi. Secluded and surrounded by trees, it is a perfect spot for relaxing after a day exploring the serene temples and bustling markets of the Sri Lankan countryside. There is a library and large, common living and dining area are downstairs and look out across the garden and inside are ample spaces around the property to quietly retreat with a book.
Experience The many excursions on offer at the Horathapola Estate include walking or cycling trips to nearby village temples and a guided tour of the farm where coconuts, pepper and paddy is harvested. Explore the estate on a bullock cart to see how a coconut is picked and sample the water or take guided tour with a naturalist to see over 37 different bird species. You can also take a 30 minutes’ drive to the nearest beaches on the west coast.
Location Horathapola Estate is a planter’s bungalow 1-hour away from the international airport and a great first or last stop in Sri Lanka.
Getting there Fly to Colombo then a 60-minute drive to the property.
When to go From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern half, while the dry season here lasts from December to March. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C.
Destination
West & South, Sri Lanka
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