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Horathapola Estate

Overview

Horathapola Estate lies hidden in the vast green coconut belt that stretches from Negombo to Puttalam and inland up to Kurunegala. Owners Javana and Pia Fernando have recently converted their family estate's grand mansion into a tranquil guesthouse that offers the ideal spot for spending the first or last few nights in Sri Lanka. Less than an hour's from the International Airport, Horathapola is a good alternative to Colombo (where traffic congestion often makes the journey from the airport to the city centre over 2 hours long).

The 1920's colonial mansion is surrounded by a large lawn with tall flowering trees and is part of a functioning estate. Take a walk under the shady trees, dip in the 50-foot rimless pool or Jacuzzi, relax in the extensive library or laze in the garden - this is the perfect place for those wishing to avoid the hustle and bustle of Colombo. It also makes a good starting or end point for trips to Kandy, the Cultural Triangle and Wilpattu National Park.

Rooms

There are 2 large suites and a two-bedroomed family suite in the main house. All these rooms are furnished with antique four-poster beds and dark wooden furniture. The lovely polished dark wood floors are beautifully contrasted by the white walls and white furnishings, giving the rooms a calm and sophisticated feel.


Each room has an en-suite bathroom, which is beautifully decked out, modern and very spacious. Each room also has its own private verandah or balcony.

Eating

Traditional curries are still prepared in clay pots on the firewood stove. Many of the ingredients are grown on the estate itself and the spices freshly picked and ground. A range of Western dishes are also available for the homesick or for those with more delicate palates.

The meals are served wherever you wish - under the shade of a tree in the beautiful garden, on your private verandah or balcony, or in the grand dining room.