Constructed along the lines of the early 18th century Cape Dutch bungalows, the Dutch House is a luxurious home tastefully designed by its British and Sri Lankan owners.  Set on an extensive flowering garden, with magnificent views of the Bandarawalla town and the mountains beyond, the Dutch House can accommodate upto 6 people.  This two-storey villa incorporates design elements from the colonial bungalows found in the south of the island including columns and verandahs, a satin wood and ebony staircase, and boarded floors.    Interiors are luxurious with Dutch period furniture, flowing raw silk drapes, rare pieces of porcelain and art  – all from the owners personal collections.  Only one booking is taken at a time here ensuring privacy and giving guests the use of the entire property.  In the interest of safety, the house is not suitable for children below 12 years.

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Accommodation
Three loft style bedrooms are located upstairs including 2 double rooms with four poster beds and ensuite bathrooms with solar and electricity powered hot water shower, bathtub, wash basin, and w/c, vanity mirror and hair dryer.  The third bedroom has two single beds with a separate bathroom with bath tub and shower.  All rooms are light and airy with sloping roofs that have exposed timber beams and hardwood floors.  The down pillows and cozy duvets are perfect for Bandarawela’s cool climate and on a warm day, just open out the windows and let the hill country breeze flow through

Facilities
A cozy lounge with a fireplace and a dining area occupies the ground floor along with the kitchen.  The long verandah overlooking the garden and the mountains is perfect for hours of relaxation amidst the sounds of rustling leaves and gentle bird calls.  A brand new unheated indoor swimming pool surrounded with French windows allows guests to enjoy a swim at room temperatures night or day.  Delicious Sri Lankan and Western dishes are served at the Dutch House.  Discuss your choice of meals with the cook ahead of time and he will ensure meals are  prepared using fresh meats and vegetables bought from the local market.  A complimentary bottle of wine is provided upon arrival.  Tea and coffee is served right through out the day.  Alcoholic beverages are not available here, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Weather permitting, a romantic candle lit dinner is served at the edge of the garden with the lights of Bandarawalla town twinkling at a distance. With prior notice, guests have access to a fully equipped home theatre at the owner’s house just a short distance away.  You can select from a library of 150 films covering a range of genres to be watched in air-conditioned comfort on an 8 foot wide screen and surround sound.

Excursions
Explore the surrounding tranquil gardens with exotic flowers that attract numerous species of birds and butterflies.  For those who are keen on bird watching, there is also the Thangamalai Bird Sanctuary located half an hour away in Haputale.  Visit a Tea factory where you will gain insight into the manufacturing process as well as an opportunity to taste and purchase the different grades of hill country tea.  Adisham, a Benedictine Monastery, and several waterfalls including Dunhinda, Diyaluma, and Ravana Ella are all located nearby in the towns of Haputale and Ella.