Description

Set amidst a working tea plantation on a hillside in Pussellawa, The Misty House is a lavish example of a beautifully renovated nineteenth-century Ceylonese tea bungalow. Surrounded by seven acres of landscaped grounds, the single-storey bungalow overlooks freshly clipped lawns encroached upon by vibrantly colourful borders; its moss-encrusted stone terraces make the most of the verdant valley vistas. At the end of the lawn is a sunken terrace that features what has to be one of the Hill Country’s most dramatic infinity swimming pools, dropping away into a haze of tea, mist and mountains.

Not only is the picturesque location of this luxurious bungalow every escapist’s dream, but its finely aged character is also complemented beautifully by fresh, contemporary furnishings that make it feel very much like home. Each of the five bedrooms features supremely comfortable beds scattered with soft cushions, heavenly bathrooms filled with delicately fragranced toiletries and sun-drenched French windows onto private flower-filled courtyard gardens. Whilst escaping to your bedroom is a temptation hard to resist, the rest of the bungalow is every bit cosy, comfortable and inviting. The tartan-hued billiards room and the spacious living and dining areas - enhanced by a built-in Bose sound system, ageing photographs and fresh cuts of flowers - exude warmth and hospitality that make this bungalow perfect for overdue family get-togethers or a rendezvous with friends.

The Misty House comes fully staffed and the chef is a particular delight to behold; uniformed in his crisp whites he provides not only a delightful helping of mealtime formality but also an extra touch of nostalgia. Freshly prepared meals (Misty House operates on a B&B, half-board or full-board basis) can be enjoyed amongst the shining silverware in the burgundy dining room or outside on the spacious terrace beside the pool. The menu ranges from imported steaks to traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry which can be accompanied by a bottle picked from the bungalow’s own wine cellar. If eating too much becomes an issue, the jogging track or clay tennis court might come in handy, whilst the estate’s tea trails and factory are fun to explore on foot