Castlereagh Bungalow
Bogawantalawa Valley

Castlereagh is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Boutique Hotels and our Top 10 Venues for a Wedding or Party

Castlereagh Bungalow is one of the five restored historic tea planter residences in Sri Lanka's Ceylon Tea Region. This collection of bungalows makes up the Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka's first Relais & Châteaux resort group.

Perched on the banks of Castlereagh Lake, Castlereagh Bungalow enjoys stunning views across the water, sitting regally in its elevated position overlooking the landscape. It is cocooned by a wooded dell to the rear, with carefully manicured gardens all around. This century-old bungalow captures the style of the colonial era, with exquisite parquet floors and open fireplaces that evoke the life and times of the tea planters who once lived here. It features five guest rooms, a drawing room, dining room, summerhouses within its expansive grounds and a terrace where high tea and a good book can be enjoyed, or pre-dinner drinks taken as the sun sets over the lake.

The ambience of the property is serene, and the style is one of understated opulence and homey comfort. Though it harks back to a bygone era, it feels timeless in its old-world elegance.

The five bedrooms are all different in size, view and décor, and are named after the tea planters who once resided here. Views span tea fields, mountains and lake, so whichever room you choose, you're guaranteed a picturesque backdrop, often enjoyed from a private veranda or garden. All rooms come with a bath and walk-in rain shower. Just one room, the Tate Luxury Room, is a twin. In-room décor is divine, with four-poster beds, opulent drapes, cosy armchairs and woven rugs on polished wood floors, alongside antique lamps and artwork. Large wood-panelled windows flood the interiors with natural light and can be opened wide to take in the surrounding beauty.

The bungalow features a large outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs overlooking the lake, an idyllic place to unwind after a day exploring the valley. For more active guests, kayaking on the lake is available, along with lawn games. Guests can also enjoy guided walks through tea plantations and the factory, birdwatching nature trails and hiking routes. Cooking classes are offered on-site, and cream teas are served each afternoon, a perfect excuse to sample the local tea. Dinner is a sumptuous four-course affair, with Sri Lankan dishes made from garden-sourced ingredients and paired with fine wines.

Following a stay at Castlereagh Bungalow, guests often wish to experience the other Tea Trails residences to fully explore the Ceylon Tea Region. The other properties in this collection are Summerville Bungalow, Dunkeld Bungalow, Norwood Bungalow and Tientsin Bungalow. Summerville, Castlereagh and Dunkeld all overlook Castlereagh Lake, Norwood lies to the south of the valley, while Tientsin is in the next valley along. Each house comes with its own chef, butler and dedicated staff. With 5–6 rooms each, every bungalow is unique in its location, layout and design. Service is first-class, as one would expect of a Relais & Châteaux property, and we recommend staying a night or two in each bungalow for the full experience.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson