Rosyth Estate House
Kandy

Rosyth Estate House is a lovingly restored 1926 colonial planter’s bungalow set on a 62-acre private tea and rubber estate, offering nine individually designed rooms and suites, exceptional homegrown cuisine and a thoughtfully curated array of experiences. Tucked into the lush hills near Kegalle, it lies just 90 minutes from Kandy and a two-hour drive from Colombo, making it an ideal country escape.

Perched at an elevation of around 1,000 feet, the estate enjoys far-reaching views; to the front, the misty knuckles of the Kandy hills, to the rear, the estate itself and its jungle-covered ridge lines. The setting is both serene and alive, and a stay here encourages you to slow down and engage with the land. Follow walking trails or mountain biking routes through tea gardens and rubber groves, pick tea with local pluckers, or visit the nearby working tea factory to witness the full journey from leaf to cup. The estate’s organic garden is a delight to explore, especially when you're selecting ingredients for a cooking class with the in-house chef.

At the heart of Rosyth is the Marikkar family, who purchased the estate in 1978 and have since transformed it into the warm and characterful retreat it is today. Now run by Farzana and her husband Neil, the estate has evolved under their care into a deeply personal and welcoming home-from-home. Farzana, who grew up visiting Rosyth as a child, brings both heritage and heart to the house, while Neil’s eye for detail ensures that every experience, be it a forest walk or a candlelit dinner, is beautifully considered. Their presence is subtle but ever-present, offering stories, suggestions and sincere hospitality that make guests feel less like visitors and more like family friends.

The nine rooms are spread between the original planter’s house and newer villas tucked discreetly among the trees. Interiors are simple yet elegant, think plantation-style furniture, soft linens and a harmonious mix of colonial charm and modern comfort. There are four categories to choose from, including Classic Rooms in the main house and the Rock Villa, complete with its own private drive. Families will appreciate the interconnecting suites, treasure hunts and kids’ yoga, while couples might prefer the Plantation Suites with their secluded terraces and freestanding outdoor baths, particularly romantic with sunset views and a glass of something chilled. Thoughtful extras can be arranged for honeymooners or those celebrating something special.

The estate is still very much a working one, producing Orange Pekoe low-grown tea and natural latex, with many of the tea pluckers and rubber tappers descended from families who have worked here for generations. A wealth of tropical fruit and spices, such as papaya, coconut, jackfruit, mango, pepper and cloves, grows in abundance, and much of the seasonal harvest finds its way into the kitchen. Dining here is a true pleasure, unfussy, flavourful and local.

Nature lovers will find themselves enchanted by the wildlife that frequents the estate - monkeys leap through the trees, deer wander along the paths and a chorus of birdsong greets each day. Whether you’re here for a peaceful few days in the hills or as a base to explore Kandy and the Cultural Triangle, Rosyth feels like a place both rooted in history and alive with possibility, a home in the hills with stories to tell.

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller