Summerville Bungalow
Bogawantalawa Valley

Summerville Bungalow is one of five restored colonial-era tea planter residences in Sri Lanka’s breathtaking Ceylon Tea Region. Together, these historic homes form the Ceylon Tea Trails, the country’s first Relais & Châteaux resort collection.

Set high above Castlereagh Lake at the edge of a working tea estate, Summerville Bungalow commands some of the most magnificent views in Bogawantalawa Valley, looking out over shimmering waters and towards rolling hills blanketed in emerald tea. The bungalow captures the grace and charm of a bygone era, with exquisite parquet floors, open fireplaces and original planter-style architecture. Inside, you’ll find five guest rooms, a drawing room and an elegant dining room, while outside the summerhouses and sweeping gardens offer a tranquil place to rest and reconnect. The terrace is a favourite spot for high tea, reading a book or sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the lake.

The atmosphere is one of quiet refinement and relaxed luxury. Though steeped in history, Summerville’s timeless style and homely comforts make it feel more like a lived-in house than a hotel.

Each of the five bedrooms is unique in size, layout and view, and all are named after the British tea planters who once resided here. Views range from the lake and reservoir to the manicured gardens, so whichever room you choose, you’ll wake to a picturesque backdrop. All rooms include a bathtub and walk-in rain shower, with the Middleton Luxury Room being the only twin. Three rooms have private gardens, and the Shuttleworth Master Suite also features a separate living room. Decor is rich and layered, with four-poster beds, deep armchairs, polished wood floors and antique lamps and artwork. Large, wood-panelled windows let in generous natural light and open wide onto the gardens and views.

The outdoor swimming pool is ideally positioned for soaking up lake views, with sun loungers offering the perfect place to relax post-exploration. For those feeling active, there are lawn games, guided walks through the tea plantations and nearby factory, birdwatching excursions and scenic hiking trails. Guests can also take part in cooking classes or enjoy a classic cream tea in the late afternoon. In the evening, a sumptuous four-course dinner is served, showcasing authentic Sri Lankan flavours made with garden-grown ingredients and accompanied by a curated wine selection.

Summerville Bungalow can be booked by the room or taken exclusively by families or groups, making it a flexible option for both couples and larger gatherings looking to enjoy the intimacy of a private country house.

To fully experience the richness of the Ceylon Tea Region, we recommend pairing your stay at Summerville with one or more of the other Tea Trails residences, Castlereagh, Dunkeld, Norwood and Tientsin. Summerville, Dunkeld and Castlereagh Bungalows all overlook the lake, while Norwood lies to the south of the valley and Tientsin is in the next valley along. Each bungalow features its own chef, butler and house staff, and offers 5–6 unique rooms. While service is consistently world-class, befitting a Relais & Châteaux property, each house is distinct in setting, style and atmosphere.

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