Fleewinter

This property would appeal to anyone who enjoys a slower pace of life, families wanting to spend some quality time together, walking fans, bird watchers, golf enthusiasts and those who just crave something totally unique from a holiday.

The Knuckles Mountain Range which runs behind the house is still undeveloped for tourism. Visitors here will never encounter other tourists on their tea estate walks which are, incidentally, stunningly beautiful.

Rangala House is under British / Sri Lankan management. Anthony Newman (a former teacher from Bristol), with his business partner Sam Gunaratne ensure top quality, personal service for guests, combined the best of European and local hospitality. Sam is also on the committee at nearby Victoria Golf Course and can therefore provide for the needs of all budding golfers! They live in an adjacent but detached apartment.

Rangala House has three double/twin bedrooms in the main house, all with en-suite bathrooms and a new 'studio' apartment a little way away from the main house. The studio is perfect as a family room or for a couple wanting a little more privacy. It has been popular with honeymooners but if taken with the rest of the villa, allows the house to comfortably sleep 8, with a maximum of 11. The tranquil feel of the house, with terracotta floors and mahogany and cane furniture, is perfectly in keeping with its up-country location.

The main body of the house comprises a huge sitting/dining room with a stone built fireplace. Double French windows lead out onto a 50ft veranda, which runs along the back of the property. The 180 degree views from this part of the house defy words and simply have to be seen to be believed. On a clear day, you can see Bible Rock many miles away and at night the lights of Kandy can be seen twinkling in the far distance. No photos of this property could ever do it justice outside or in.

The lounge comes with a tv/dvd player with many satellite channels and an extensive film collection. For music lovers, there is a high quality sound system (classical and jazz CDs available) and a Roland electric piano. Internet access is also available.

The pool is a good size and the gardens are extremely attractive including their very own spice garden and mountain stream.

Although restricted by what is available locally the menu is varied and well presented. Meals will be structured entirely around guests' likes and dislikes and so any special requirements can be discussed with the staff on arrival. For lunch we enjoyed a spread of salad, cooked meats, daily breads, pate and chicken accompanied by a crisp glass of white wine. The Sri Lankan cooking, described by recent guests as the best they had tasted anywhere in the country, is absolutely authentic, cooked by locals using local produce. The food like everything else at Rangala House has a wonderful homely feel which makes for a very comfortable and relaxing holiday.

Rangala House is a mecca for bird-watchers, walkers and hikers because of its position on the edge of the Knuckles Conservancy Region, cooler climate and idyllic views. It is also a favourite with golfers who come to use the nearby Victoria Golf Club, which is about 40mins away.

Kandy makes a good day trip, with points of interest such as the Temple of the Tooth and the Botanical Gardens to visit. For those who are especially eager the Elephant Orphanage and Dambulla Cave Temples can also be reached in a day and the air taxi which lands at the Victoria reservoir, can facilitate trips to almost all parts of the island.

Alternatively, stay closer to home and visit the estate's tea factory or take a bumpy 4X4 drive up to Corbett's Gap and Riverston Park, beauty spots much favoured by discerning Sri Lankans but little known to tourists.