Fleewinter

The Dutch House can only be rented as a whole property and as well as privacy, the villa offers a real sense of life as it once was during the Colonial period. The Cape-Dutch style architecture has the character and feel of a fine 18th century house, yet the villa successfully combines period features with modern comforts.

Three loft style bedrooms are located upstairs including 2 double rooms with four poster beds and ensuite bathrooms with solar and electricity powered hot water shower, bathtub, wash basin, and w/c, vanity mirror and hair dryer. The third bedroom has two single beds with a separate bathroom with bath tub and shower. All rooms are light and airy with sloping roofs that have exposed timber beams and hardwood floors. The down pillows and cozy duvets are perfect for Bandarawela's cool climate.

Downstairs there is a long open verandah overlooking the garden, that ensures guests can enjoy afternoon tea and cakes in a very pretty setting. Inside a stylish reception room is utilized for both relaxing and dining. At the far end of the reception room is a large log burning fireplace, inset with beautiful Delft tiles, idea for those cool winter evenings. All the rooms feature fine furniture and pictures in keeping with the Dutch style.

A brand new unheated indoor swimming pool surrounded with French windows allows guests to enjoy a swim at room temperatures night or day. With a little prior notice, guests can also have access to a fully equipped home theatre at the owner's house just a short distance away. You can select from a library of 150 films covering a range of genres to be watched in air-conditioned comfort on an 8 foot wide screen and surround sound.

There are two members of staff available to attend to your every need and to make your stay as pleasurable as possible, without intruding on your privacy. The villa also has its own cook and bookings are taken on a Half Board basis. This includes full English breakfast and dinner. The three-course dinner consists of traditional home cooked Sri Lankan curry or a selection of delicious Western dishes. Dinner also includes a complimentary bottle of wine for two or fresh fruit juices. Please note that there is no alcohol sold on the premises, but guests are most welcome to bring along their favourite wine or spirits.

The peaceful two acre gardens are very colourful throughout the year, especially from March to May when the daylilies and agapanthus are in full bloom. Attractive trees such as mango, avocado and jak are in abundance. In the little woodland area mulberry trees are growing and the fruits (similar to a raspberry or blackberry) are used to make delicious apple and mulberry crumble...the owner's speciality. To the right is the exotic night flowering "Queen of the Night" cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum).

For those who are keen on bird watching, there is the Thangamalai Bird Sanctuary located half an hour away in Haputale. Alternatively visit a tea factory, Horton Plains or one of several waterfalls located nearby in the towns of Haputale and Ella.

The Dutch House welcomes any child 10 years or above.