The Lavender House, Pussellawa

Built in circa the 1890s, The Lavender House on Hellboda Estate is a former tea planter's residence nestled in the historic tea fields of Pussellawa in the Sri Lankan hill country. Comfortable surroundings are combined with beautifully tended gardens to create settings that feel genuinely idyllic — far removed from the pace of the city below.

Set within 7 acres of gardens at the heart of the up-country tea estates, the property operates less like a hotel and more like a well-loved private home, where garden flowers, log fires, and home-grown vegetables all contribute to a quietly luxurious atmosphere.

Rooms and Suites

The Lavender House offers five bedrooms, each furnished with traditional pieces that lend every room its own individual character while providing every comfort and amenity. Each of the five suites is appointed with rich textiles and antiques, and each has its own personalised courtyard — a detail that gives guests a genuine sense of private retreat within the larger estate.

Dining and Evening

The dining room is run in an innovative style, with dishes that carry a refreshing vitality and simplicity. The emphasis falls on the distinct flavours of home cooking, drawing on the best of local produce to present both classically styled local dishes and international cuisine. The home's own private cellar supports an impressive wine list, with a selection of sensibly priced wines to satisfy even the most demanding palate.

Guests are welcomed for pre-dinner drinks in the sitting room before moving through to dinner. After the meal, the Billiard room offers a relaxed way to round off the evening.

Daytime Comforts

Mornings at The Lavender House are best savoured on the terrace with a quiet coffee, while traditional afternoon tea is served in the Conservatory — a gentle rhythm that suits the unhurried pace of the estate and the rolling tea country that surrounds it.