Ferncliff Bungalow, built in the mid-1800s, is one of the first bungalows in “Little England” a name Nuwara Eliya is still known by. Steeped in History the deed for our land goes all the way back to 1831, and they say that Sir Samuel Baker (credited with founding the town in 1846) walked these gardens and used the original house for his stable boys.

In more recent times renown author, and Booker Prize winner, Michael Ondaatje used to holiday here with his family, and makes repeated reference to Ferncliff in his literary biography “Running in the Family”. The family that purchased the land from the Crown in the 1840s, still own it, and the portrait of Frederick Charles Loos, the first Ceylonese landowner in Nuwara Eliya, hangs over our mantelpiece.

Ferncliff is a heritage site and a family home. With renovations that have retained its colonial charm, Ferncliff is set to capture your imagination, and is one of the last links with ‘Little England’, the idyllic valley, once full of elephants, deer and wild boar.

The property is set on over two and a half acres of land with large expansive gardens that have been uniquely landscaped and also includes secluded benches for reading and relaxation.

Accommodation:

With four rooms and two suites, Ferncliff serves as an opulent tribute to design, layout and the comfort of bungalow living. All 6 rooms are non-smoking – Each room is individually laid out with antique furniture, and has its own character. Each room is named after a member of the family -Geraldine, Isabelle, Louise and Amelia are our Luxury Rooms (approximately 40 square feet) and Frederick and Suzanne are our Super Luxury Rooms (approximately 50 square feet) Rooms are provided with filtered water in classic porcelain jugs and porcelain mugs, although bottled water is available on request.

Each room has a clearly demarcated exit and in the event of an emergency the team has been trained as to how to instruct the guest to the nearest exit.

Amenities:

TV with cable channels

Bath tub (only in Amelia room)

Hair Dryer

Laundry service (chargeable)

Room heater

Living:

We have three common indoor spaces in addition to the dining area: these include the main Living room with a fireplace, a Library room for quiet reflection, and a recently renovated wood paneled club house overlooking our fruit orchard and wild flower garden, which also boasts a fireplace.

Dining:

Our main dining room, which sits 12 people comfortably, is also used between meals as a game area or by those who want to get some work done.Each unique space includes everything we have on offer off our menu and promises to help you relax and unwind. Our meals times are: Breakfast 7am to 9am Lunch 12.30pm to 2pm Dinner 6.30pm to 9pm We recommend that you order your meals early and agree on a time to be served in order to optimize your dining experience with us. We do not allow guests not staying with us to dine or use our facilities, or have food and beverages brought in from outside.

Meals:

Breakfast USD 15

Lunch USD 20

Dinner USD 20

Ferncliff High Tea USD 15

Picnic Lunch (take away) USD 15

Garden:

We have a beautiful and expansive lawn that frames Mount Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, and our guests often sit out, enjoying our Ferncliff High Tea or a drink whilst reading a book, playing a board game or croquette on the lawn. We have a range of board games and garden games. Click here to learn more

Some guests walk through our gardens enjoying the flora and fauna. We encourage the gardening-birder experience and guests have added to a growing list of birds in a logbook we maintain along with a copy of the definitive Henry’s Book of Birds also known as “A Guide to the Birds of Ceylon” by G M Henry, which also helps guests identify distinctive bird calls.

Excursions from the bungalow:

Hakgala botanical garden

Nature treks Sita Eliya temple

Horton plains and Moon plains

Tea Factory

Pidurutalagala Mountain

Ambewela dairy Farm

Child Policy:

The property is great for children.

0-3 years Free of charge.

4-11 year 50% of the adult meal rate plus extra bed.

12-18 year olds Considered an adult

Drivers & Guides Accommodation:

We don’t offer Driver and Guide Quarters or discounts.

Cancellation Policy:

Individual bookings – 60 to 31 days before arrival 50%, 30 days or less 100%

Peak – 90 days or less before arrival 100%

Group – 4 or more rooms within 90 days 100%