The Estate House at Ashburnham was the the Principal Planters home for the large Mahatenne Estate, planted in the 1930s, when tea first came to this part of Sri Lanka.
Originally British-owned, the house and estate passed through gradually more Sri Lankan hands until it was bought by David Swannell in 2004.
The House
The house was renovated in 2004 and had a slight styling makeover again in 2016. It still boasts a few eccentricities but has a funkier edge than some of the more 'classical' planters bungalows.
The pool
Built by the previous owners in tribute to their father - who'd always dreamed of a pool at Ashburnham - what this one lacks in Instagram chic, it makes up for in old world charm.
With views down over the valley, a superb afternoon spot when the sun shines!
The tennis court
A far cry from Centre Court - spectators most likely outnumbered by monkeys - but fun nonetheless. Enjoy with Pimms and wooden rackets.
Waterfalls and private pools
One of the things that makes Ashburnham so special. We've a river running through the estate that drops sharply on its course to give one large waterfall, and several smaller cascades.
All make for unique and beautiful natural hideaways. Try a picnic at the Plunge Pool or a late afternoon sundowner at the Cascade.
Tea and other crops
On an estate of just over 100 acres we have around 60 acres of tea, tended by around 20 lady pluckers almost every day of the year.
With tea an increasingly uncertain business we are interspersing other crops such as cloves and pepper. We've a rich collection of Jackfruit trees on the estate also - an increasingly popular commodtiy.
Vegetables
Back behind the kitchen we've a neat little vegetable patch that supplies us with a steady harvest of brinjal (aubergine), carrots, beans, lettuce, chili, various herbs and other spices.
