Introduction
Halgolla Plantation Home, first built by Antoine Joseph van der Poorten in the mid-19C, is now run by his grandson Emil van der Poorten who returned to restore it to its previous splendour and who now resides at the property. This elegant and charming plantation home en route from Kurunegala to Kandy is set amidst a unique mixed plantation of rubber, cocoa, fruit and spice crops and has large Tabebuia, Amherstia, mango and Poinciana trees in the garden providing shady spaces for guests to relax under. The house's unique architecture reflects a period of splendour and comfort that is rarely found now: the original stained-glass windows in the dining room and front door are still intact. Indoors, a large living room, a spacious dining room and two sitting-out areas are available for the use of guests.
As guests of the owners, you’ll be provided with Sri Lankan cuisine of exceptional quality, prepared in a traditional fashion. Any special dietary requirements can be accommodated given advance notice. Home-grown fruits such as bananas, avocado, soursop, mangosteen, guava, mango, breadfruit, jak and durian are available in abundance seasonally. Most vegetables are grown in the HPH garden. The water supply to the house is gravity-fed from a private spring and all water is boiled and filtered prior to use. Coffee grown and processed at HPH and pure Ceylon tea as well as a variety of other non-alcoholic beverages are included in the tariff. While alcoholic beverages are not served, guests may bring their own.
Accommodation
Halgolla Plantation Home provides spacious accommodation for up to seven guests in three suites. Each suite has windows with a view and all bathrooms have hot and cold water.
Nellie's Suite: sleeps three with a private ensuite bathroom
Ben's Bedroom: sleeps two with a private ensuite bathroom
Selva Gamini Room: sleeps two with a separate bathroom.
Facilities
Why We Like It
A characterful property on a 5-acre plantation meant we opted for a rare foray into homestays.
Location
Halgolla Plantation Home is located in Galagedera, between Kurunegala and Kandy.
Location: Golagammana, Kandy
Style: Plantation Villa
No. of Rooms: 3
Key Features: Ancestral home in an idyllic plantation setting; homestay