history

Built in 1860, the original manor was the residence of a British Coffee planter. Though coffee grew wild in the central highlands, coffee production emerged in Sri Lanka after the year of 1815 when the British captured the Royal City of Kandy. Despite the coffee blight in 1882 that almost wiped out the entire coffee industry in Ceylon, some of the original coffee trees that were planted by the British along with new Arabica coffee trees can be found when you stroll down the scenic road at the coffee bungalow.

Named as “Alta” – Lake View, the authentic and unique bungalow’s original footprint can be found mapped on a survey plan drawn in the 1860s. The carefully crafted classical and historical structure has a twist of modern and comfortable add-on making the bungalow more desirable for those seeking the perfect getaway to the ancient city of Kandy. Most of the main pillars found in the veranda are the original pillars and made out of mortar and bricks. Two of the H iron coffee grinders used by the British Coffee connoisseur in 1860 can be found in the monumental garden at the Coffee Bungalow. The two heritage suites found on the ground floor were two original chambers of the old manor. The newer insertions made preserving the historical structure of the original bungalow and the interior designs of the Coffee Bungalow is a masterpiece of the renowned heritage architect from Bawa School of Architecture, Mr Channa Daswatte.

The world famous Artist George Keyt’s wife, Mrs. Ruth Keyt, had made the bungalow her home. Since the change of ownership took place, many more famous figures leased the bungalow.