This century-old colonial planter’s bungalow and the surrounding Aislaby Tea Estate is steeped in history.  The property is still owned by the only remaining British planting family in Sri Lanka: the Bostocks who arrived in Ceylon in 1884. The estate has been in the family since the early 1920s.  Claire Bostock, daughter of the original owner, Norman Bostock, still manages this family guest house and ensures that high standards are maintained.  The bungalow – which can be rented as a whole or by the suite – has a warm homely feel with a successful blend of old world charm and modern day conveniences.  The high roofs, large spacious rooms, old working fireplaces, hardwood floors and priceless antique furniture are all tastefully highlighted with muted colours, fascinating family photographs and fresh-cut flowers from the garden.

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Accommodation
There are five suites that are named after friends and family.  The suites are light and airy and have en suite bathrooms that have been upgraded recently with modern fittings including shower, bathtub, wash basin, w/c and hairdryer.  The suites are furnished with comfortable antique beds fitted with mosquito netting (some are canopied four poster beds), dressers, almairahs, and planter’s chairs.  The spacious Bostock Suite, the master bedroom, is furnished with a King-size bed and an open fire place.  With direct access to the extensive lawn and the swimming pool, this suite has the best views.  The Pyman Suite has two double beds with windows opening out to the rolling hills of the front lawn.  The Lushington Suite is a Queen-bedded room opening out to a private enclosed terrace where meals are served on request.  The en suite bathroom has a Victorian bathtub.   The Wickwar Suite has a Queen-size bed with a private terrace and a small library.  The Taylor Suite with a Queen Size bed has a private terrace and a modern bathroom with a sunken bathtub and shower.  The Bungalow can accommodate a maximum of 12 persons (including children).  A staff member is allocated to each suite and will ensure that the rooms are cleaned and Beds are turned down each evening.

Facilities
Being built as a traditional English tea planters house Kirchhayn has a comfortable drawing room with sink-in sofas and armchairs in front of log fires. There is a television with satellite TV, CD player and some indoor games are available for a rainy day.  The adjoining study has internet access, IDD telephone facilities, a printer and fax machine as well as an interesting library with a range of books on birds of Sri Lanka, culture and heritage.  Dinner is laid out in the candlelit dining room served by staff in traditional crisp white jacket and sarong. Here you will feast on a three-course dinner accompanied by a selection of wines.  Breakfast can be enjoyed on the verandah or in your own room.  Delicious Sri Lankan and western dishes are served prepared with fresh vegetables from the garden.  Aislaby tea or Kirchhayn coffee is served throughout the day.  For those venturing outdoors, the chef will be pleased to pack a picnic lunch.  The gardens at Kirchhayn are a treat with rolling hills and manicured lawns that kids will love playing on while the newly built grass tennis courts, swimming pool and croquet lawn will keep the adults busy.   Plans are afoot for a putting green which will be completed in the near future.  Errol Johnston, the bungalow manager, is at hand to assist guests and along with his staff will ensure that a perfectly relaxing holiday is had by all.

Excursions
The landscaped gardens are lined with flower beds and the Aislaby Tea Estate is wonderful to walk about.  Several trails are possible including a half hour walk to the "Bostock seat" or a rigorous hour-and-a-half through some of the best tea in the world culminating with a steep climb to the top of the "patna" to check out the most spectacular 360° view.  En route, visit the Aislaby Tea factory and the Hindu Kovil nearby.  Bird watching is rewarding here and for those who are really keen, the Thangamalai Bird Sanctuary located half an hour away in Haputale, is an interesting excursion.    Adisham, a Benedictine Monastery, and several waterfalls,  including Dunhinda, Diyaluma, and Ravana Ella are all located nearby in the towns of Haputale and Ella.