Enjoy the wondrous beauty of the mountainous tea country in classical colonial fashion. Savour the luxuries of that by gone era at four boutique bungalows of distinctive identities and character. Set amidst beautifully landscaped and perfectly manicured gardens each of the British styled bungalows comes with its own manager, chef, butler and houseboys and houses 4 to 6 rooms each – Master Suites with a separate living room and private gardens, Garden Suites with verandahs to private gardens and spacious Luxury Rooms of great character. Rooms are named after past tea planter occupants. Summerville is typical of a country cottage, Tientsin in its high colonial aura is one of the first planters residencies, Norwood is definitely more modern with a determined 50s flair, and Castlereagh has a charming vintage air of its own.

Summerville and Castlereagh face each other across the gorgeous lake and Norwood is 15 mins away and Tientsin 30 mins away by car. Explore the tea trail as you travel from one bungalow to the next, opting either to spend your time in each or laze exclusively at the one that grabs your attention the most. Imbue the classical experience of heritage living that has been enhanced by contemporary creature comforts. Traverse the beautiful private gardens, walks along scenic routes, watch tea ladies pick two leaves and a bud, take a plunge in the pool and enjoy sumptuous meals set out in the dining room or out in the garden. Enjoy the high life at tea trails.

Room Category Description…

Castlereigh (Built in 1925, Altitude 4025 feet)
Travellers approaching Castlereigh from the road can glimpse tantalizing views across the lake of this magnificent symbol of the glory days of colonial life. Nestled in a wooded dell close to the water, this century old bungalow offers unrivalled water views and superb garden suites to suit every taste. Elegant parquet floors all around with open fireplaces in the dining and drawing rooms evokes recollections of the life and times of the tea planters who once lived here. In the extensive grounds summerhouses can be found where tea is served and a good book enjoyed until the sun goes down over the water and it’s time for sundowners on the terrace.

Garden Suites
Baker
Alston
Palmer

Luxury Rooms
Jamieson (Twin Room)
Tate

Highlights
Swimming Pool
Summer Houses
Croquet
Library
Garden Dining

Norwood (Built in 1890,and re-built in 1940. Altitude 4300 feet)

The bungalow at Norwood commands a fine view of the eastern end of the Bogawantalawa valley and rests in the shelter of one of the finest bamboo stands to be found anywhere. The suites are oversized with imposing colonial style furniture, some with four-poster beds and very elegant bathrooms. A spacious lounge and well-stocked library lead out to a croquet lawn, a large swimming pool and sun deck. It is here where planters of the past invited friends to enjoy the pristine air and glorious outlook. You too can wander the gardens unchanged since yesteryear, soaking up the atmosphere of a time gone by.

Suites & Rooms
Master Suite
Hazel

Garden Suites
Irvine
Andrews

Luxury Rooms
Trevaldwyn (Twin Room)
Jeffery

Highlights
Swimming Pool
Summer House
Croquet
Library
Garden Dining

Summerville (Built 1923, Altitude 4000feet)
High above the lake at the edge of a tea plantation, Summerville stands sentinel. This four-room bungalow enjoys magnificent views of the water and beyond to tea planted hills in the distance. Some suites open to private gardens and all accommodations have easy access to the cozy lounge where picture windows provide a backdrop to a roaring fire as the evening mist draws in. Summerville offers individual accommodation or the entire bungalow can be booked for a group to enjoy the very personal atmosphere of this great house.

Suites & Rooms
Master Suite
Shuttleworth

Garden Suites
Garnet
Goddard

Luxury Room
Middleton (Twin Room)

Highlights
Summer House
Sunbathing Deck
Garden Dining

Tienstin (Built 1888, Altitude 4600feet)
Step into the world of Tientsin and step back in time. Named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings came, this very British residence is a historical landmark. Six glorious rooms and suites open onto magnificent English gardens still standing loyal to the colonial planters’ wives who created ‘a little bit of home’ in a far away land. Wander around the glorious rose terraces and hide away under a leafy arbor to the myriad sounds of the many birds that make their homes there. Each suite too is faithful to the original design with polished wooden floors and high ceilings; some with four-poster beds.

Suites & Rooms
Master Suite
Irvine Stewart

Garden Suites
Bretherton
Moir

Luxury Rooms
Fraser (Twin Room)
Brebham
Meares

Highlights
Tennis court
Garden dining
Library