Makuludola Estate was purchased by my great grandmother Ms Sofaya Magline Abeyasuriya in 1906 from the British government. A deed in English granting us the mining rights on the Estate to minerals including gold was issued in 1935 under the authority of His Majesty King George V. More than 50 acres in area, the Estate is now planted with cinnamon and rubber. I was born and raised in the old plantation bungalow, which was sadly destroyed - and my father killed - by subversives in 1989.
After many years in planning, a new bungalow has been built into the side of a hill overlooking the cinnamon fields to a design and supervision by C Anjalendran, formerly an associate of the iconic Sri Lankan architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa. The Bungalow is spacious and open in character, with broad, granite-paved verandas and steps, high timber ceilings, teak furniture, and has a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
Entrance is from the car park forecourt up granite steps to the south-facing veranda where the glistening blue of our infinity swimming pool contrasts with the verdant surroundings of cinnamon bushes, forest and hills. Guests are greeted with a welcome freshly squeezed fruit drink to sip while gazing at the view and hearing wild peacocks cry.