Adisham Bungalow, also known as Adisham Hall or St. Benedict's Monastery, is a beautiful historic property located just 3km away from Haputale town, Sri Lanka. It was built in the early 20th century by Sir Thomas Villiers, a British coffee planter, as his country house. The bungalow is in the scenic hills of Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, providing stunning views of the surrounding lush tea plantations. Adisham Bungalow is perched on the edge of a cliff which is flanked by a larger outcrop fringed with tall pine trees, which somehow dwarf the house. The country home also has a wonderful view of the Uva Valley and a beautiful garden and orchard that you can stroll through.
Sir Thomas Villiers was awarded 7 acres from the Tangamale Strict Nature Reserve by an act of the British parliament. The house was built in 1931 by an English aristocrat and planter Sir Thomas Villiers, former Chairman of George Steuart Co, a trading and estate agency based in Colombo. Sir Thomas was a grandson of Lord John Russell and a descendant of the Dukes of Bedford. Named after Adisham, it was designed by R. Booth and F. Webster in Tudor and Jacobean style. Adisham Hall played host to many prominent personalities of the colony until the retirement of Sir Thomas, after which it was purchased by Don Charles Wijewardene and his daughter Rukmini Wijewardene, owners of Sedawatte Estates, in 1950. While studying at LSE, London, Rukmini Wijewardene, in order to thank him for the sale, made a courtesy call on Sir Thomas Villiers who was, by then, living in Knightsbridge, London. Don Charles and Rukmini were the husband and daughter of Vimala Wijewardene. In 1961 Rukmini Beligammana sold it to an Italian Benedictan monk. Upon purchasing the house and property the Italian monk removed silver cutlery and a few items of furniture in order to recover his investment and also make a profit. After leaving it unoccupied for two years he subsequently donated the house and property to the Ampitiya Benedictine Monastery in 1963.
The Bungalow has an impressive library which is filled from floor to ceiling with old dusty volumes that the planter held dear. Access to the whole house is limited and visitors are only allowed to see the library and living room, but there is an adjoining guest house where people are more than welcome to stay. Within the bungalow, this small museum showcases the history of Adisham and the life of the Benedictine monks who once resided there. The museum exhibits religious artefacts, photographs, and other historical items.
Adisham Bungalow is known for its stunning architectural design, resembling an English country house. It features Tudor-style architecture with gabled roofs, exposed wooden beams, and intricate brickwork, which sets it apart from the surrounding tea estates. The bungalow is surrounded by well-maintained gardens with colourful flowerbeds and manicured lawns. Visitors can take leisurely strolls through the gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. While the bungalow is open to tourists, it also serves as a place of worship and retreat for the Benedictine monks. Visitors are expected to be respectful of the religious nature of the site.
