Revealing Ayr Castle 1922: Where Scottish grandeur meets Sri Lankan serenity

The Reveal the Collection team at the opening ceremony of Ayr Castle 1922  

In the midst of city life, many long for a retreat where time slows down and tranquillity takes over. What if this serene escape were just an hour’s drive from Colombo? Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Padukka, Ayr Castle 1922 is the newest addition to the exquisite boutique collection, Reveal the Collection. Here, guests are invited to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience a sanctuary where history and luxury beautifully intertwine.

The opening ceremony of Ayr Castle was a heartfelt celebration of its rich history, as the 1922 story was brought back to life by the Reveal the Collection team and the individuals who played a key role in its revival. Guests were welcomed by Scottish bagpipers, their tunes echoing through the hills of the misty mountains and by the warm hospitality of Appu, the traditional caretaker, who transported everyone back to the colonial era. It was a beautiful evening, with cosy weather, exquisite cuisine and live acoustic music setting the perfect atmosphere. Browns Hotels & Resorts CEO Eksath Wijeratne, graced the occasion and raised a toast to commemorate this remarkable moment.

In the golden era of 1922, amidst the lush estates of colonial Ceylon, young tea planter J.F. Arley Elford found himself captivated by a woman of Scottish nobility. His humble dwelling failed to impress her, prompting Elford to embark on a labour of love to build a grand residence that would win her heart. Choosing a breath-taking vantage point on his estate, he crafted Ayr Castle 1922 to reflect the grandeur of Scottish castles — a tangible expression of his devotion and affection. However, fate had other plans. By the time the castle stood in all its splendour, she had moved on, tired of waiting. To make matters worse, Elford’s employers disapproved of his ambitious endeavour, leading to his dismissal. Heartbroken and defeated, he left Ceylon, leaving behind a legacy of love carved in stone.

Perched high on a cleared hilltop overlooking panoramic views of mountains and a rubber estate, Ayr Castle 1922 rises like an eagle’s eyrie, its striking stone facade standing as a timeless landmark. Constructed entirely of stone, with double walls ingeniously filled with sea sand, the castle remains refreshingly cool even on the warmest days. Designed to echo the majesty of Scottish architecture with unique stone arches, this 1922 marvel embodies both the romantic allure and enduring charm of its creator’s love story.

Stepping into Ayr Castle is akin to stepping back in time, where colonial charm is beautifully preserved through antique décor, including Old Ceylon picture frames, ebony Dutch boxes, timber sideboard cupboards and antique almirahs. 

The castle boasts five spacious suites — the Elford Suite, Edinburgh Suite, Turnberry Suite, Governor’s Suite and Ayr Suite — each thoughtfully named to reflect both the colonial days of Sri Lanka and Scottish inspiration. Suites feature plush beds, elegantly designed living spaces and luxurious bathrooms with scenic bathtubs, spacious balconies with mountain views that, on a clear day, extend to the buildings and lights of Colombo and Adam’s Peak.

Dining at Ayr Castle is an exceptional experience, with a menu that highlights fine dining, an exquisite breakfast selection, local flavours and the essence of Sri Lankan tea culture. The library at Ayr Castle evokes the charm of a Jane Austen novel, inviting guests to lose themselves in stories that captivate the imagination and transport them to a bygone era of grace and refinement.

Beyond its historical charm, Ayr Castle 1922 offers guests a range of enchanting experiences, including picturesque picnic spots, breath-taking waterfalls such as Ranmudu and Kumari Ella, visits to the Seethawaka Botanical Garden and cycling through the surrounding rubber estate to witness the traditional art of rubber tapping. Reveal the Collection, by Browns Hotels & Resorts, offers a selection of boutique villas in Mirissa, along with hillside retreats in Pussellawa, Ragala and Padukka.