Adisham Hall, also known as Adisham Bungalow, is a historical country house located near Haputale in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka. Currently, it serves as the Adisham Monastery of Saint Benedict and houses a relic (a chip of a bone) of St. Sylvester in its chapel.

Historical Background
Adisham Hall was built in 1931 by Sir Thomas Villiers, an English aristocrat, planter, and former Chairman of George Steuart Co., a prominent trading and estate agency based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Sir Thomas Villiers was a grandson of Lord John Russell and a descendant of the Dukes of Bedford. The house was named after Adisham, a village in Kent, England, and was designed in the Tudor and Jacobean architectural styles by R. Booth and F. Webster. The land for the estate, spanning 2.8 hectares (7 acres), was awarded to Sir Thomas from the Tangamale.
Strict Nature Reserve by an act of the British parliament.

Significance and ownership changes
Adisham Hall was a significant social hub in the Colonial period, hosting numerous prominent personalities. After the retirement of Sir Thomas Villiers, the property was purchased in 1950 by Don Charles Wijewardene and his daughter Rukmini Wijewardene, who were the owners of Sedawatte Estates. Rukmini, while studying at the London School of Economics (LSE) in London, made a courtesy visit to Sir Thomas Villiers in Knightsbridge, London, to thank him for the sale of Adisham Hall. Don Charles Wijewardene was married to Vimala Wijewardene, a prominent political figure in Sri Lanka.

In 1961, Rukmini Beligammana (née Wijewardene) sold Adisham Hall to an Italian Benedictine monk. Upon acquiring the property, the monk removed some silver cutlery and furniture to recoup his investment and gain some profit. After leaving the property unoccupied for two years, he donated it to the Ampitiya Benedictine Monastery in 1963.

Today, Adisham Hall is managed by the Sylvestro Benedictine Congregation of Sri Lanka and is well-preserved with its period fittings and furniture. It remains open to visitors, who can explore the monastery’s rich history and experience the serene surroundings of this Tudor and Jacobean-style mansion. The estate is located at an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level, offering visitors a cool and tranquil environment.

The historical charm and unique architecture of Adisham Hall make it a significant cultural and religious landmark in Sri Lanka, reflecting the blend of British colonial influence and local heritage.

Madebysrilankan ❤️🇱🇰