Fraser’s Hill has an elevation of between 1,200 and 1,500 meters. The average, year-round temperature is 17 to 25 centigrade, very pleasant compared to the heat of the valleys below. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and arriving on the hill is like stepping back in time. Passing by stone cottages with beautiful flower gardens, one could be forgiven for thinking that a little bit of the British Isles has been transported to Malaysia.
The main entrance to Rompin House is accessed through a large outdoor seating area, which opens directly onto the well-appointed living room. The comfortable, chintz armchairs, orchids and original works of art evoke a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. There’s also a fireplace for really cool evenings.
There are five bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. The master bedroom has a queen-sized bed, and the two other bedrooms at the front of the house have twin beds. The two bedrooms in the rear each have one single bed and a trundle bed.
My spacious twin room had a large bathroom complete with a tub and shower. The bedroom was furnished in keeping with the period of the house, and catered to all my needs. There was even a couch. The large bathroom had a bathtub and a shower, and a suitable range of toiletries was provided. The linens were exceptional, fluffy white towels, and pure cotton bed covers with a high thread count. I especially appreciated the feather and down duvets and pillows. Just as cozy as could be.
The bungalow has live-in hosts, Yap Sai Cheng and his wife. Mr. Yap, whose family have been butlers on Fraser’s Hill for three generations, made sure that our every need was met, while his wife worked in the kitchen to prepare delicious meals. We were greeted with a welcome drink of pineapple juice, and as soon as we were settled in our rooms, Afternoon Tea was served.
The dining room seats 8 comfortably, but there could be room for 10. We were served a lovely homemade spread of curry puffs, and delicious warm scones. I eschewed the strawberry jam in favour of the homemade orange marmalade. It’s many years since I’ve had this treat, and it was another personal touch that makes this a special destination.
It was a lazy afternoon. After eating I had a lovely wander around the quiet roads with my binoculars, sat in the garden for a while then napped. How perfect.
Suddenly it was time for dinner…where did the time go? Mrs. Yap outdid herself and served a barbecued feast: tender Lamb Chops, Chicken Wings, Pomfret, Sausages, Roast Sweet Potatoes, Biryani Rice, Corn on the Cob and a Fruit Mayo salad. It was very difficult to move after so much food! After dinner we started to watch a movie…television and DVD player provided…but I was the first to be ready for my bed and the others followed soon after…
I had a refreshing sleep, and managed a bit of bird-watching before breakfast. We had put in our orders the night before with a choice of Western, Chinese or Malay food. More of that yummy marmalade with the Western set, and my Chinese friends assured me that the rice porridge was delicious.
I spent the morning enjoying country pursuits, then it was time to eat yet again. Everyone enjoyed Mrs Yap’s fish and chips. There a baked lemon souffle for dessert too, one of my favourites, and fruit. I had a wonderful stay. There was an attention to detail that did not go unnoticed: slippers provided, well-lit mirrors in the bedroom and bathroom, anti-noise stoppers on the chairs, and many other little things with the comfort of the guests in mind. Rompin House is the ideal choice for a family getaway, a hen party or a romantic weekend.
Reason to Visit: Peace and quiet, cool, fresh air and an ambiance of days gone by.
This house belongs to the Avillion Private Collection, an exclusive group of rental properties that typically exceed expectations. The rental of Rompin House is being offered at a special price of RM1,300 ++ a night for a limited time only, which includes breakfast. Other meals are available upon request, and there are special rates for longer stays.
For further information and reservations, call 603-2730-9988 or visit the Avillion website at http://www.avillionprivatecollection.com/