Tea Change

High in the emerald hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country, where morning mists roll gently through the valleys, lies a crumbling relic of colonial grandeur on the edge of oblivion. For over a century, Strathisla bungalow has weathered civil war, the harsh tropics and neglect, surrendering to ruin. That is, until Peter – a weary urbanite from Melbourne – clicks on a real estate listing.

On a whim that feels like destiny, Peter trades concrete for jungle, highways for tea trails, and comfort for adventure. Strathisla becomes his sanctuary, its faded charm a beacon for a fresh start. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colourful characters – tea pluckers, travellers, mystics, and mischief-makers – each offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s vibrant daily life.

But paradise is far from perfect. Dealing with unsavoury locals, venomous wildlife, buffoon builders and monsoon-soaked solitude, there are times when Peter’s rural idyll feels ready to unravel. And yet, it is in this wild, unpredictable landscape that he begins to rediscover himself—and unexpectedly, finds love.