A Magical Escape at The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands

 A couple of years ago, we decided to celebrate a special occasion at The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands -- and it turned out to be one of those rare getaways that linger in the memory long after you’ve returned home. Nestled amid the misty hills and cool air of the highlands, this Tudor-style country house felt like a scene straight out of an old English novel. The moment we arrived -- greeted by the scent of pine and the sight of ivy creeping along stone walls -- we knew we were somewhere special.


The Lakehouse was built in the late 1960s by Colonel Stanley J. Foster, a retired British army officer who wanted to recreate the charm of an English country retreat in the heart of Malaya. It opened in 1970 and has remained one of Cameron Highlands’ most enchanting heritage stays ever since. Despite various upgrades and new management over the decades, the place has kept its old-world soul intact -- from the wood-paneled interiors and antique furniture to the manicured gardens overlooking the lake.


What makes The Lakehouse stand out is the way it transports you back in time without ever feeling outdated. The rooms -- especially those in the hilltop annexe — offer sweeping views of Sultan Abu Bakar Lake, with mist often rolling gently across the water in the mornings. Each corner of the house has its own story: creaky staircases, floral drapes, vintage lamps, and that unmistakable sense of being somewhere built for unhurried moments.

We spent our days exploring nearby tea plantations and gardens, and one of the highlights was simply sitting on the terrace, enjoying warm scones and English tea while watching the mist drift over the hills. The staff were wonderfully attentive without being intrusive — the kind who seem to appear just when you’re thinking of another pot of tea. There was something deeply comforting about being there: the quiet hum of the afternoon, the soft light, and the gentle pace of everything.


Even now, when life gets noisy and routines take over, I sometimes think of that weekend at The Lakehouse -- the cool highland air, the laughter, the stillness. It’s one of those rare places where time slows down, where every photograph looks like a postcard, and where you’re reminded that the best escapes aren’t always about doing much -- just about being somewhere truly beautiful.

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