Penshurst Estate unveils high-tech worker housing in Peerumade
While many of the tea estate layams (lines of houses) remain in a dilapidated condition across the Peerumade region in Idukki, Penshurst Estate, a historic
While many of the tea estate layams (lines of houses) remain in a dilapidated condition across the Peerumade region in Idukki, Penshurst Estate, a historic tea plantation in the Peerumade hills, has constructed high-tech and well-equipped ‘line housing’ for its workers. According to officials, the new layams were constructed at the Penshurst Estate —under Malankara Plantations— in Bon Ami, on the Elappara-Vagamon route in Idukki. Joshiba Joseph, manager of the Penshurst Estate, noted that the newly constructed facility can accommodate six families. “The layams have been built with modern amenities, including tiled floors, high-tech bathrooms, and well-equipped kitchens,” Mr. Joseph said.
“Each home features two bedrooms, a living space, and a kitchen. Malankara Plantations Managing Director J.K. Thomas personally designed the plan for these advanced housing units, and he was very particular about providing all these facilities for a decent living for the workers. “he said. Fresh architecture Joseph added that, unlike traditional estate housing built in rigid, uniform rows, these new units were constructed from a fresh architectural angle. “The layams were designed to maximise natural sunlight and regulate indoor temperatures. Each home includes advanced waste management facilities and dedicated firewood storage.
To ensure security, we have also installed strong doors and windows. A specialised waste treatment system will process kitchen waste, outputting it as treated water,” he said. The total cost of the project was ₹1 crore, with the State government providing a subsidy of ₹12 lakh. Officials stated that management plans to construct more of these modern housing units across Malankara Plantations’ properties in Peerumade. The construction of new layams in the tea plantations of Peerumade has been a long-standing demand of both trade unions and laborers. “The newly constructed housing has every facility we need, and we can finally stay here without fear,” a plantation worker said.
In 2025, the estate celebrated its historic 150th anniversary. Records show that the first commercial tea cultivation in Peerumade began at Penshurst in 1875, when a British planter, F.M. Parker, cleared 25 acres. While other tea estates in Peerumade are currently facing a dip in production, Penshurst Estate recorded the highest tea production per hectare in South India during the 2023–24 fiscal year.
The BriefWire