This tropical estate was built 120 years ago for the family who ruled over the nearby village of Aranwella. In 2004, interior designer Niki Fairchild discovered it and enlisted Sri Lankan architect Pradeep Kodikara to help retain its traditional atmosphere while creating a clean, contemporary interior with lots of open space.
The result is a lovely colonial-style villa with Dutch and British architectural influences, set in a stunning tropical garden, with some great modern additions. A whole new wing was added, interiors have strong lines and bold colors, and furnishings mix colonial with contemporary. Then there’s the swimming pool, all 20 meters of it, that wraps around the main house like a giant L.
It’s a space made for enjoying the outdoors, surrounded by coconut trees and overlooking paddy fields. The old house has a beautiful verandah, with intricate lattice work on its windows and doors. The new wing has an outdoor garden pavilion that holds a dining and lounge area, and each of its bedrooms has a private outdoor dining courtyard.
The hotel is available in its entirety, or its five suites can be rented individually. Three of the suites have their own private verandahs and dining areas. All the suites sleep two, but extra beds can be brought in. This is a stunning space that sleeps up to 14 guests – a really great small luxury hotel in Sri Lanka.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
There is cable TV in the pavilion, a DVD library, iPod stations around the property, and wifi throughout house. Laundry service is available. There are sports equipment, board games, and pool toys for kids.
Babysitting can be arranged, with notice. Massages are available in rooms or in the garden pavilion on the edge of the paddy fields. Yoga, wildlife and cultural packages are available. The hotel can cater for weddings of up to 24 guests, and accommodate 14 overnight.
AROUND
The hotel is located five minutes from Beliatta, 15 minutes from Tangalle, and 45 minutes from Matara. It is 90 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle, from the port city of Hambantota (the site of Sri Lanka’s newest cricket ground), and from Uda Walawe National Park, which is known for its wild elephants. It is two hours from Yala National Park.
Its owners recommend bike rides through the rice paddies and to the village of Aranwella, with its beautiful temple. There are lovely beaches within easy reach. There is surfing, and lessons for beginners, just 25 minutes away.
Excursions that are available include night safaris to Rakewa beach to observe marine turtles nesting, whale and dolphin watching trips, and pilgrimages to Katharagama, the ancient Mulkirigala Temple and the famous Wewurukannara Temple.
LOCATION
Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Nearest international airport: Colombo (3 to 3.5 hours’ drive); Hambantota airport (90 minutes). Nearest train station: Matara (45 minutes). Cinnamon Air Sea Plane is the fastest way to the hotel, with a flying time of just 35 mins to Dikwella (20 mins away by car).
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Year round.
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