Weligama Bay, Koggala Lake and surroundings, LK
Halala Kanda Villa
Halala Kanda Villa, 6 bedrooms private villas in Weligama Bay, Koggala Lake and surroundings
- villas
- 12 Guests
- 6 Bedrooms
- 5 Bathrooms
Description
Halala Kanda, or Firefly Hill, was built in 1912 by Simonmeru Gunathilaka, the romantic son of a wealthy plantation estates owner from the north of Sri Lanka, to win the heart of his young local bride.
After many decades empty, the estate was re-discovered in 2010, overrun with jungle and near ruin. A labour of love, the new South Pacific owners, chose to work with local craftsmen, to restore the house back to its former opulent splendour, whilst adding their own eclectic design aesthetic.
Set in the lush plantation hills of Weligama, Halala Kanda once more offers a serene oasis to relax and recharge, yet is within easy reach of the pristine southern beaches and the historic charm of Galle.
On first entering the house through its wide covered verandah, you walk into the palatial hallway lounge, with its towering 20m high barrel vault ceilings and a superb collection on Sri Lankan antique and contemporary collectables.
Off the hallway lounge, is the enchanting Room of Curiosities, which is an eclectic place to curl up with a favourite book or partake in drinks and a hand of cards.
And whether it’s the sumptuous conversation pit poolside at The Folly, or the antique chaises dotted around the internal courtyard verandah, quiet escapes are many and varied.
Halala Kanda nestles within two idyllic acres of gardens. When machetes were laid to the jungle, which had enveloped the property, they revealed carefully planted lines of coconut palms, and orchards of cashew nut, ebony wood, mangosteen and mango.These original discoveries have been brought back to life and supplemented with generous plantings of tea and coffee rows, pineapple groves, pepper and cinnamon vines, citrus trees and even a spice and vegetable garden. Just steps from the main house, is Halala Kanda’s pristine salt-water pool, at 23 meters long, it is the perfect spot to work off the calories and let the stresses of the day melt away. And with its view stretching off across the jungle and paddy fields to the coast, it’s also a relaxing spot to dabble at the pool edge and watch life go by. Book-ending the pool, is a remarkable space known as ‘The Folly’. Designed in an art-deco style, it is a luxuriously appointed conversation pit, ideal for early evening drinks while watching the sun slide slowly over the horizon.
What's included?
- - Wifi
- - Staff service
- - Daily breakfast
What's not included?
- - Events
- - The minimum stay at Halala Kanda is for 2 nights, except for Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Easter when the minimum is for 5 nights
Features
Amenities
Suitability