Halala Kanda

A Stately Plantation Estate in Southern Sri Lanka

Built in 1912 to woo a bride for the son of a wealthy plantation owner, this hillside estate home is within easy reach of Galle and pristine southern beaches. The generous home has been restored to its palatial splendor, with 6-meter vaulted ceilings, interiors full of Sri Lankan antiques, and a collection of contemporary art and design across its six bedrooms. Common areas include the Room of Curiosities, a lounge/salon/game room and a sunken poolside conversation pit, while bedrooms spill out to gardens, lounge areas and lushly framed terraces.

There are two verandah suites offering access to the main garden via wide French doors, two luxury suites boasting a private walled garden and soaring ceilings, and two double suites opening to a lounge area and the front terrace. Four of the suites feature private baths and dressing areas, and one suite can act as a Family Suite, with bunks for four children.

A two-acre garden cut from the jungle at the time of restoration revealed cultivated coconut palms and orchards of cashew, mango, and tamarind that have been re-manicured. New plantings include coffee and pineapple, pepper and cinnamon, citrus and an on-site vegetable garden. The estate’s oversized pool measures 23 meters long, and an area designated “The Folly” borders the pool. An Art Deco-inspired, plush conversation pit, it's ideal for cocktail and sunset hours.

The kitchen is large and open plan, equipped with restaurant-quality appliances and a large table for relaxed dining and morning coffee/tea gatherings. The property has an in-house chef and offers a dedicated Dining Pavilion with a stone dining table for 20 that borders the internal courtyard. Other permanent staff include a residence manager, house keeper, and two gardeners.

Additional information

There is an outdoor shower, pizza oven, giant outdoor checkerboard, outdoor movie den, plus home security, and first aid kit. And the home is suitable for a variety of celebrations and retreats.

Fully staffed with breakfast included. Our excellent chef will prepare all other required meals, and only the ingredients are chargeable. Optional yoga and massage services, day trips can be arranged. Wifi throughout, kitchen and bath essentials, laundry facilities, private parking.

Around

The residence sits on a breezy hillside outside of the village area of Weligama, on Sri Lanka’s southernmost tip, about two hours south of Colombo. Bound by vegetation, the village is reachable by tuk-tuk in 15 minutes. Weligama is best known for its gemstone trade and is also a fishing town, set along a wide horseshoe bay. There are busy fish and produce markets in town. One popular way to visit the area is by rail on the Sri Lankan Railways Coastal Explorer line that passes through beaches and coastal villages between Weligama and Colombo.

Walkers can enjoy strolls through the calm green rice paddies and local villages. The house is well positioned for discovering Sri Lanka's southern beaches, including Mirissa (15 minute drive, worth the drive for its vivid white sands. Beginner surfers flock to Weligama Beach for its surf schools and gentle waves. History buffs can take in Galle Fort (30 minutes), and there’s a local Buddhist temple nearby, reachable on foot along jungle pathways.

Location

Weligama, Welipitiya, Sri Lanka. Nearest airports: Koggala (13km), Colombo (2 hours)

Best time to visit

Year round, with May and October being Monsoon months