 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Location:
Villa Milliduwa is a refurbished old walawua (manor house) situated
20 minutes inland from the historic town of Galle in a small
southern village bearing the same name. The beaches of Thalpe
and Unawatuna are just 20 minutes away. The drive from Colombo
is normally under four hours.
Description: Set amidst a large garden with
a swimming pool, this four-bedroomed villa follows the typical
architectural style of the historic southern manor houses. Columns
and verandhas, rooms opening out on to a central courtyard,
and high roofs have all been retained and invitingly enhanced
by owners Eduard and Anoushka Hempel. Children are welcome and
will find plenty to occupy themselves with a large garden, swimming
pool, and several pets including Minky the cat, Tula the dog,
and two turtles in the courtyard pond. Several fruit trees in
the garden also attract many birds and monkeys. The interiors
are a fusion of colours with several Asian sculptures and artworks
adorning the walls. The bedrooms and living spaces are comfortably
furnished with a mix of antiques and contemporary furniture.
Villa Milliduwa can accommodate upto seven adults and two children.
Rental includes breakfast and is for a minimum of two nights.
Accommodation: Villa Milliduwa has four bedrooms.
The master bedroom is an interesting attic room which was used
as a granary in the olden days. Cleverly refurbished, this room
has views over the villa roof to the gardens beyond and is furnished
with a four-poster canopied double bed and antique almairah.
The ensuite bathroom has h/w shower, wash basin, and w/c. One
double room with a four- poster antique bed, and a children’s
room furnished with a twin bed and bunk bed, is located on the
ground floor. Both have ensuite bathrooms – one with an
open-air h/w shower. The fourth double room opens out to a pond
in the courtyard. The bathroom down the hall can be used by
guests in this room.
Facilities: The main living room space is located
in the front of the house, opening out to a verandah and the
garden. A small office possesses a telephone and work table.
Through the living room is a tranquil central courtyard pond
with a flowering frangipani tree. Typical of walawua architecture,
most of the rooms as well as the dining and kitchen area are
located around the courtyard, as is a second casual area with
a TV, DVD and library. A spacious dining area with an eight-seater
dining table opens out to the back gardens filled with heliconias,
ginger flowers, and frangipani. A large kitchen is well equipped
with a fridge, cooker and several other appliances. Villa Miliduwa’s
staff includes Nalini who is a great nanny as well as cook.
She is able to turn out tasty rice and curries as well as children’s
meals. There is also a gardener and nightwatchman. Milliduwa
has its own trishaw -- and the driver even offers to shop for
you!
Excursions: There are several Buddhist temples
in the vicinity, including Rhumassala temple and Yatagala -
built around giant boulders and surrounded by paddy fields and
hamlets. Consider a conducted tour of a gem mine followed by
a visit to the nearby craft village that specializes in transforming
gems into beautiful pieces of intricate jewelry. Nature lovers
can take a trip on Koggala Lake with its many islands inhabited
by numerous species of birds. Several sandy beaches and Galle’s
historic 17th century Dutch Fort are within easy reach. Hours
can be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets, the sturdy
ramparts looking out to sea, and a growing collection of art
galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants.
| Rates available on request
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
