Tabula Rasa Villa

Introduction

Tabula Rasa Villa is an impressively converted four-bedroom villa 10 minutes inland from near Thalpe, Sri Lanka's renowned south coast beach stretch. Dutch owners Arnoud and Anouk – an architect and designer couple - converted and extended the house in 2017, adding a first floor and creating an airy and contemporary feel to the living spaces on the ground floor. Colonial-style furnishings in neutral shades and framed photographs taken by Arnoud on their travels around Asia add to the convivial, individualistic feel.

The unassuming main entrance opens on to a corridor with a rectangular fish pond on the left, leading to the main living area and a right turn taking you to the two bedrooms on the ground floor. Cross over to the large well-lit living space offering direct views of the outdoor lounge area with built-in sofas and ceiling fan, the pool and the well-tended garden encircled by a grove of trees.

The villa can be booked in its entirety and by room basis. Children under eight years are welcome if the villa is booked in its entirety. A nice little hideaway offering a refined stay.

Accommodation

Tabula Rasa has four bedrooms. The two double bedrooms on the ground floor open on to a private terrace and two double rooms on the first floor with views of the garden. All bedrooms are furnished with four-poster king-sized beds with mosquito netting and wardrobe. The ensuite bathroom has twin wash basins and walk-in shower with h/w. One of the ensuite bedrooms on the first floor has a bath tub.

In-room facilities include: A/C, overhead fan and Wi-Fi. The upstairs rooms are furnished with a TV and DVD player each.

Facilities

The villa has a pool with sun loungers. The living area has several books and magazines in little corners. The cook can prepare a variety of cuisines including traditional Sri Lankan and western dishes. Alcohol is available at the villa. Guests can eat at the dining area, garden pavilion secretly hidden behind some trees or in the lounge. They can also organize tuk tuks for those who want to head to the nearest beach. 

Why We Like It

The sunny pool in this nearly-converted rural villa sits in a walled garden full of vegetation and home to peacocks, birds and monkeys.

Location

Tabula Rasa Villa is just inland from the south coast village of Thalpe, 2.5hrs away from the Colombo International Airport and 20 minutes from Galle Fort.