Guava House

Guava House crowns a tree-covered hill in the Kegalle district, west of Kandy, surrounded by a four-acre rubber plantation with views over paddy fields towards Bible Rock and the Ambuluwawa mountains. Designed by its architect owner, it is a striking thatched house raised on shallow stilts, built from mango wood and teak and opened up with folding glass doors so the forest feels part of every room. With five bedrooms across the main house and two private chalets, it suits families, multi-generational groups and friends who want real seclusion, birdsong and starry nights.

A plunge pool sits right off the great timber deck, reflecting the sky and trees, with a huge pergola and outdoor dining table alongside for long lunches in the open air. Wooden walkways lead through the greenery to the chalets, and walks wind out from the house into the plantation and the quiet village nearby. Evening light over the hills is a highlight, with sunsets glowing behind the distinctive outline of Bible Rock.

Inside, the open living pavilion is furnished with deep sofas in burnt orange and dusky red, and a sculptural floating staircase rises through the house. The main villa has two king bedrooms and a queen, with four-poster beds, local art and balconies looking into the forest, while the Mangosteen and Rambutan chalets each have a king bed and real privacy. Breakfast and dinner are included, cooked by the resident cook, with daily housekeeping, a washing machine and bicycles for exploring.