Halala Kanda House

Halala Kanda House is a lovingly restored colonial country house, built in 1912 and set on a two-acre hillside estate a short drive inland from Weligama. Rescued from ruin and rebuilt by local craftsmen, it keeps its grand white facade, original antiques and old-world calm, surrounded by coconut, mango and mangosteen groves with views across a green valley. It is a wonderful choice for families and friends who want a peaceful, characterful retreat, with Weligama’s beaches, Mirissa and Galle all within easy reach.

The grounds are a joy to explore, with tea and coffee bushes, citrus, pineapple, pepper and cinnamon vines, and a kitchen garden for spices and vegetables. A long saltwater pool runs beside the lawn, with sun loungers on the patio and a breezy domed gazebo known as The Folly at one end. Meals can be taken in an open-air dining pavilion that looks out over the garden and a century-old tamarind tree, and tea grown on the estate is served to guests.

Inside, a black-and-white palette lets the antiques and curios shine. A barrel-vaulted entrance hall leads into the Room of Curiosities, filled with board games and collectibles, alongside verandah lounges, a library and a contemporary kitchen with its own dining tables. The bedrooms are calm and spacious, with canopied beds draped in mosquito nets, air conditioning, ceiling fans and a small sitting corner in each. A full staff led by a villa manager runs the house, and the in-house chef is known for generous Sri Lankan cooking.