The Last House

The Last House is a renowned work by Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most influential architect, set on a quiet stretch of coast about fifteen minutes from Tangalle. Ochre walls, terracotta roofs and shuttered teal doors wrap around courtyards and verandas, and a gate at the end of the lawn opens onto a long, almost deserted beach. Taken as a whole house, its five bedrooms suit families and friends who appreciate architecture, good food and real seclusion.

A rectangular pool sits within a sheltered courtyard, surrounded by lawn and loungers, while a wide garden of palms and pandanus runs down to the shore. Open-sided verandas hold deep sofas and planters’ chairs, and there are seats and sunbeds scattered throughout the grounds. The staff can set a table on the sand for dinner by candlelight, and the beach is shared only with local fishermen and guests of the few homes along it.

Inside, Bawa’s light touch shows in tall doorways, polished floors and furniture chosen with care. An open living room looks onto the pool and gardens, a long dining table seats the whole group, and a second lounge offers a quieter retreat. Upstairs, the Cinnamon Hill suite has a double and a twin room with a wraparound balcony, while Moonamal, Atteriya and Na each have canopied beds and their own bathrooms, and one has an outdoor bath and shower. Breakfast is included, and the chefs cook Sri Lankan and international dishes for lunch and dinner.