Villa Indisch

Villa Indisch is a grand colonial-style beachfront home just beyond Ahangama on Sri Lanka’s south coast, set on a sweeping curve of shoreline where waves break over reef and rocks just offshore. White walls, high ceilings, antiques and artwork give it a refined heritage feel, and with a large staff running it with hotel-like care it is ideal for extended families and groups of friends. The Kabalana surf break is close by, and Galle Fort makes an easy outing.

A wide, manicured lawn leads from the house to the ocean’s edge, with a fifteen-by-eight-metre pool at its centre, lined with sun loungers and umbrellas and lit beautifully after dark. There is a canopied garden daybed for reading, bean bags on the sea wall for sunset, and a children’s play area within sight of the lawn. Shaded verandas on both floors look out over the garden and the sea and are perfect for long lunches.

The house is arranged around a central courtyard with a fountain, with formal living rooms, antique furniture, a long dining table and gym equipment, board games and video games for rainy days. All five bedrooms are air-conditioned and en-suite, with four-poster beds and mosquito nets, three with king beds and two with twins, and several have their own sitting areas or balconies. Bathrooms are bright and spacious, with walk-in showers and freestanding bathtubs. A team of sixteen staff, including a personal guest assistant and a chef, takes care of the house, with welcome drinks on arrival.