Villa Saldana

Villa Saldana is a Dutch colonial-style beach house on Sri Lanka’s south coast near Habaraduwa, with a quiet stretch of sand right at the end of its lawn and Galle Fort a short drive along the coast. Tall pillars, high archways, shaded cloisters and soaring timber ceilings give it a sense of old-world grace, while the rooms are cool, uncluttered and comfortable. Three bedrooms make it a good fit for families and small groups who want a characterful, fully looked-after home by the sea.

The wide cloistered veranda looks straight out over a broad lawn to the ocean, with plenty of seating for long breakfasts and sunsets. A private pool lies at the sea end of the garden, its edge seeming to run towards the waves, and sunloungers sit on the grass alongside. The beach in front is calm enough for swimming, though not suited to surfing, and the nearby shoreline, Koggala Lake and the turtle sanctuaries along this coast make easy outings.

Inside, the living room sits between the two master suites, mixing antique wooden pieces, including a handsome old study desk, with deep, modern sofas. A separate dining area overlooks the veranda and the sea, and the house has both a traditional curry kitchen and a modern kitchen. The two master suites have king-size four-poster beds and their own verandas facing the ocean, and the third bedroom has twin beds; all three are air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms. A Sri Lankan breakfast is served every morning, and the chef can cook local or international dishes for other meals.