Sevena Villa

Sevena Villa is a spacious five-bedroom home in green, peaceful grounds just inland from Weligama on Sri Lanka’s south coast, a short drive from the town’s famous surf beach. Colonial-style windows, warm exposed brick and a lofty timber roof give it a gracious, old-meets-new character, and with room for ten guests, including a bunk room for children, it is made for family holidays and groups who want space, a pool and a chef close to the beaches of the south.

The pool curves along the front of the house, framed by red sun loungers, umbrellas and the timber-latticed veranda, and it glows beautifully when lit in the evening. Beyond it, a broad lawn ringed by tropical trees is ideal for afternoon tea in the shade or a run-around for younger guests, while a glass-walled garden room with cushioned rattan chairs offers a cool, quiet corner for reading.

Inside, open-plan living and dining spaces sit beneath high ceilings, with tall windows, plush sofas, satellite television and a long rustic wooden table beside a spacious, fully equipped kitchen. Four bedrooms have queen beds and the fifth is a bright bunk room with two sets of bunks, all air-conditioned and looking out over the garden. Daily housekeeping, security and a resident chef are part of the stay, with meals charged at the cost of groceries.