Villa Thalpe Walawwa

Villa Thalpe Walawwa is a restored colonial manor house, a walawwa in the Sri Lankan tradition, set in large, peaceful grounds in the green countryside behind Talpe on the south coast. Long the home of a prominent local family, it keeps its old-world character of high ceilings, polished red floors, fretwork and antique furniture alongside air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Five bedrooms on a single level make it an easy, relaxed choice for families and groups of up to ten who want a quiet base within reach of the beaches and Galle.

Outside, a ten-metre pool sits at the edge of a broad manicured lawn, with loungers along its side and tropical trees all around. There is a jacuzzi, a yoga space and barbecue equipment for evenings in the garden, and guests have enjoyed picking from the property’s own organic vegetable garden. Birdlife is plentiful in the grounds, and the gated drive keeps the outside world at a distance.

Inside, there are several sitting areas furnished in colonial style, a separate dining room and a well-equipped kitchen. Four bedrooms have king-size four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets and the fifth has two single beds, all with air conditioning, a coffee maker and a safe, and two adjoining king suites form a private garden bungalow. One suite is named after Sri Lanka’s first woman prime minister, who once stayed in the room. A team of four covers housekeeping, the garden, security and cooking, with daily breakfast included and lunch and dinner available from a menu.