Villa Weligama

Villa Weligama is a classic Ceylonese house set in a big, palm-shaded garden on the coast at Weligama, on Sri Lanka’s south coast, where the lawn slopes gently towards the Indian Ocean and the sound of the sea is a constant backdrop. Kingfishers, monitor lizards and fireflies share the grounds, and Mirissa’s whale-watching boats, Galle Fort and the surf beaches of the south are all within easy reach. With four bedrooms for up to eight guests and a dedicated team of five, it suits families and friends who want a relaxed, traditional home by the sea.

Outside, a free-form pool with a rocky waterfall feature sits in the middle of a sweeping lawn, with sun loungers, umbrellas and plenty of shady spots beneath the coconut palms. Tables set out on the grass and on the deep veranda are lovely places for breakfast or a long lunch, and in the evenings the garden is softly lit, with sea views through the trees.

Inside, the bedrooms open off a charming central courtyard that is open to the sky, with white lattice screens, antique timber furniture and colourful local textiles throughout. The four bedrooms have classic four-poster beds draped in mosquito nets and air conditioning, served by three bathrooms with crisp white and blue tiling. A housekeeper, gardener and chef run the house, the chef cooking local and international dishes charged at the cost of groceries, and a car with driver can be arranged for days out.