If you’ve been looking for that unique second home to retreat to when you’re closing on burnout, to retire to with your partner and have the grandchildren over during school holidays, or even as an investment option, we’ve rounded up an assortment of exotic abodes to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.
LUXURIOUS HIDEAWAY
Set on a hilltop (65m) in Unawatuna a mere 5km from the Galle Fort and 3km from the nearest beach, this refurbished colonial abode actually comprises three villas totalling to seven bedrooms. Lush tropical gardens surround the villas while at the highest point of the property a lookout deck with separate access offers breathtaking views of the surrounding jungles and ocean. A yoga pavilion with an all-encompassing view of the surrounding greenery, a spa room and infinity pool combine to make it truly luxurious living.
Bedrooms: 7
Location: Unawatuna, Galle
Land extent: 266 perches
Price: Rs139 million
Agent: Hugh Alexander
MINIMALIST FANTASY
With open and airy spaces and a stylish, minimalist feel, this 3,660 square foot house – and separate garage/studio space – rests on over 100 perches of landscaped garden and is cut in half by an open air pond. Large rukattana trees dot the rear of the house where the ensuite bedrooms are located while an infinity pool (12m x 5m) lies in the front garden. A short walk away lies the Dalawella beach while Galle Fort is a 10-minute drive away.
Bedrooms: 3 + 1 (in separate garage)
Location: Talpe, Galle
Land extent: 105 perches
Price: Rs101 million
Agent: Pearl Sri Lanka
GALLE FORT GEM
Dutch style arches form the doorways, windows and passageways in this two storeyed furnished white house in the UNESCO heritage site of Galle Fort, while pillars aplenty dot the extremities, holding up the roof. The inner courtyard is ideal for an intimate rustic dinner and the rooftop terrace for parties while the plunge pool is for cooling off from the afternoon heat.
Bedrooms: 5
Location: Galle Fort
Land extent: 27.5 perches
Price: Rs 455 million
Agent: Pearl Sri Lanka
CINNAMON LIFE
A furnished two-storeyed house that rests on a cinnamon estate in turn surrounded by paddy fields, it lies 15 minutes away from the surfing beaches of Midigama and Weligama. Its long veranda is furnished with sun chairs and open into a high ceilinged living room while the entire home is designed so as to let in lots of sunlight and air. A swimming pool lies at the foot of the house, which is equipped with air conditioned bedrooms and a library.
Bedrooms: 4
Location: Midigama, Matara
Land extent: 8 acres (3.2ha)
Price: Rs 220 million
Agent: Pearl Sri Lanka
ISLAND PARADISE
For those who like living large or place a hefty price on their privacy, why not eschew the mainland altogether and get yourself an island of your own. A rare island located off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, the lush 9.5 acre atoll is in close proximity to the mainland allowing for more frequent trips to the main landmass so constructing your villa is made easier whilst the ocean that lies between literally cuts you off from the rest of the country offering you undisturbed peace and quiet.
Location: Off southern coast
Land extent: 9.95 acres
Price: Rs 1.137 billion
Agent: Acquest
SLEEPY HAVEN
Commune with nature in this refurbished house hidden away in a small and sleepy village and surrounded by lush green paddy fields. (Galle and its nearby beaches are however but a 15-minute drive away if you need to rush out for groceries or feel the urge to bump into strangers.) An inner courtyard and pond lie in the middle of the house and lead to a large rectangular swimming pool surrounded by greenery.
Bedrooms: 4
Location: Galle
Land extent: 116 perches
Price: Rs 87 million
Agent: Pearl Sri Lanka