Location
Kandanegedara, Sri Lanka

The elegant bungalow on this 50-acre estate reflects Old World chic that blends seamlessly with the tranquil environment. It's a place of serenity inside the balmy vibe of rural Sri Lanka, featuring touches of modern luxury that complement the stateliness of colonial architecture. The furniture is antique, the cuisine is a riot of color and flavor, and the mood is languid. A lush, immaculately manicured garden skirts the building, and features a saltwater swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, walking trails and vibrant birdlife, including multiple varieties of barbets, orioles, parrots, woodpeckers, doves, drongos and flycatchers. Beyond the garden, the foliage extends into a live organic estate, where pepper, cashew, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, lemongrass (and many more herbs and spices) are grown organically. Neatly planted rows of organic coconut, jackfruit, sour sap, tamarind, mango, and guava flourish on the estate,  grown organically and sustainably, support about 30 families in the adjacent village. A rice paddy skirts the periphery and a maze of trails runs across the estate. Spacious bedrooms have en suite, oversized bathrooms and views of the garden, plus ample seclusion in the form private balconies, patios and verandas. Each room extends into a spacious, private sitting area that looks out to a vista of foliage. All rooms have their own design aesthetic and feature unique pieces of antique furniture, high ceilings, hand-carved large four-poster beds, and air-conditioning as well as fans. Within the communal spaces you'll find ample nooks and crannies to quietly retreat. The library and large, common living and dining area are downstairs and look out across the garden and the pool.