fort.

Despite touches of modernity in the form of terrazzo floors, air conditioning and TVs/DVD players, we thought that the ‘Old Lady’ felt more old-fashioned than fashionably colonial. It is, however, kept spick and span by the friendly staff who are led by a manager who made every effort to help and please.  The female staff and the manager share the cooking, and each has their own speciality dish. Guests may also self-cater as and when they wish.

We also noticed that bedrooms and bathrooms in the ‘Old Lady’ were a little smaller and darker than the ‘Young Lady’s’ rooms, which opened straight onto the pool and garden. For in-villa entertainment there’s a good stock of DVDs and CDs, as well as five iPod docks, and for things to do beyond the villa there are a number of restaurants, shops, activities and beaches within a 15-minute drive.

or intimate depending upon the occasion. Whilst the villa enjoys a quiet, rural location beside Bird Lake, Hikkaduwa is only three kilometres away. The villa has a few restaurants located within walking distance which means that if you don’t feel like cooking, you don’t have far to go to eat out. The White House manager, Chaminda, is also the manager of Sun Beach Hotel in Hikkaduwa and can arrange a chef to come to the house to cook for you with advance notice; rice and curry is recommended! The housekeeper, who lives in the gatehouse, assists self-catering guests and is on hand to make tea and coffee for you throughout the day. Although he speaks little English, he is slowly learning and does understand guests’ needs. Chaminda can be called at any time to assist with more complex queries - local calls from the house telephone are free – and the villa has a very detailed information guide. The kitchen is well equipped and basic supplies can be bought from the local shop. The villa doesn’t have a washing machine; however there is a laundry service available (additional cost). Adjoining the villa, though separated by a wall and a 1.5m drop, is sister property, the White House at Bird Lake No. 1. Renting both villas together is a good option for a couple of families or a large group of friends. If you need to take a three-wheeler to travel locally the housekeeper can arrange it for you, and Chaminda can organise the hire of a car and driver or a motorbike if you want to go further afield.