What You Get
Internet (WiFi)
Swimming Pool (Private)
TV (Satellite/Cable)
The Experience
A scenic setting on the edge of a valley of rice fields injects this four-bedroom family friendly house with an authentic rural vibe, while the gorgeous 20m lap pool and gardens brimming with wildlife only add to its outdoor appeal. Scattered almost invisibly within the palm-pricked fringes of this ocean of rice are village homes, their occupants often to be seen traversing the muddy paddy bunds on foot or precariously by bicycle. At dawn, when mist creeps above the marshy fields and tangles itself in the fringing vegetation, the distant crow of cockerels and temple chants linger in the air. Depending upon the time of year, farmers may be tending to their crops or herding buffalo through the harvested plots.
Ivory House is a part-old, part-new sunset-facing country villa. The main portion of the house, home to the expansive living room and two small ensuite bedrooms, has stood for over 70 years, whilst the newer extension – its differentiation almost invisible to the eye – tags onto the side, and hosts a kitchen/dining galley area and two big ensuite master bedrooms. Although many of the original timber windows have been retained in the old wing of the house and complemented by artefacts such as antique typewriters and fans, the wide folding doors, minimal decor and soft furnishings provide contemporary relevance too. The stylish living room, furnished with squashy sofas and floor lamps verges on a retro aesthetic.
An able staff team care of everything at the house, and the experienced cook can prepare a variety of western and Sri Lankan dishes (all groceries on guest account) to be enjoyed either indoors or on the front veranda overlooking the theatre of rural village life. Although the nearest beaches and restaurants are a ten-minute drive away, Kahanda Kanda hotel, 2.5km distant, is an attractive local dining venue.
Our review
- Overall Rating:
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7.6
- Reviewed:
- 05-Nov-2014
An elegant four-bedroom family hideaway in the rural environs of Galle.
The villa’s wraparound veranda makes the most of the rural environs, and although it is scantily furnished with only a round table for six, there are loungers in the garden and beside the pool. Wide folding doors bridge the gap between indoors and out, and thanks to their location to the front of the house, the huge living room and the front master suite benefit most from the rural vistas. The second master bedroom is tucked behind, but has its own side veranda, whilst the remaining two bedrooms – one of which is very small and would suit a single traveller, a child or perhaps even a nanny – open onto the living room.
The staff looked after us well and we were happy with the chef’s cooking – amongst other items, his sweet potato and coriander soup was delicious. We’d also recommend the Sri Lankan breakfast. Also try to visit the nearby Kahanda Kanda hotel for afternoon tea or a meal at least once during your stay.
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 9 | Location: | 7 | Outside Area: | 8 |
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| Living Area: | 8 | Bedrooms: | 7 | Bathrooms: | 7 |
| Kitchen: | 7 | Facilities: | 7 | Staff: | 8 |
| Value: | 8 |
Highlights
The 20m swimming pool was ideal for working off a little of the chef’s good cooking. The ‘village in the jungle’ setting was picturesque and a stay here allowed us to immerse ourselves in Sri Lanka’s rural heartlands without being too far from the beach. We loved the oversized lounger in the tropical garden for watching the sun set over the paddy fields. The garden is also a haven for birds and wildlife including mongoose, lizards, chipmunks and monkeys.
Surprises
Since this is a village locale, expect to hear cockerels crowing, the faint hum of music, temple chanting and children playing (especially during holidays and festival times). In three of the bedrooms you shower in a courtyard; though perfectly private, this might not suit all. The villa is a little off the beaten track, so having your own transport is recommended (staff can assist with organising three-wheelers or hire cars).
PROs
- Scenic setting beside rice fields
- Immersive rural village locale
- Stunning 20 metre lap pool
- Wildlife often visits the garden
- Chef prepares delicious food
CONs
- Location feels slightly remote
- Three of four showers are outdoors
Gallery
Location
The villa is located near the village of Angulugaha, a ten-minute drive inland from Habaraduwa and Koggala beaches. The villa’s valley view is shared with a few other neighbouring homes and the house is set in an authentic Sri Lankan rural locale. Although you’ll find restaurants, banking facilities and grocery stores back in the market town of Habaraduwa and along the beach in Koggala, one of the most atmospheric fine-dining spots is fortunately close by (2.5km), at the fabulous Kahanda Kanda boutique hotel. Located on its own hilltop tea plantation, the food here (and afternoon tea) is excellent and its setting very unique. It will take you 25 minutes to reach historic Galle Fort by tuk-tuk or car.
Places of Interest(KMs) |
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| Habaraduwa | 5.0 |
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| Handunugoda Tea Factory | 6.5 |
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| Koggala | 8.0 |
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| Wijeya Beach | 10.0 |
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| Galle Fort | 15.0 |
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| Weligama | 20.5 |
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| Mirissa | 26.0 |
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| Tangalle | 70.0 |
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| Colombo | 136.0 |
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| Bandaranaike Airport | 162.0 |
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About Galle
The historic city of Galle is one of the island’s biggest attractions. Once the most important port of Sri Lanka, Galle’s natural harbour attracted seafaring traders long before the arrival of the fort-building European colonialists who were to turn it into a flourishing market town.
Galle’s new town is a hive of activity where bustling lanes overflow with excitable shoppers, and hawkers of luscious fruits, fish and vegetables loudly promote their wares. The newly created promenade along the sea is a picturesque place to walk and contemplate the oceanic scene as fishermen, yachts and navy boats come and go from the harbour.
In stark contrast to the busy town of Galle, the sleepy, historic fort offers serenity and calm and a journey back into time. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its seventeenth-century ramparts are filled with an evocative collection of period properties, intimate boutiques, interesting museums and tiny cafes while its nostalgic ambiance and cosmopolitan vibe further highlight its charm. Things to do in Galle include a visit to the international cricket stadium which is located between the old and new town and is famed for having one of the most picturesque backdrops in the world. There’s a railway station, along with plenty of banks, ATMs, pharmacies, shops, restaurants, money changing facilities and supermarkets in town.
About South Coast
Stretching between Galle and Hambantota, the south coast is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka. Characterised by historically significant fortified towns, numerous picture-perfect palm-fringed beaches, a sultry turquoise sea, swathes of iridescent green paddy fields fringed by lush green jungle, ancient Buddhist temples, expansive waterways, nature-filled rainforests and tea-carpeted hills it offers enough variety to be a destination in itself; fabulous for families, groups and couples alike.
Galle is one of the region’s most significant attractions for its sixteenth century Dutch fort filled with an evocatively rich collection of buildings, boutiques, museums and luxury digs that hug a peninsular to the south of town. Galle’s popular beaches are better-facilitated, more developed and safer for swimming than those in and around Tangalle, but the further you travel east the more expansive, deserted and nature-filled they become.
Surfing, snorkelling, diving, whale watching, sailing, fishing and kayaking can all be done along this magnificent stretch of coastline as well as cycling, walking and trying your hand at Sri Lankan cookery. Inland, the scene varies as the westerly wet zone’s lush jungle interior gives way to the arid dry zone plains a little beyond Tangalle. Taking off by bicycle is often the best way to explore the hills, plains, sanctuaries and jungle whilst a boat is a must to navigate the scenic lakes and rivers that wind in between.
Some of Sri Lanka’s most popular national parks – Uda Walawe for elephants and Yala for leopards and bears – as well as a trio of its most accessible rainforests – Sinharaja, Kottawa and Kanneliya - are easily visited on a day or overnight trip from anywhere along the south coast.
Rooms
Ivory House comprises an original 70-year-old house and a newer extension, fronted by a long granite-tiled wraparound veranda elevated above the garden. There are four bedrooms; two master suites and two guest rooms, all of which come with their own ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning and ceiling fans.
The front master suite opens onto the veranda (with paddy field views) whilst the second master opens onto a terrace at the side. Each has hardwood flooring, a four-poster Dutch-style king-size bed swathed in mosquito netting, side tables with lamps, a wardrobe and an antique Dutch chest. The front bathroom has twin sinks, a bathtub and a shower whilst the back bathroom has a single sink and open-air courtyard shower. The two smaller bedrooms in the older portion of the house open onto the living room. Each has a double sleigh bed and a partly outdoor bathroom with shower.
The villa’s retro-feel living room is spacious; from the comfy slate-grey sofas you can look out through wide solid folding doors to the garden and paddy beyond. Giant yellow desk style floor lamps provide a warm glow at night and the glass coffee table is topped with magazines and hardback interior design tomes. To one side is a long cabinet home to a music system (speakers are wall-mounted in here and in the dining area), DVD player and library of DVDs whilst a big, flat-screen satellite TV perches on top.
Between the living room and master suites is an elongated room with bench-style dining to the front and an open-plan well-equipped galley kitchen to the rear, clad in ivory-coloured cement. There is also a guest washroom. The ebony dining table, beneath giant low-hanging bulbs, seats up to ten and overlooks the garden and paddy fields. A second dining table for six furnishes the front veranda.
Key Amenities
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Internet (WiFi)
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Swimming Pool (Private)
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TV (Satellite/Cable)
Other Amenities
- Air-con (Bedrooms)
- Baby Cot
- BBQ
- Bed Linen
- Car Parking
- CD Player/Stereo System
- Ceiling Fans
- Coffee Machine
- DVD Library
- DVD Player
- Equipped Kitchen
- Hairdryers
- High Chairs (On Request)
- iPod Dock/Speakers
- Landline Phone (Local Calls)
- Laundry Service (Extra)
- Main Dining (10 persons)
- Microwave
- Oven/Hotplates
- Printer
- Safe
- Towels
Villa Staff
- Chef/Cook (All meals)
- Garden/Pool Staff
- Housekeeping (Full time)
- Security (Night time only)
- Service Staff
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An elegant country villa overlooking a lowland valley of paddy fields, with 4 bedrooms, generous living spaces, a modern open-plan kitchen and a helpful team of staff. Enveloped by a lush palm-spiked tropical garden, Ivory House also has a gorgeous lap pool that takes full advantage of the rural vistas.
http://www.thevillaguide.com/villa/ivory-house.aspx
