Number 11

Introduction

Number 11, the late Geoffrey Bawa’s private villa in Colombo, is now open to guests and much of the house remains unchanged in his memory. Only the two-bedroom Visitor’s Suite in this heritage property is rented to guests with the rest of the property kept intact for those that come by to learn of this world famous architect. Geoffrey Bawa lived in Number 11 for forty years and it functioned as his town house at the times when he had not escaped to his favourite garden retreat - Lunuganga in Bentota.

Number 11 is a compact, three-storey villa that has been featured in many a book on Geoffrey Bawa and Sri Lankan architecture. It incorporates Bawa’s signature architectural features of courtyards and verandahs. Enter through the main doorway into the carport where Bawa’s exquisite vintage cars – a Rolls Royce and Mercedes Coupe- are parked. The ground floor consists of the living & dining areas, Bawa’s bedroom and office room kept in its original state with his private collections of Sri Lankan art and sculpture; and personally designed furniture and light fittings are all still in place. The office room houses his collection of books and architectural drawings of all that he has created over the years – beautiful private homes, hotels and public buildings. The ground floor can be accessed only with prior permission from the Bawa Trust office that also conducts official tours of the ground floor. Number 11 as well as Lunuganga is managed by the Geoffrey Bawa Trust.

The Visitor’s Suite is located on the first floor and consists of two bedrooms and a spacious sitting room. Guests also have access to the roof top terrace. Number 11 can accommodate up to three guests and is given to only one party at a time on a BB basis. Lunch and dinner is not served. Due to the many artifacts, heritage wall coverings, and furniture from Bawa’s private collections found in the Visitor’s Suite, children below 17 years are not permitted.

Accommodation

The Visitor’s Suite consists of a double room and a single room that shares one bathroom with h/w shower. The bedrooms are well furnished and have a/c and overhead fans.

Facilities

The Visitor’s Suite has a spacious living room with furniture, art and sculptures from Bawa’s collection still in place. Sri Lankan or western breakfast is served in the main ground floor dining room. There is also a rooftop terrace for spending a quite morning surrounded by tall tropical trees and bird call. Books on Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lankan architecture and heritage are available for purchase at the Bawa Trust office on the ground floor.

Why we like it

A simple and stylish Colombo house which tells you more about Geoffrey Bawa's beliefs and personality.

Location

Number 11 is an iconic, heritage property in Colombo where Sri Lanka’s architectural guru, the late Geoffrey Bawa, lived and worked. One hour south of the international airport.