Old Palm House

Introduction

The Old Palm House is a refurbished colonial period bungalow perched on a hillock in Heenatigala, close to Galle's upmarket beach settlement of Thalpe and a 15-minute drive from Galle itself. It is immersed in an acre of tropical greenery. The house is at one end of the gardens whilst the pool and pavilion is on a lower level. This colonial period house has been caringly refurbished retaining its original architectural features. Interiors are luxurious and furnished with antiques. The surrounding gardens and the jungles beyond are home to monkeys and numerous species of birds. The Old Palm House can comfortably accommodate up to seven guests and is ideal for a family or friends travelling together. The house is rented on a bed and breakfast basis.

Accommodation

There are four bedrooms of which two are ensuite double rooms. A third double room shares a bathroom with an adjoining single room which is ideal for a child. The bedrooms have overhead ceiling fans and large French-shuttered windows opening onto the garden and surrounding jungle. Two ensuite bathrooms have open air h/w showers and one has a bath tub.

Facilities

The spacious sitting and dining rooms open on to the gardens. The dining room has views of the Indian Ocean at a distance. The house has spacious verandahs for relaxing and taking in the views. The terraced gardens slope down to the swimming pool with a stone pool deck. A terracotta tiled ambalama (pavilion) is set by the poolside and is ideal for spending a lazy afternoon. Sri Lankan cuisine is served here prepared with fresh local produce. The Old Palm House is staffed with a cook, house keeper and gardener.

Why We Like It

The large terrace where the dining table offers commanding views of the surrounding jungle is almost at canopy level with monkeys trailing by daily.

Location

The Old Palm House is in Heenatigala, a 15-minute drive from Galle. The journey from Colombo’s International Airport will take about 2.5 hours via the Southern highway or take an Air Taxi and fly to Koggala, which is a 10-minute drive to the villa.