Villa Modarawatta

Introduction

Villa Modarawatta is a refurbished 150-year-old walauwa on the banks of Koggala Lake. This wonderful old walauwa was once the idyllic setting for the Sinhala film classic `Gamperaliya’. It has been caringly refurbished maintaining its traditional architecture of courtyards and verandahs, ornate doors and windows and timber roofs. The interiors are spacious with Dutch period antiques and local art. The sprawling gardens spread across two acres of coconut and fruit trees that attract numerous birds. A large fig tree stands tall at the entrance. Lay in a planter’s chair on the verandah and gaze out on to the lake as fisherman lay their nets and cormorants patiently await their catch. A train on the southern railway chugs by from time to time but only briefly disturbs the peace. Villa Modarawatta is rented by the room or as a whole and can accommodate up to eight guests. Bookings are accepted for a minimum of two night’s stay and the entire villa needs to be booked for families with children under 12 years.

Accommodation

There are four double bedrooms furnished with four-poster antique beds fitted with mosquito netting. In-room facilities include overhead ceiling fans, tea/coffee facility, and hairdryer. Ensuite bathrooms have h/w showers.

Super Deluxe Rooms: These two rooms are more spacious and open out to private verandahs overlooking the gardens.

Deluxe Rooms: The two Deluxe rooms are smaller in size and open on to the central courtyard.

Facilities

The living room has books, CD player, and sofas; there is also wifi. Right around is a spacious verandah opening out to the garden and lake views. Eat in the dining room which has a 10-seater antique table, on the verandah or in the garden under the shade of a Frangipani tree. Sri Lankan and western cuisine is served. Fresh juices, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are available. The swimming pool is set amidst tall trees and overlooks the lake. There is a garden pavilion by the poolside where you can have a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. The gardens were landscaped by the one-time head gardener who is now the owner of Brief garden retreat. Villa Modarawatta is staffed with a manager, housekeepers, and gardeners.

Why We Like It

This contentedly old-fashioned villa is blessed by extensive tree-strewn gardens leading down to Koggala Lake.

Location

This four-bedroom guesthouse is just five minutes inland from the Galle Coast beaches and 20 minutes to Galle Fort. The journey down the Southern Highway from the airport is less than three hours or take the Air Taxi which lands in Koggala. If you are heading to the hills afterwards, we offer competitive rates on a sea plane service from Koggala Lake to Hatton.