77 Leyn Baan
Vouge India March 2020
Elle Decor India October November 2023
Designed by interior designer Annika Fernando and located in the Galle Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka, this home makes an architectural statement fitting for it’s beautiful setting. Annika’s interpretation for the interior draws on elements and strengths of the location’s Dutch heritage, while playing with finishes and details to create a contemporary space. Walls were kept in their original aged finish contrasting with clean elegant touches that showcase the clients’ Sri Lankan contemporary art collection.
Galle Fort was originally built in 1588 by the Portuguese; then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century starting from 1649 onwards. The Fort has a colourful history and has remained a living fort until present day with a multi- ethnic and - religious population.
Managed by The One Group of Hotels
CDA005 Maharagama
Walking in to the home of renowned Architect and interior designer Chamika de Alwis, one always feels a profound slowness which makes you sit down and take a minute to reflect on your surroundings. Located facing paddy fields on the outskirts of Colombo, it is a true architectural masterpiece one should experience- preferably when invited for cocktails.
Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa
Bevis Bawa began the creation of the garden in 1929, when he moved to manage the Bawa family rubber estate. He cleared the cash crop trees, initially for his bungalow and subsequently for the variety of beautiful landscaped spaces connected by colourful and densely planted paths. In 1956 the Australian artist Donald Friend came to stay until 1962. During this time the now beautifully planted garden received an artistic boost, as the two creators worked well together; Bevis sculpting from Friend’s drawings. Throughout the garden this successful collaboration is evident in the paving stones; the anthropomorphic flower vases, a Bacchus Bird bath and various fantastical heads.
The garden was opened to the public in 1969 by which time it was already famous. Vivien Leigh, Sir Laurence Olivier, Peter Finch and Queen Ingrid of Denmark had all visited, delighting in its’ curious eccentricity and expert planting. The garden rooms surrounding the bungalow are furnished with outdoor showers, sculptures, urns and iron work. In one such space lives the bat lily, or tacca chantieri. Reminiscent of European grand design, two spaces – the water terrace and the bin pol basin – are created by mass planting. Bevis was an expert plantsman, ahead of his time. He pioneered the creation of outdoor spaces by using one species, densly planted. Bamboo frames the water terrace, with it’s dancing leaves; and the “bin pol basin” is a veritable amphitheatre of swaying plants in a gentle breeze. The plant is curculigo capitulatum, native to tropical Australia.
Baillie Street Merchants
One of the absolutely coolest places to be at in Colombo, Sri Lanka during its time was Ballie Street Merchants. Walking through an operating coffee shop after gaining a secret code via calling in, Merchants was without a doubt the place to be if in Colombo. The magnificent design is unique and a breath-taking, combining elements of old Ceylon and designed by one of Sri Lanka’s leading interior designers Annika Fernando.
Merchants has sadly shut its doors, but rumour has it the interior is still intact, hidden somewhere in the heart of Colombo’s old town Petta.
CDA 006 Kolpity
Designed as a privet home this is one of Chamika’s unique style of contemporary living with hints of colonial tones.
Designed by renowned architect and interior designer Chamika de Alwis.
Iluketiya
Located in a slice of jungle just inland from Galle, Southern Sri Lanka, Illuketia is an oasis for anyone seeking privacy and quiet, beautiful natural surroundings. The garden is a botanical wonderland with a rich diversity of flora and fauna that contribute to the surrounding harmony of sights and sounds. More here
Iluketiya is the home of Hans Höfer, a writer and artist and photographer born in Stuttgart, Germany written a travel guide to Bali and produced a whole series of travel guide books. In the late 1960s, he trekked from Europe to Asia. In Bali, he earned a living by selling his paintings of the Indonesian island to tourists. The lack of easily available information on Bali's culture and people made him, with the financial backing of a local hotel, publish the travel guide book Insight Guide: Bali in 1970.
Hanthana Estate by Chamika De Alwis
Hanthana is recognised as one of the most picturesque regions in the Sri Lankan Hill Country. The Estate is a beautifully restored bungalow dating from the British colonial era, located in the middle of tea plantations with panoramic views over the beautiful surrounding forests. The gardens are divided by one side being a perfectly manicured English garden, and the other being lush and wild grown which was part of the vision by the architect Chamika to keep untouched.
Renovation and Designed by renowned architect and interior designer Chamika de Alwis.
Maniumpathy
Maniumpathy is a stately house, which has been home to five generations of a family originating in Jaffna, in the North of Sri Lanka. During its history spanning over a century, it has evolved at the hands of the different members of the family who have lived there.
The colonial structure that existed has been added over time to give the hours the unique character it has today. Each room is named after a woman from a different generation of the family.
Interior and new wing Designed by renowned architect and interior designer Chamika de Alwis.
Peter’s Shoe Box by Sahran Abeysundara
Bought by Peter Sanders during the twilight of his life, Peter commissioned renowned Interior Designer Sahran Abeysundara to create a unique space. The property was located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Dutch Fort in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately these images are the only remaining proof the property exited which was torn down after Peter’s time.
42 Lighthouse Street by TARU Villas
Owned by well known international cricketer Mahela Jayawardene, 42 Lighthouse Street is an award winning private villa in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort. The Galle Fort, which as mentioned above dates back to the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods; nowadays boasts of award winning boutique hotels, excellent restaurants, cafes & shops. The Fort has in interesting history and a multi- ethnic and - religious population.
