Ivory House

Surrounded by the rich pastures of Koggala, Ivory House is an ornate, four-bedroomed property of sophisticated charm, blending colonial features with contemporary design. Hidden beneath the swaying palms with views across a tapestry of verdant rice paddies, this secretive enclave on the south coast of Sri Lanka is a serene destination and an expanse of ultimate tranquillity, with little in the environs to disturb the peace.

The island is quickly evolving into the luxury travel destination of choice among the jetsetters, leading to an array of exquisite properties appearing across the shoreline. Few preserve the cultural heritage that is so imbued in the island’s history, yet Ivory House has managed to make this front and centre, capturing the very essence of this tropical isle while affording maximum comfort to all who have the fortune of staying in this magical residence.

Within spitting distance of a UNESCO World Heritage Site lies Ivory House, a bastion of timeless tradition that shares its enchanting heritage through an elegant, refined design. Bask in the glory of the property prior to heading to Fort Galle, which is just a few kilometres down the road and is the former Dutch stronghold of the island. A mesmeric array of winding alleys leads you through the pretty citadel, showcasing the progress this tropical paradise has made over the centuries.

To the east, seek out the surf on Weligama beach, a world-renowned beach break that attracts beginners and pro-surfers alike; or head in search of nature’s greatest spectacle and join a whale watching tour from the harbour at Mirissa. From this idyllic spot, the true beauty of the island is at guests’ fingertips all-the-while being just two-hours from the main airport – life doesn’t get much sweeter.

Bringing forth the age-old influences of the ancient Dutch colonists, Ivory House melds the traditional with the contemporary in an exquisite structure of refined beauty. A generous pool provides a retreat from the midday heat while expansive terraces overlook wonderfully luscious rice paddies. An open-plan living area welcomes in the cooling breeze, making full use of retractable bi-fold doors, and inviting sofas offer respite should one feel the need to recline in front of the flat-screen TV. An ebony table stretches the length of the dining room – a magisterial setting for evening banquets or intimate dates – or set yourselves on the veranda and inhale the chill of the evening air to the sounds of wildlife frolicking in the canopy above.

Each of the four bedrooms is delightfully decadent focusing on crisp white interiors and sensual natural lighting. Two master suites boast four-poster beds with one enjoying the luxury of an exclusive private terrace, and each enjoys an equally ebullient ensuite replete with polished wood and naturally sleek stone surfaces. The guest bedrooms offer double beds and outdoor ensuites; step into the privacy of your own outdoor shower and feel at one with the wider world.

Ivory House is a bastion of Sri Lanka’s heritage, harking back to a bygone era when the Dutch colonists once ruled supreme. Blending European influences with island colour, a sublime setting results that exhibits a playful charm alongside a sophisticated, yet minimalist, interior design. With plentiful entertainment on-site - including iPod docking, satellite TV, WiFi and an optional spa service - groups of all ages will delight at this wondrous location.

The attentive staff will assist with every need, a villa manager is available to arrange any number of activities, while housekeeping will ensure the property is run to its own high standards. Your very own chef will provide a daily breakfast and guests have the choice of enlisting his skills to deliver the best of seafood barbecues for evening meals; you will never see a platter to rival this one. In the shady surrounds of this coastal idyll, to recline to the aroma of grilled lobster is to drift into a dream world, hoping never to return.