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A totally unique 5 bedroom villa on its own 2 acre island in a sheltered bay, paddling distance from the south Sri Lankan coast.
The only privately owned island in Sri Lanka, Taprobane was built in the 1920's by the eccentric English Count de Mauny as his dream home. In his book The Gardens of Taprobane, he describes his first encounter;
"Shall I ever forget that morning in September, when, quite by chance I first saw Weligama Bay, and in the centre of it the red granite rock, covered with palms and jungle scrub, rising from the Indian Ocean: an emerald in a setting of pink coral. I swam across the narrow strait, scrambled over rocks and briers, and reached the top of the rock. The view from here was admirable: below me was the Bay outspreading its long arms towards the ocean; until they were lost in the haze of the far distance; the coral reef, sparkling with the diamonds of the spray; the sea, turquoise blue, streaked with amethyst-purple. Beyond, far beyond, the bare horizon; there was nothing between me and the South Pole."
The Palladio style house is on the highest point of the 2 acre island with sweeping views of the bay and fishing village.
The house itself is planned around a central hexagonal hall and surrounded by large verandahs and terraces, it is a fantasy experience in outdoor living; perfect for honeymooners, families and anyone wanting to experience island life.
The house has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, huge verandahs and balconies and many a secluded spot to get lost in. There are 2 houseboys, a steward, chef, gardener and 2 uniformed security guards. Local drivers are on hand to take you on any local excursion, shopping trip or sightseeing tour.
Taprobane has a swimming pool, seawater rockpool, shaded verandahs, boogie boards, board games, music system (bring your own cd’s) library
Many people bring a good stack of books and hardly move from the island but there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding area:
Tea Plantations - the area around Galle has quite a few lowland plantations and excursions can be arranged.
Old Forts - Galle and Matara have well preserved Dutch Forts and lively markets.
Beaches - Unawatuna, Talpe and Mirissa are within easy reach. The beaches of Tangalle make a very pleasant day trip.
The Stilt Fishermen - sitting like large cranes perched in the sea, these fishermen provide a splendid photo opportunity and are only a few kilometers from Taprobane.
Devil Dances - local devil dances are still occasionally performed in the villages inland from Taprobane, ask the staff if any are scheduled during your stay.
Diving - can be arranged at Unawatuna, Weligama and Dickwella. For those who want to learn to dive P.A.D.I. courses can be arranged.
Surfing - the beaches at Mirissa are very good for body surfing. More serious surfing can be found in Hikkaduwa.
Overnight trips can be arranged to the National Parks of Yala and Uda Walawe, the tropical rainforest of Sinharajah, or the overnight climb to the dawn from the top of Adams Peak.
Temples and relics - there are a number within easy reach of Taprobane.
Dining - if wanting a night out, a good excursion is to go and watch the sunset from the ramparts of Galle Fort and then book for dinner at The Sun House or the Galle Fort Hotel followed possibly by a nightcap or more at one of the seaside dives at Unawatuna.
Antique Shops - the village of Ambalangoda has several antique shops offering Dutch colonial furniture.
Click for more information on:
Sri Lanka Holidays,
Sri Lanka Villas,
Sri Lanka Hotels,
Sri Lanka Tours.
Better still give us a call on 0207 112 0019 or email srilanka@fleewinter.com for free independent advice on the best places to stay.
Notes
1. Price guide at high/peak times for indicative purposes only – please contact us for a specific quote.
2. Prices quoted “per night” are usually for one room based on 2 people sharing and breakfast is also often included
3. Prices “per week” are for entire property on a self-catering basis. Extra days are charged at 1/7 th of the weekly rate.
4. All properties are fully equipped, including bath towels and bed linen.
5. Whilst every effort is made to keep details up to date individual owners may make alterations and improvements as they see fit. Clients are advised to seek confirmation for specific aspects that are particularly important to them.
6. All bookings made with Fleewinter are fully bonded under a UK Government approved scheme managed by the Association of British Travel Organisers Trust. Our ABTOT membership is 5133 and more info can be found at www.abtot.com or by calling (UK) 0845 4504 618. |
