Kandy House
Kandy

Surrounded by lush vegetation and vibrant paddy fields this colonial mansion is just four miles from the bustle of the ancient city of Kandy. Kandy House is a wonderful example of understated Hill Country splendour.

Built in 1804 by the local chief Ratwatte Adigar, it has been renovated sensitively to blend traditional Kandyan architecture with Dutch colonial furniture, luxurious Sri Lankan hand loom fabrics, inviting sofas and ottomans, beautifully appointed bathrooms, and elegant touches of colour. All rooms are air conditioned. The new and the old complement each other to create an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort.

The architecture is solid but inviting with its wide arches, stone pillars, steep-pitched roofs and chairs with brightly upholstered cushions. Airy walkways connect the various parts of the house as it cascades down the gently sloping site. On the lowest tier, an expansive infinity pool fringed by dappled lawn and jungle give way to sublime views of the Kandyan countryside.

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus