LUNUGANGA - GEOFFREY BAWA'S COUNTRY ESTATE

In love with Bentota, Geoffrey Bawa had built a residence there with magnificent gardens. While the house and its six suites are reserved for the exclusive use of the residents, the gardens can be visited. A guided tour is available on request.

The garden is divided into 15 different areas. Access is via the entrance courtyard, which was laid out in 1947. The carriage gate is surmounted by the glass room, which has now been converted into a suite. The visit really starts with the red terrace, which gets its nickname from the laterite contained in the ground. It overlooks the water garden, a small pond located below. As you walk down to the water garden, you will see the Black Pavilion, located at the foot of the hill on which the main residence is built. Continuing along the path, you will come to Dedduwa Lake. The large area with trees and Chinese pots from the Ming period is called the Plain of Jars. After crossing it, you arrive at Cinnamon Hill House. At the foot of the hill, another house, hidden in the woods, marks the northern boundary of the property. Walking up the gravel driveway, you reach the front yard. On the left, steps lead up to the south terrace. From here, the view over the garden is absolutely magnificent. Going around the house, you arrive on the west terrace which borders the veranda and the main room of the house. The view over the lake is superb.