It is not a secret that Sri Lanka was the favorite colony of the East. The Portuguese, The Dutch and the British administered different areas of the island for well over centuries. The only remnants of the Colonial heritage are the architecture that provides a sneak peek into the country’s colonial roots.
We came up with a list of bungalows and buildings scattered around the country, which is bound to evoke a nostalgic sense of admiration in you.
- The Adisham Bungalow
Situated in Haputale, Adisham is a bungalow that dates back to 1931. It was originally the house of the Sir Thomas Villiers, who wanted to build his dream house in the Tudor style, in order to bring a little bit of England to his life in Ceylon. The house was designed in the Tudor architectural style, drawing inspirations from the Leeds Castle in Kent. Today Adisham is a Monastery run by Benedictine monks, and only a part of the bungalow can be used by guests who are willing to spend a night in the hills.
- Richmond Castle
The Richmond Castle was built as the mansion of the Mudaliyar Arthur de Silva, in Kalutara. The forty-two acre, estate, and enormous mansion are of architectural value, as it as one of the masterpieces of the era. The house consists of 99 doorways, and the teak is said to have been imported from Burma. Tiles have been imported from Italy and Spain. The entire building is intricately designed, with beautiful carvings and stained glass depicting grape vines. However, the Mudaliyar is said to have left the castle and took up a room at the Queen’s Hotel, Kandy as he was unhappy due to the absence of a heir to his legacy.
- The Mount Lavinia Hotel
In 1806, Sir Thomas Maitland built the Mount Lavinia mansion as his official residence as the governor of Ceylon. He is rumored to have had a clandestine affair with a beautiful Sinhalese-Portuguese hybrid girl named Lovina. However, she being of the lower “Rodiya” caste, their love was taboo in the eyes of the rest of the land. A secret underground tunnel was built for Lovina to meet her lover in private. Yet, the love was short lasting as Maitland had to return to his homeland within six years. Mount Lavinia is currently named after the beautiful Lady Lavinia who stole a British Governor’s heart.
- The Galle Face Hotel
Started originally as a meeting place for Dutch gentleman, it was later converted into a business by four gentlemen who had no clue about the massive success that awaited the hotel. The hotel got its name from the neighboring Galle face green. And since it’s inception in 1864, it has been often called the best hotel east of Suez. By 1894, it was remodeled by the reputed architect Edward Skinner, into a luxurious extravagant hotel.
The above four are the most iconic feats of private architecture, achieved during the Colonial times. You would be quite surprised to hear that most of the contemporary hotels are restored mansions, bungalows, and houses of the colonial aristocracy.