Inspired by a picture of a Cape Dutch house (an architectural style typical of South Africa’s Western Cape), The Dutch House has been carefully constructed by its owners on a hillside above Bandarawela town – partly to provide an example of how early Dutch settlers in Ceylon might have built their homes had they travelled inland. The owners chose the location not only for its peace and privacy but also because of the refreshing climate for which this region is renowned.

The Dutch House’s distinctive embellished arched gables and symmetrical facade are typical design features from the Cape, whilst the wide, pillared verandah is more common of Dutch designs found in Sri Lanka. Painted a traditional white, the three-bedroom house is surrounded by a two-acre landscaped garden with meandering pathways bursting with blooms that remain colourful year-round. Inside the house the interior decor is especially ambient: the painting above the fireplace, a copy of a Pieter de Hooch classic, is just one example of the 18th Century Dutch period features that the owners have carefully recreated in this newly built house. Black and white floors, hand-painted Delft tiles, an imposing log-burning fireplace, and original antique doors and windows continue the theme.

In each bedroom, furniture is handpicked for individuality and colonial appeal whilst bathrooms are sensibly modern. Hardwood floors, an antique staircase and loft-style bedrooms with exposed beams, give the property a cottage-like feel. The villa is fully-staffed and the cook prepares food on a half-board basis according to a daily menu; breakfasts are given much import whilst afternoon tea and homemade cake is a real treat. The verandah is an excellent place to curl up with a good book whilst the indoor swimming pool is lovely for a refreshing dip. After dinner, the home theatre room with 8ft screen and large selection of movies is the perfect way to end the day.

• Main Dining (6 persons)
• DVD Library
• DVD Player
• Hairdryers
• Iron/Board
• Laundry Service (Sent out)
• Book Selection
• Food Menu
• Microwave
• Oven/Hotplates
• BBQ
• Bed Linen
• Board Games/Toys
• Car Parking
• CD Player/Stereo System
• Swimming Pool (Private)
• Home Theatre System
• Towels
• Housekeeping (Full time)
• Chef/Cook (All meals)
• Service Staff

Period	Net Rates
from 1 May 2012 to 31 October 2012	$ 834

Running all the way along the front of The Dutch House, supported by elegant white columns, is a wide, furnished verandah, providing a comfortable shady place to while-away the day. Inside, on the ground floor, is a reception and dining room with high, beamed ceiling and black and white chequer-board floor. To the far side of this room a fireplace, with high mantel and hand-painted Delft tiles, is particularly redolent of a period Dutch property. A sofa and a winged armchair face the fireplace, whilst a custom-made dining table with seating for six is positioned at the other end of the room towards the door. A glass-fronted cabinet with a collection of precious porcelain is complimented by copies of famous Dutch paintings adorning the walls.

Below the reclaimed timber staircase which leads up to the first floor from the reception area is a beautiful powder blue antique doorway (typical of Dutch Ceylon) to a modern kitchen, which is for staff use only.

Upstairs the rooms are characterised by hardwood floors and exposed timber beams. On each side of the house are double bedrooms with queen-size four-poster beds and modern ensuite bathrooms with shower and toilet. They are similarly sized and enhanced by choice colonial furnishings such as rattan chairs, intimate dressing tables and Dutch chests topped with interesting reading material. Views are towards the side garden and the hills. Between the two double rooms is a small twin bedroom featuring a dorma window with cushioned seating to either side. This bedroom has a built-in cupboard and small dressing table as well as a bathroom, just a few steps across the landing, with tub and overhead shower.

Immediately next to the main house, in a purpose-built room with partially glazed roof and elegant French windows which open out onto the garden, is an unheated swimming pool where guests can enjoy a refreshing dip day or night. A short walk up the hill from the main house, in a stand-alone building, is the home theatre room where, with a little notice, you can watch a movie (choosing from a selection of 150) in air conditioned comfort on the 8ft screen with HD projector and surround sound.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Name: *

Email: *

Phone number:

Subject:

Enter your message: *

Security check.
Apologies for the inconvenience but this is to prevent automated spam, and we appreciate your patience. Please enter the code seen below to submit the form: