At first glance, Hideaway looks like many of the island’s beautiful old properties. With an elegant exterior fringed by carved fretwork, triangular tiled roofs, shuttered windows and stuccoed white columns it echoes the island’s colonial past. Step over the threshold however, and you’ll notice that whilst Hideaway’s owner’s extensive renovations have retained key architectural features and preserved its classical style, their choice of furnishings, decor and facilities have also given the property a younger and more contemporary vibe. Designed as a retreat from hectic city life, Hideaway emphasizes life’s simple pleasures; releasing you from everyday stresses and strains and providing the luxurious means to relax and unwind.

This three-bedroomed, 120-year-old, village walauwe (manor house) is a serene home from home. Guests are showered with everyday comforts such as beautifully dressed beds, hearty cuisine and a cabinet packed full of movies, whilst also being treated to subtle luxuries; dreamy bathrooms with open-air jacuzzi bathtubs, a large blue-tiled swimming pool, an intimate bar and the services of an all-pampering seven-strong staff team. Hideaway’s layout makes it as great for groups and families as it does for couples and honeymooners who will adore the exclusivity and privacy of the house’s blessed rural location. Enchanting candlelit dinners under the stars, moonlit midnight swims, mouth-watering meals (restaurant-style pricing) and timeless walks into the stunning rural countryside are sure to restore and relieve even the most stressed-out, run-down and uninspired among us.

Although the house completely lives up to its name, hidden away as it is deep within the golden triangle of palm and pineapple plantations inland from Negombo, it is not so remote that there isn’t anything to do close by. Take off on a bullock cart for a unique perspective of this rural area, or cycle through villages and plantations to visit ancient temples. Trawl the local markets at Kirindiwella, go shopping in Colombo, visit the beach (both barely an hour’s drive away) or, quite simply, do nothing but read, relax and recuperate in this restful place that feels so far away from anywhere.

• BBQ
• Bed Linen
• Bicycles
• Board Games/Toys
• Car Parking
• CD Library
• Main Dining (8 persons)
• DVD Library
• DVD Player
• Ceiling Fans
• Hairdryers
• Iron/Board
• Jacuzzi
• Equipped Kitchen
• Laundry Service (In-house)
• Book Selection
• Massage Beds
• Food Menu
• Oven/Hotplates
• Extra Bed (Roll away/mattress)
• Safe
• CD Player/Stereo System
• Swimming Pool (Private)
• Toiletries
• Towels
• TV (Satellite/Cable)
• Baby Cot
• Babysitter
• Security
• Service Staff
• Shopper
• Manager
• Housekeeping (Full time)
• Chef/Cook (All meals)

Period	Net Rates
from 1 January 2012 to 31 October 2012	$ 300

An entrance porch extends from the front of the house and access inside is via two railway-sleeper walkways either side of a tranquil goldfish pond. Leading off on either side of the entrance, both overlooking the driveway and gardens, are two gorgeous bedroom suites – Moon and Sun – their respective emblems shining from plaques on the walls.

Both suites are similar in layout. Each has a double bed with soaring, four-poster-style mosquito netting and a ceiling fan on the inside (note that none of the bedrooms has air conditioning). On each pair of dark wood bedside tables are a CD player, a retro alarm clock and an oil burner. To the front of each room is a lounge area with squashy sofa, writing desk, mini fridge and kettle. Each suite also has a wall mounted safe and an area to store belongings. Ensuite bathrooms are beautifully arranged with a chain flush toilet, shower, and glass sink arranged around an open-air raised jacuzzi bathtub dreamily enveloped by green and red palms.

At the heart of the house is an open-plan living and dining area separated by an original stuccoed archway that almost spans the width of the room. A sofa area faces a TV and antique cabinet bursting with movies and music for guests to tuck into and enjoy. To the far end of the room is a dining table for eight lit by a pair of low hanging lamps.

To the left of this living space a cool bar blends the new with the old; a contemporary backlit liquor display illuminates the bumpy texture of an exposed clay wall whilst an antique cart wheel hanging above the bar has been cleverly fashioned to hold a selection of glasses. Books, games and a sound system also add to this sociable room.

Opposite the bar is the third double guestroom, Star, with amenities similar to Moon and Sun (minus the lounge area). The ensuite bathroom has a shower, sink and chain flush toilet.

To the rear of the house is a walled courtyard with alfresco dining table and built-in barbeque, plus a kitchen and staff area to one side. There’s also a pavilion beside the swimming pool with further dining table for six and a second built-in barbeque overlooking the furthest reaches of the garden.

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