Charming Satori floats serenely in a sea of green. Mature trees, unwieldy creepers, obedient lawns and borders brimming with colourful flowers transform this four-bedroom manor house into an enchanting oasis of calm. Delightfully homely, Satori is enhanced by a watery-blue swimming pool, an abundance of relaxing spots, an open-walled spa and stunning jungle views that gently persuade you to stay in and carelessly indulge. However, while its seemingly distant location 65m high on a hillside feels delightfully remote, it’s actually only a ten minute drive to reach some of Galle’s best beaches, shops and restaurants as well as the historic fortress of Galle herself, making it perfect for anyone – families, groups of friends, even a couple maybe – looking for an idyllic escape where they can be pampered in privacy; Satori is looked after by a team of five staff who keep the house clean and tidy and shop and cook for you on demand.

Satori was once the home of Upali Gamage, a respected village elder who solved all manner of disputes between the residents of the village. He was involved in agriculture, and surrounding his self-built 150-year-old modest hillside home were crops of cinnamon, tea and rice that were processed locally alongside enough fruit and vegetables to sustain him and his family throughout the year. After his death, the house passed through three generations until it was eventually sold to the present British owner six years ago. However, Upali’s story continues as the current housekeeper is actually one of his great grandchildren, and many of his relations still live in the houses bordering the two-and-a-half acre land. Satori continues to support the local community: ten percent of rental revenue is donated by the owner to needy local causes.

Satori means ‘spiritual awakening’ and is indeed a beautifully serene place to find inspiration; Buddha statues and paintings abound whilst pavilions scattered in the garden are perfect for yoga and meditation, especially as professional teachers can visit for one-on-one sessions. Comfort surrounds you at Satori, whether you’re inside the cosy house or beside the pool watching the flight of birds, the chase of squirrels or the leaps of passing monkeys in the trees. From the top of the land the views are spectacular; sit upon granite boulders and gaze across the misty canvas of rural Galle right out to the deep blue ocean beyond. At sunset, it’s breathtaking.

• BBQ
• Bed Linen
• Board Games/Toys
• Car
• Car Parking
• Air-con (Bedrooms)
• Baby Cot
• Computer
• DVD Library
• DVD Player
• Ceiling Fans
• Fax
• Hairdryers
• High Chairs
• Internet (WiFi)
• Iron/Board
• Equipped Kitchen
• Laundry Service (Sent out)
• Book Selection
• Main Dining (6 persons)
• Massage Beds
• Food Menu
• Oven/Hotplates
• Extra Bed (Roll away/mattress)
• Safe
• CD Player/Stereo System
• Swimming Pool (Private)
• Table Tennis
• Towels
• TV (Satellite/Cable)
• Washing Machine
• Security
• Shopper
• Masseuse/Spa Therapist
• Driver (24 hours)
• Manager
• Chef/Cook (All meals)
• Babysitter
• Housekeeping (Full time)

Period	Net Rates
from 1 May 2012 to 30 June 2012	$ 330
from 1 July 2012 to 31 August 2012	$ 440
from 1 September 2012 to 31 October 2012	$ 330
from 1 November 2012 to 17 December 2012	$ 440

A steep driveway leads up to Satori, which has been built on the side of a hill, with the two main buildings both overlooking the tranquil blue swimming pool that sits at the centre of the property. Immediately to the left of the entrance is the Coach House. A few years old, this building has a large and airy master bedroom suite on the first floor. Comprising an open-sided double bedroom with terracotta tiled floor, ceiling fans, sofa seating, soft muslin drapes for walls and views towards the pool, gardens and house, there’s also a small single room ideal for children (or dressing) and a bathroom with open-air shower. Doors lead from the rear of the bedroom onto the hillside behind.

Up a flight of stone steps from the Coach House is the main house which sits back from the swimming pool and is encircled by a deep, pillared, wrap-around verandah bordered by a reflective pond that divides it from the front lawn. There’s a formal dining table on the verandah whilst to either side are areas designed for relaxation overlooking the goldfish pond or the jungly reaches of the garden.

At either end of the house are two almost identical air conditioned suites – Frangapani and Thambilli. Each has a concrete platform four-poster double bed with mosquito netting, a wardrobe, a ceiling fan and an ensuite bathroom with shower.

At the centre of the house is a spacious living room with sofas, a satellite TV and DVD player, selection of books and even a spare double bed so that it could double up as another bedroom if necessary. Mimosa – a triple bedroom – opens onto the living room and comprises two antique four-poster single beds on the ground floor and a further single bed on a mezzanine level reached by a steep mahogany staircase. Cooled by both fan and air conditioning, this bedroom has a particularly atmospheric open-air, bamboo-walled bathroom with concrete tub, twin showers and toilet.

To the rear of the house is an open-plan kitchen with all the basics for cooking. To the far side is a small bamboo-walled guest toilet with shower that leads towards the Summer House which can be used for massages, as a writer’s studio or even as a fifth bedroom.

In the lower reaches of the garden are a newly built (yoga) hall and cushion-furnished ambalama (resting place).

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