Ocean’s Edge, South Coast, Sri Lanka

As its name suggests, this secluded property sits within a whisper of the ocean; just footsteps away from the warm turquoise sea. From the tranquillity of the front verandah you can watch the waves crashing therapeutically onto a golden beach often visited by marine turtles whilst coconut palms in the extensive garden sway softly overhead, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. Bright green parrots noisily dance between the trees, butterflies provide flashes of colour and the crescendo of chirruping crickets reaches its peak come nightfall. For nature lovers and outdoorsy types, this four-bedroom property is perfect. Twenty three acres of land offer much opportunity for exploration, whilst the sandy beach is a delight for walkers as it extends for miles to the east and west.

The villa itself is light, airy and very generously proportioned. Multiple sets of tall arched doors open onto balconies with panoramic views of the garden and sea. Cool polished floors, high ceilings and pillared verandahs are reminiscent of the colonial era, even though interiors are a blend of antique and contemporary furnishings and the property was only built in 2004. Cushioned seating and dining tables in and around the villa make relaxing a treat and dining a pleasure as there is always something to watch – from birds in the trees to ships bobbing atop the deep blue sea. After only a few hours in this secluded, tranquil environment, time vanishes without import and stresses and strains simply melt away. Ocean's Edge is a place where friendships and family bonds can truly be renewed.

For its space, room configuration and extensive gardens this villa is a great choice for families. A large T-shaped swimming pool, surrounded by a wide deck scattered with sun loungers, lies to the back of the house whilst indoor entertainment is provided in the TV room. A small staff team are on hand to cook and clean for you (provisions at cost), although the large well-equipped kitchen is freely available for guests’ use too. There are no restaurants or shops within walking distance; you need to head into Tangalle (16km) for such diversions. Otherwise, you can just enjoy the seclusion of this rural location or embark upon exciting half-day trips to wildlife-filled national parks such as Yala, Uda Walawe and Bundala.

Ocean's Edge is located in the tiny rural village of Thillawatawana, a short distance from Kahandamodera, where most of the local population make their living from fishing and farming. There is very little surrounding the property’s extensive grounds except a few houses enveloped by pretty, colourful gardens that you will see as you make your way to the villa. The location is very rural with paddy fields and small lotus-strewn lakes surrounded by scrubland visited by many birds. The beach to the front of Ocean's Edge (often visited by marine turtles) extends east across some boulders towards Kalametiya wetlands and the red barren earth of Ussangoda, whilst to the west it reaches back to Tangalle via Rekawa, home to the island’s only protected turtle sanctuary. Banks with ATMs and money changing facilities as well as basic pharmacies and supermarkets can be found in Tangalle.  Read More/Google Map

Steps lead up from the driveway onto a deep, pillared verandah overlooking the swimming pool. Here there’s a table with bench seating for six, a handful of relaxing chairs, ceiling fans to keep you cool and speakers perched on the rafters so you can sit outside and enjoy music to suit your mood. The CD player is located just inside the hallway of the house.

Tall arched doors take you into a wide entrance hall furnished with twin sofas, leading through to the front verandah where cushioned rattan sofa seating as well as a dining table for eight and a smaller breakfast table for four overlook the sea. To the far right of the hallway is a spacious kitchen fitted with black granite worktops, a centre island and plenty of equipment for cooking including a large oven, microwave and dishwasher. Also on the ground floor is an elongated air-conditioned TV room with satellite channel TV and DVD player as well as an attached guest toilet with shower.

All four bedrooms at Ocean's Edge offer tranquil sea or garden views through arched doorways that open onto either the balcony (which encircles most of the first floor) or the ground floor verandah. All bedrooms feature four-poster beds draped with soft mosquito netting, can be fan-cooled or air-conditioned, and offer ensuite bathrooms with showers. On the ground floor, opposite the TV room, is a narrow single-bedded room furnished also with a baby’s cot and two-seater sofa.

Two sets of stairs lead up from the rear of the house to the first floor bedrooms. From the main staircase, access to the master bedroom is through a small room furnished with a child’s bed and a sofa (this bedroom’s ensuite houses the villa’s only bathtub). The large master bedroom features a high timber ceiling and polished cement floors plus four sets of arched doors opening onto the front balcony where there’s sea view sofa seating for four. As well as a double bed, furnishings in the bedroom include a sofa and twin oriental wardrobes. Doors from the master connect to the twin room.

The twin bedroom features two double beds and twin wardrobes. In keeping with the twin theme, this room’s ensuite provides two showerheads. The final bedroom (with double bed) on this floor has three sets of arched doors opening onto the side verandah with sweeping sea views. It is best accessed by the second staircase that leads up from the kitchen.