Hempel House is a house of the original colonial period around a courtyard featuring a pond with tropical fish, turtles and sweet scented frangipani tree. It has been tastefully restored by the Hempel Family who have been living there for the last seven years.  It is just 10 mins from Galle Fort and fifteen minutes from Unawayuna and the beaches of Thalpe.  The house is surrounded by a lush tropical garden which is a bird watchers paradise.  Monkeys, mongoose, monitor lizards and squirrels dart amongst the trees. Whether having a lazy breakfast of Nalani’s delicious egg hoppers, or a long lunch of Sri Lankan curry, sambals and chutneys, (all from local produce or catch of the day) this is a place to relax and unwind. The open dining room faces onto the jungle, where women collecting firewood and buffalo stroll past. The house with its internal courtyard and pond is designed along the lines of a Buddhist mandala.

Guests can swim at Thalpe beach just fifteen minutes away, relax around the pool or play in the garden.  If you are feeling more active the shops, restaurants and hotels of UNESCO world heritage protected Galle Fort are just ten minutes away while the surf beaches are within 20 to 30 minutes.

At sunset, stroll through village streets, past corner shop vendors and paddy fields. Light an oil lamp at the local Buddhist temple, view a private show of Kandyian dances performing the devil dance under the stars, or just listen to the night sounds of the crickets, watching the fireflies with a glass of chilled wine in hand.

At the end of a long day, curl up in one of the antique four poster beds knowing the house is secure under the watchful eye of De Silva the Night Watchman, 2 dogs and Minky the cat.

Hempel House features two living rooms, an outside/inside dining area, fully equipped modern kitchen, separate staff & Driver quarters with own facilities, washing and drying machines, 45 ft Swimming Pool and Ambalama, parking for three cars, internet (through a dongle), and is just 10 minutes from Galle Fort & 15 minutes from the beaches of Thalpe.

Nalani, our chef will offer the ‘Breakfast of the day’; this could be our local speciality of egg hoppers, string hoppers, Sri Lankan omelette, or a more Western breakfast of bacon and poached eggs from our very own organically fed chickens. Fresh tropical fruits, homemade bread and jam, freshly brewed coffee/tea are served daily.

With some notice Nalani can cook a delicious Sri Lankan lunch OR dinner, from ‘the catch of the day’ (prawns, sear fish/tuna) with a variety of fresh garden salads, vegetables and homemade chutneys.