“What’s behind the green door?” Only readers of a certain age would remember the Frankie Vaughan song of the 1ate 1950s (or the 1980s Shakin’ Stevens version) that contained that intriguing lyric. For years, curious people passing the bold brass numbers “87” on the wall of a property on the landside of the Galle Road in Bentota, have asked a similar question. “What’s behind the door?”
Fans of the architecture of Geoffrey Bawa could see his stamp on the white doors trimmed with dark blue and in the leaf patterns pressed into the concrete of the entrance drive. To get a glimpse of what is behind the door was a rare privilege, since the property was privately owned and occupied only occasionally. I did peep inside the door once, many years ago, and was astonished to see not a dry palm grove typical of most west coast vegetation, but a garden so lush it looked close to Eden.
Now, thanks to collaboration between the property’s owner and a young and enthusiastic team with Sri Lanka and Singapore connections that operates as Akasa, it is possible for guests to stay at Number 87 and discover what’s behind that door. It would be vulgar, in the face of such rich, exquisite beauty that the open door reveals, to mention price. However, an added attraction is that this whole property with four bedrooms costs less to stay in for a night than some boutique hotel suites here.
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| The Pavilion |
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| Shophouse bedroom with trademark Bawa blue shutters |
This is an early Geoffrey Bawa work of art where the garden (no less than 17-acres of it) is as compelling as the accommodation. In his book ‘Sri Lanka Style’ architect Channa Daswatte explains how the property came into existence. The original building, a shophouse, still abuts the Galle Road (behind the high wall) while the main accommodation inside the garden has been created out of an 18th century two-storey house, dismantled and re-located from the opposite side of the Galle Road. “Both were rescued from almost certain demolition and oblivion by Lydia Duchini Gunasekera, an Italian sculptor,” writes Daswatte.
The marshland beyond the shophouse was acquired and gradually transformed during the 1960s into a water garden that today -– thanks to conservation and good care throughout the decades -- flourishes with tamarind, breadfruit, banyan trees and creepers as part of the cluster of luxuriant vegetation. Paths wind through jungle to reveal unexpected follies like a faux ruined chapel, gaunt arches, a statue of a South African bull, huge jars. It is an amazing garden to explore and enjoy, yet only yards from the traffic screeching along the Galle Road.
The buildings, too, are fascinating – a blend of ancient architecture and Bawa’s contemporary touches. Everywhere there are unusual antiques, many bringing a smile and a gasp at their ingenious use. Hidden among trees is a narrow lap pool, perhaps 30m long and flecked with frangipani flowers, for languid moments lazing in the water.
The main accommodation, called The Pavilion, has two double bedrooms on the ground floor, both with small but modern bathrooms en suite, joined by a central lounge and dining area. Up a narrow, sculptured, concrete staircase is the loft, currently with a ping-pong table and other sports equipment (including a punch bag – but would one have any frustrations to thrash out in such a serene setting?). The roadside shophouse has two small bedrooms as well as an indoor dining room and a kitchen. Meals can be served anywhere on the property and are prepared on demand by a resident cook.
In a smaller pavilion, stairs lead up to what was once an artist’s den and has now become a bar. Guests must bring their own liquor (no corkage charge because this is essentially a private home) and there is a steward on hand to mix cocktails. To preserve the privacy of guests, staff — led by a butler — are discreet, there when wanted but not obtrusive.
It’s easy to imagine how popular Number 87 will become with guests stressed out of their minds by city life, yearning to commune with the wilderness in elegant sophistication. The property is a destination in itself, a retreat from the outside world to a better place where one has time to pause and enjoy nature’s blessings.www.bawahouse87.com. |
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