This villa’s birth and origin harkens back to a memorable and interesting story of how a couple had first bought a deserted and almost bare piece of 4-acre farmland back in 2003. The couple then went on to plant 400 trees and built a unique and eco-friendly weekend home under the creative guidance of renowned environmental architect Sunela Jayawardena in 2008 / 09. The rest, as they say, is history, for this home has been transformed into what is known today as The River House, located in Dambulla. On a site that is blessed with an abundance of water, mountains, huge rocks, plenty of arable land, as well as being one of 2 agricultural centres in Sri Lanka, the owners found these reasons and more to be a perfect oasis of retreat for guests coming over as their vacation. This 3-bedroom property has been wholly constructed from local natural materials including timber and rattan, and is sandwiched between Dambulla Rock Temple and Dambulu Oya River.
Built with 3 bedrooms for 6 guests, both are located in the main house which first consist of the semi-open Master Bedroom that is fitted with a king-sized double bed, followed by a Kids Bedroom with 2 single antique 4-poster beds that the children will certainly come to love. The final room is a double bedroom that is located in a separate but attached Guest Tract, while the open plan television lounge can house what can be an occasional double bed.
An outdoor azure swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery and trees is what guests can expect while having their swims here, and overlooking this pool area is a slightly-elevated spacious and wide wooden platform or a sheltered pergola that houses outdoor furniture for guests to lounge around, chill or even dine alfresco. All around is the grassy garden filled only by the cacophony of insects’ sounds, and looks out to the great vistas of the hilly terrain beyond. One of the 2 outdoor bathrooms consist of an alluring outdoor spout shower that can fit 2 guests.
The use of wood can be seen throughout this 2-storey property, from the roofing to the flooring, which is a reflection of being one with nature. Its spaces are done on open plan architecture and layout, in which the outdoors and indoors are seamlessly blended with each other. A few wooden steps up bring guests to the open living hall or sitting room that is fitted with a comfy long sofa lounge filled with colourful cushions, as well as a side long bench furniture, which are a showcase of the local designs and craftsmanship in Sri Lanka. There is the main house and a Guest Tract, and the whole atmosphere feels so classically traditional thanks to the respect shown towards local elements and design.
As part of the Serendipity Collection, guests can be assured of receiving the best hospitality and service treatment by the team of staff manning the property. It also comes with butler service made available for guests.
The River House is located not only close to the seaside, but also various other spots of attraction such as Minneriya for elephant-watching, the famed Dambulla golden temple, and also bird watching tours which guests can enquire or book upon their stay reservation.
10/10it was a wonderful experience it was spacious and great
10/10the entire vibe it has. tge design . pretty much everything . beauty scenery by the river . it was an amazing expiriance. the entire vibe it has. tge design . pretty much everything . beauty scenery by the river . it was an amazing expiriance
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