Built in 1912 by a rich plantation owner’s son to woo the love of his life, Halala Kanda House or Firefly Hill is now a luxe estate with years of history thriving within its walls. Abandoned and rundown until restored to its former glory, the estate speaks to colonial Sri Lankan architecture with sprawling gardens, all-white architecture with columns, and a gorgeous pool. Halala Kanda House is located near the southern coast, close to the historical city of Galle. It is a six-bedroom country home fit for a family with children.
Halala Kanda House was designed for large travelling parties so you and your guests can relax comfortably. The estate offers six suites that include two veranda suites, two luxury suites with private walled gardens, and two double suites with lounge area access. The private and calm bedrooms are what you need after a long day out and about. Each room features relaxation areas and a breezy ambiance for restful sleep. Four bedrooms boast well-appointed ensuites as well. The high ceilings allow ample ventilation; you have mosquito nets so you can sleep in peace.
Overrun with natural flora and trapped inside a jungle, Halala Kanda House was restored to reveal majestic coconut groves, mango and mangosteen trees, and more. Today, you will find rows of coffee and tea plantations, a thriving vegetable garden, pineapple groves, etc. The 23-metre saltwater swimming pool is the perfect way to relax under the warm sun. You will find sunbeds by the pool overlooking the plantations. A conversation pit or gazebo called ‘The Folly’ with splendid views is the cool and breezy spot for evening drinks. There are quaint corners around the garden where you can take a peaceful afternoon nap.
The new owners of Halala Kanda House turned to local craftsmen to help restore the estate. You will find, upon entering the villa, a stunning entrance hall lounge with high-vaulted ceilings. It is full of light and designed with collectables from across the island—some that date back centuries. The collection of antiques truly adds character to the lounge while you can head to the ‘Room of Curiosities’ for light reading, drinks, and card games. It is a unique experience to lounge in a room that was built so many years ago and retains its original opulent characteristics.
The stunning open-sided dining pavilion at the estate can seat up to 20 guests as it looks out to the courtyard garden with a 100-year old tamarind tree. You can relax on the plantation chairs after a filling meal and rest. The kitchen is absolutely riveting as it is restaurant quality with state-of-the-art appliances. The in-house chef will delight you with splendid meals or you can try your hand at cooking the local cuisine. There are some quaint tables placed in this open-plan kitchen space for informal or casual meals. Do enjoy some tea picked straight from the Halala Kandy tea plantation.
A team of dedicated and motivated individuals make up the in-house staff at Halala Kanda House. They will do their best to accommodate your needs and ensure you have a wonderful stay. From the residence manager to the gardeners and security officers, you are in good hands. You can celebrate special events with the help of the staff, book tours and excursions, take cooking classes, and so much more.
Whether you want to visit local antique markets to find the thing you are looking for or explore the rice paddies and plantation nearby, there is so much to do around Halala Kanda House. The city of Galle with its historic 17th-century Dutch Fort is only 30 minutes away. If you head to Weligama beach at dusk, you can observe local fishermen on stilts going about their daily business. Long walks, surfing, and exploring other beaches like Mirissa are some of the many activities you can enjoy around Halala Kanda House.
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| period | Minimum stay | 5 bedrooms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| from 01/07/2025 to 01/11/2025 | High season | 5 nights | USD 1,250 |
| from 01/11/2025 to 21/12/2025 | Low season | 5 nights | USD 1,050 |
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