Earlier known as ‘Sheriff’s House’, Merchant House is the restored, complete version of a 100-year old heritage building located near Ahangama Town in a small village in Sri Lanka. Walking distance from two beach coves appropriate for swimming or surfing, the house has been designed in a typical Sri Lankan fashion with Dutch accents through and through.
The traditional design also extends out to the veranda that wraps along the living and dining areas, as well as inside the four bedrooms. The wonderful property is thriving with flora and fauna and you will be able to witness bird life enjoying nature, dogs chasing them around, and marine life on the beach as well.
Merchant House prides itself in offering four, well-furnished and air-conditioned bedrooms including a master bedroom and three guest suites. The master bedroom is privy to its own deck that allows a splendid view and some privacy. Another bedroom has a private patio for tea time. Each of these bedrooms has been furnished with mahogany, king-sized beds swathed in mosquito nets for a comfortable sleep.
The spacious master bedroom is furnished with two armchairs and a coffee table so you can enjoy a hot beverage in your own sanctuary. The second bedroom has a private seating area in the garden, while the third and fourth bedroom are similar and can be made into a private suite for families. Each bedroom comes with en-suite bathrooms with either indoor and outdoor showers and/or bathtubs.
It is not only about the serenity and peace of the region that lends itself to Merchant House, it is the landscape and the manner in which the palm trees, flowering plants, and luscious gardens have been curated that truly make this place come alive. You can relish the zen-like ambiance while chilling in the swimming pool or relaxing on the veranda which has been decked out with an alfresco dining area for eight and some outdoor chairs from where you can gaze at the scenic beauty of the gardens. You will find plenty of corners to lounge in including a hammock.
From the elevation itself, you will be transported back to the colonial era with vibrantly painted doors and windows, shingled roof, and washed out yellowed walls that add character to Merchant House. The wooden double doors from the veranda lead to the living and dining area. The room has been furnished with plush, white couches placed beside large windows that allow a wholesome view of the verdure outdoors. The comfortable setting is great for when you wish to unwind in the evening with people you love.
Guests can choose to dine outdoors while basking in the tropical climate and fresh air that is abundance or indoors where you have a fourteen-seater dining room. While the birds return to their homes calling it a night, enjoy the chirping and soothing sounds as you sip your wine and relish delicious appetizers prepared in the kitchen nearby. Make use of the kitchen to prepare any meals or light snacks you fancy or you can request the chef to make some local delicacies especially for you.
At Merchant House, the six members of staff will ensure you have everything you need when you need it. The chef, house boys, manager, and night security are all available to take care of guests. Guests can make use of the bicycles, snorkels, and other sports equipment available at the house. The staff can arrange for airport transfers, tuktuk hire, babysitting, and massages or yoga upon request.
The location of the house is such that you’re near beach coves that allow you to either surf or swim as the conditions permit. You can go snorkeling in the water and even explore the marine life out here. The backwaters are a mere 10-minutes away where you can go kayaking and paddle boarding or head to Weligama for its surf beaches. A short drive can take you to the historical Galle city with its Dutch fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.