Assignment type: Architectural Photography Client: Mirissa Hill's Luxury Villa Collection
Architect: C. Anjalendran
Architectural Photography: © Ganidu Balasuriya
Mirissa Hills is located a few minutes from beautiful Weligama Bay, commanding extensive views of the Ruhunu landscape – Sri Lanka’s “deep south”. The property is a working cinnamon estate. Which has been restored in recent years by its current owner to produce cinnamon of the highest grade. Within the estate there are three sets of accommodation to let, each of which provides a relaxing and pampered stay.
The house has been designed by C. #Anjalendran, one of Sri Lanka's foremost living architects, and is a pure and elegant essay in the island's vernacular.
One of the unique aspects of Mirissa Hills is its fine collection of Sri Lankan art, much of which has been intentionally incorporated into the design. At Mount Cinnamon, the screen designed by Laki Senenakaye, Sri Lanka's own "Renaissance man", is entitled the "Enchanted Forest"
The sculpture gallery which runs the length of the house at the lower level is expected in time to house other sculptures, the preference of the owner being to showcase local artists.
At the base of the hill is an immaculately restored old estate house, or walauwa, The Bungalow at Mirissa Hills. Set amidst a well-kept lawn and indigenous trees, The Bungalow is a true retreat in the countryside.
Half-way up the hill is the Cinnamon Museum and Visitors’ Centre, which has four charming rooms allowing guests literally to live within the world’s only museum dedicated to the history and uses of cinnamon.
And, at the top, with extensive 360 o views, is Mount Cinnamon, a luxurious contemporary house dramatically set above the landscape, representing the very best of Sri Lankan art and design.
Each property is lettable separately, or, for large groups, can be rented together or in combination.
It is designed for the tropical climate: to be very comfortable, but without ostentation or alien touches. Floating like a "fortress in the sky" it commands the site but is also very respectful of its surroundings.
There are three double bedrooms and one single bedroom that can sleep two. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and have fans. The beds are dressed in specially-woven "cinnamon" fabric. They are both cool and serene. Each has en suite showers and toilets.
A magnificently sculpted screen divides the drawing-room from the dining room, which at night is always candle-lit. Outside, there is a breakfast terrace which can, of course, be used at any time of the day.
"Source: www.mirissahills.com"
