Braganza House

Taking inspiration initially from a traditional Sri Lankan bungalow and combining it with a mix of Mediterranean and Moroccan influences, Braganza House has been meticulously designed by the British owner Chlöe Elkerton, who by profession is an Interior Designer based in Singapore. She wanted to create an island retreat, a home away from home, where family and friends could gather and create special memories and lasting experiences. Inspired by the nature of Sri Lanka - the ocean, the beach, the hills and the jungle, she wanted to incorporate as many outside elements but with intriguing design details and finishes. The house has a strong sense of openness infused with beauty and magic. She has created a grown up, yet relaxed ‘beach-house’ vibe but with the calm and peacefulness of the surrounding countryside.

Perhaps what makes Braganza House most intriguing is the way Chloe masterfully weaves together various visual elements to create spaces that are full of personality. The architecture features handmade encaustic patterned and Moroccan bejmet tiles, refurbished Dutch antique doors and windows, fretworks inspired by Sri Lankan houses, and a range of organically shaped built-in concrete furniture. Within the house, the interior is populated with locally made bespoke furniture dressed in stunning artisanal fabrics from around the world, as well as a carefully curated selection of antiques and precious objects. Inspired by her passion for nature and a love for incorporating tactile elements, Chloe sought out artworks and decorations with fresh palettes inspired by the beaches, ocean, flora and fauna of Sri Lanka; together, these decorations help the tropical rooms flow seamlessly from one space to the next. This understated luxurious yet bohemian and tropical chic interior creates a fresh ambience entirely of its own, setting it apart from other properties in Sri Lanka.

HOUSE LAYOUT

Upon entering Braganza through a unique antique carved ‘flower’ door into an open, courtyard paved with Moroccan bejmet tiles, one walks through a barrel hallway to the main spacious sunken sitting room. This beautiful and calm space is flooded with natural light and features a stunning high vaulted ceiling full of suspended rattan lanterns, creating a magical affect. The open plan living room features social seating arrangements and a playful bar area, while overlooking the lush gardens beyond, making it a wonderful space to gather with friends. Built-in polished cement seating with a unique scalloped back is combined with bespoke rattan and upholstered furnishings to create an impressive yet inviting sitting area.

Cushions and upholstery use a wonderful mix of patterns, textures and colours, all inspired by nearby beaches and the ocean.
The open plan and sociable seating and more playful bar area overlooks the lush garden, with sweeping views of greenery and the pool beyond is framed by three arched French doors with scalloped transoms leading onto the pretty verandas that wrap around the property.

Adjacent to the sitting room and through arched French doors, is the main kitchen, which guests are welcome to use and is separate from the chefs kitchen. The bright and airy kitchen features scallop pink tiles, louvre cabinetry and polished cement. It is also fully equipped with a range oven, Nespresso machine and double fridge/freezer. Encaustic patterned floors and a terrazzo island with deep pink bobbin high-chairs make this the perfect place to have a coffee or cooking class with our in-house chef.

The breezy veranda is where breakfast is served and looks out onto the pool and local countryside. Floors tiled in Moorish patterned large porcelain tiles means it flows seamlessly from the interior spaces. The veranda is also dotted with numerous seating areas and pretty rattan furnishing, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding from different vantage points.

The Shell Room
This small and atmospheric room adjacent to the Palm Suite can also be entered from the main veranda. It features wrap around seating with an array of beautiful cushions. The green cement scallop floor tiles contrast with deep red walls in a tribal effect painterly wallpaper; layered on top is a collection of precious artworks and a whimisical porthole window with a view of the gardens beyond. Whether you’re looking to have an early evening drink, board games on a rainy afternoon, or just a quiet place for the little ones to relax in, the Shell Room is a wonderful and unexpected gathering place.

Garden, pool, Ambalama and Lionel's bar
The lush tropical garden and lawn which surrounds the house is perfect for a game of croquet or yoga on the pool deck. Or simply just read a book amongst the canopy of beautiful trees. Home to peacocks, exotic birds, monkeys, and a wide variety of fruit trees and flowers, the garden with its sweeping views is a wonderful place to relax and appreciate the surrounding wildlife - there are endless spaces for idling and day dreaming!

An organic shaped terrazzo pool sits elevated within the lush gardens. This uniquely designed pool features a natural beach-like deck, bringing a slice of the beach inland. On the opposite side, an infinity edge creates a stunning view of the countryside beyond. Adjacent to the pool is the rustic chic al-fresco dining area perfect for long casual lunches. It has been designed with a roof made with cinnamon sticks covering which provides some welcomed shade. Lionel’s bar is set up with fun rattan stools and a pretty pink tiled bar perfect for cocktails. The elevated abalama provides a wonderful ‘look out’ across the countryside. Designed with a local cadjan roof and concrete fretwork inspired by Galle Fort it is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down.

BEDROOMS

Palm Suite
Palm suite is situated slightly away from the other three bedrooms, south facing and overlooking the countryside beyond and the pool. It is connected to the main sitting room by a semi-open hallway with fret screens leading into the suite through beautiful white carved antique Dutch doors. With a huge circular window framing the stunning view, the suite features a four poster rattan bed, a seating area, and a large walk-in wardrobe. French doors open out to a spacious verandah with built-in seating. Natural cane and rattan finishes combined with beautiful botanical textiles in neutrals, greens, and a touch of deep raspberry, give the room a stunning tropical chic look.

The bright en-suite open-concept bathroom features striking Moroccan bejmat floor tiles, titanium white built-in concrete with curved finishes, double brass basins, brass fittings and rattan lighting. It is completed by a generously sized cast-in-place bath tub, which overlooks the garden.

Pearl Suite
Pearl suite is our second largest suite and approached from the beautiful arched entrance hallway through antique Dutch doors. This refreshing suite features rattan and wicker furnishings, detailed fretwork, and an array of beautiful textiles in dusky pinks, seafoam and sandy tones inspired by the sand and shells of the south coast. A wave shaped upholstered headboard with rattan seating, fretwork carpentry and arched bookcases create a calming space, and French doors lead onto a spacious terrace, where built-in seating provide lovely views of the garden and pool beyond. There is a connecting doorway through from Pearl to the Peacock suite, making the adjoining suites perfect for families. The en-suite bathroom has curved titanium white finishes, double sinks, brass fittings and encaustic patterned floor tiles a swell as a spacious walk-in shower and a small courtyard with plenty of natural light.

Peacock Suite
Peacock is the villa's iconic twin-bedded suite situated at the front of the house and entered through a Moroccan-inspired open courtyard. This room is perfect for little ones as it has an interconnecting door through to the Pearl Suite. Children and adults alike will be delighted by the green barley twist four-poster beds, which mirror two antique windows and accentuate the lofty space. The bright ensuite bathroom continues the peacock green theme, featuring intricately patterned green Moorish encaustic tiles, curved white titanium finishes, brass fittings, walk in shower and a small outdoor courtyard. It also has a spacious verandah balcony with built-in seating.

Pol Suite
Pol means “coconut” in Sinhala. Sitting under coconut trees at the front of the house, this room is also approached from the open Moroccan-inspired courtyard through antique Dutch doors. The room features a unique built-in titanium white bed that also doubles as a console desk with bedside lamps. Blue and white furnishings give the space a fresh coastal appeal, lending it a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Hand painted stencils around the archway, a collection of Peruvian mirrors and striking artwork give this room a magical touch. Pol has the only bathroom in the house that features an outdoor shower (the rest of the bathroom can be closed off to the elements), allowing you to shower under the stars. The room also features a private verandah with built-in seating with garden views.