Resurrecting a 400 year old historic mansion, STAY Holdings (Private) Limited, restored, refurbished and opened Kathaluwa Mahawalawwa, near Koggala last week with an investment of Rs. 450 million.
Chairman, STAY Holdings (Private) Limited U. K. Thilak De Silva, said he wanted to add a niche product to the Southern Tourism catalogue and invested in this property. “This is our third investment and have refurbished and opened two other similar hotels in the area, targeting high end markest.”
“During refurbishment, which took six years, we took care to ensure that all ancient architectural elements of the 400-year-old mansion were retained. The Department of Archaeology has deemed this villa a national monument and restoration has done justice to the rich history of the property.”
“An official from the department was also stationed at the site during the restoration.”
Director, STAY Holdings Shalinda De Silva said that it took them six years to complete the project due to this factor. We have several 400 year old land marks that still reflects the colonial past, used today at the Kathaluwa Mahawalawwa.”
The family owned property offers four luxury rooms with all modern amenities, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi along with outdoor and indoor dining options an in an large 5 acre garden. The mansion was built in an area called ‘8000 Watta’ as there were 8,000 coconut trees planted in it. “When we purchased it there were 150 trees and none were felled to build the ‘Kathaluwa Mahawalawwa.’
Recalling history, he said that the manor (house) was first constructed by a Portuguese sailor in 1625, who then decided to stay on in Sri Lanka and even changed his name to Obeyesekera. After changing ownership with several of their families, STAY Holdings acquired the property and rebuilt it, maintaining architectural styles of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British in the property.
“There was also an Old Court complex which is now used as the fine dining area, while an ancient labour room, library, study area, historical paintings too have been restored along with the Mada Midula.”
He said that they hoped to market the property for over US$ 280 and have positive forward bookings from both local and Europe and UK clientele.
International award winning Chef Dinesh de Silva, has been appointed Manger of the hotel.
(SS)
0 comments: