Serendip Stone Bungalow, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Serendip Stone Bungalow is a 45-year-old stone residence set in the suburbs of Kandy, offering what are considered the best views of the Mahaweli River. Sitting roughly 15 to 20 minutes from Kandy city centre, it trades the congestion of the town for tranquility, river breezes and generous garden surroundings — a trade that most guests find well worthwhile.

The bungalow was renovated by its owners, Stephani and Sri Lankan–Italian designer Pali. Their approach has been to preserve the property's traditional architecture while applying a thoroughly considered interior sensibility. The result is a guesthouse that feels both rooted in its setting and quietly stylish throughout.

The Rooms

Serendip offers 7 spacious rooms in total — 2 twin rooms and 5 double rooms, with 2 of those doubles connected by an interconnecting door, making them well suited to families. The front-facing rooms feature large windows that frame the landscape and the river beyond, a deliberate choice by Pali to bring the view into the room. The 4 inner rooms open directly onto the pool courtyard, convenient for an easy dip at any hour.

A clean, modern aesthetic runs throughout the property. Polished cement finishes sit alongside heavy teak Dutch Colonial furniture, and Pali's trademark gilt leaf imprints appear on walls, paths and around the light boxes. Each room is equipped with a ceiling fan; Kandy's cooler evening climate, combined with the river breeze, generally makes air conditioning unnecessary.

The Gardens and Atmosphere

The gardens are home to a variety of fruit trees — mango, avocado, orange, durian and banana among them — and the grounds attract local kingfishers and woodpeckers. The bungalow is particularly atmospheric after dark, when candles are lit around the pool and gardens, creating a gentle, magical quality overlooking the river.

Dining

Serendip serves a simple Continental breakfast and Sri Lankan evening meals. The indoor dining area has a comfortable feel, with wooden tables and a television for those who want it. Alternatively, tables can be arranged in the garden for a more romantic setting, though guests are advised to come prepared for the insects. The kitchen does not offer an à la carte menu, but the traditional fare draws on the hill country's organic vegetables and is noted for its quality. For those seeking greater variety, Kandy has a broad range of restaurants serving international, local and Western cuisine.

Getting There

The drive from Kandy centre to Serendip takes around 15 to 20 minutes — a similar distance to many of the quality boutique properties in the area. The slight remove from town is the reason the bungalow enjoys its calm and its views, as Kandy city itself can be heavily congested with traffic.