THEN

ABANDONED TO THE TIME OF
RAVAGE AND NEGLECT.

Back in 1884 there stood in the pristine pride, the Nugawela Walauwa – the ancestral home of the Kandyan chieftan, of the Kandyan court. This traditional stately house, a mixture of British & Sri Lankan architecture showcased the traditional Srilankan luxury in a tranquil setting.
The original roof tiles had come from India. The masonry columns was of European influence and so was the ornate burnished copper ceiling in the grand hall. List of personages of power & eminence who had dined at the Hall is hung in the Dining room. As a structure it was so unique. There was solidness that could not be denied.
Originally this grand establishment stood on 9 acres of land with paddy fields around. Later the land around was distributed among his children, leaving one acre of land for the main house. After the Adigar’s death, and after its occupation by different owners the house was a wreck. Her pride had been stripped, not even the land around her remained. The lawn and flower garden was divided and sold. The 1884 colonial structure stood fast, but over the course of ensuring decades the majestic Walauwa began to crumble through neglect and she slowly lost her majesty and its glory, but not its use.
A leap to 2004 presented a condition of enormous despair! Even more than a century of weathering had not broken the Manor’s brave spirit. A voice of some secret wraith spoke out of the crumbling ruins, calling for a return to life.

NOW

RESTORED TO ITS FORMER SPLENDOR.

In the midst of kandyan grandeur, the warmth of the Manor House will strike you instantly. The gates of Manor House now swing open to reveal a glimpse into its precious historical grandeur and its determination to remain the cynosure of Nugawela and a part of the heritage city of Kandy.
To look on the 15,000 sq.ft. Walauwa today is to know that it has not merely been restored but ardently recreated. It was a slow resurrection from the tomb. Old carvings were restored or chiseled anew. The entire garden was landscaped. The Walauwa of old is possessed a brand new shining soul, with the dust of more than a century had settled. She was a survivor, and that was exactly what attracted us. We saw the potential of transforming this three storied landmark into a stylish Luxury Boutique Hotel.
You will now find that you have come a long way from the past, for even as you enter The Manor House, you will note that village life and living has risen tremendously.

HOME        ABOUT

THE PAST AND THE PRESENT

Entrance : First impressions

The bright white walls were spotted with damp green moss. Grand teak doors with intricate carvings had broken locks and cobwebs.

THEN

NOW

Living Room : Giant Treasure Chest

The manor which once had carpeted floors, were no more. Many of the beautiful lamp fittings and furniture were auctioned. Chandeliers replaced with rusty fans and naked bulbs. The once grand manor had lost its glory.

THEN

NOW

Fine Dining

Clear glass panes that brightened the hallways & rooms, kept out the light with layers of peeling paint. No satin or velvet drapes hung on the doorways.

THEN

NOW

Stairway : Entrance to the suites

The hidden stairway was opened up with an arch, identical to the one in the Living room.

THEN

NOW

The Passages

We started ripping out and refinishing the old floors and walls. You could hear the house sighing its thanks.

THEN

NOW

Court Yard : The Green

There was the traditional Meda-Midula which was a torment of weeds and coarse shrubs.

THEN

NOW

Billiard Room or Grain Store

The old granary is now a fully refurbished pool room.

THEN

NOW

East Entrance : Our own architectural touches

Sensitive restoration while maintaining and preserving the British colonial architectural features and the distinctive aura of a “Walauwa”- that was our hope!

THEN

NOW

Upstair Living : Colorful revitalization

The polished wooden upper floor was dusty, dull and decaying. Panels of the boarded floors were displaced. The floor boards upstairs were so diseased that none dared to tread on them. Dust had settled over it like a vast grey cloud. Once bright walls were plastered with fungus & moss. The roof leaked alarmingly. Bat droppings coated the floors of the two towers, speaking of years of neglect & disuse.

THEN

NOW

Upstair Balcony : View of infinity

You could relax on the outer floor balcony, look on the village surround, watch the skies tinge and think how this eminent, Nugawela Dissawe looked on the land more than a century ago. Suddenly you are also a part of this history, and you will find it hard to leave.

THEN

NOW

Garden : Naturally Beautiful

Not only the interior recreated, but the exterior was also returned to it’s original splendour. After months of work, majesty has been restored to the manor.

THEN

NOW

AUTHENTIC FEELINGS

AUTHENTICITY AT IT'S BEST

An incredible stay that guarantees you authentic feelings rich in history and restored with so much honesty and care.

HOMELY LUXURY

OUR NICHE

We are hoping to attract a niche segment of tourists who would like to stay away from large business hotel type accommodations for a quiet and luxury homely environment.