Forest House, a 100m2 standalone cottage 25 meters from the main house, is the largest guest accommodation at Sri Mathie, showcasing the same eclecticism and worldly charm as the main house. Complete with a fully equipped kitchen, the space is more like a private apartment set within the grounds of the forest. Step out from the kitchen to your own private verandah overlooking a teak plantation, or take respite from the heat in the high-ceilinged open-plan living space inside. The pièce de resistance is the large, sun-filled bathroom, complete with a heliconia-adorned bathtub tucked under the forest canopy outside. If ever there was a private spot to stargaze at Sri Mathie this just might be it. Forest House is ideal for longer stays at Sri Mathie, or for those who like the luxury of total privacy and space. Details include an A/C bedroom with a four-poster King bed, quality linens, towels, and robes, extra pillows, toiletries, a rain shower with hot water, bathtub, overhead fans, high ceilings, and Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included in the rate. Sri Mathie | Historic villa in a tropical forest Sri Mathie, Sanskrit for “Honorable Lady”, was a title given to aristocratic women in the Kingdom of Kandy. This is a property that certainly lives up to its noble title, a worthy addition to any Sri Lankan travel list. The guest areas at Sri Mathie are centered around the main house, including a refreshing 15-meter infinity pool wrapped by a large verandah on one side and swaying coconut trees on the other, a rich library of more than 2,000 books, and plenty of breezy spaces to unwind or while away the day bird and animal watching. Immediately surrounding the house, guests will find a vegetable garden, and coconut and cinnamon plantations, with chickens and dairy cows to complete the farm experience. All the food grown on-site is used in the kitchen, where breakfast is prepared daily, including lovingly crafted homemade bread, cheeses, jams, and yogurts, communally served in the dining room of the main house. Dinner is also available on a limited basis, prepared by Mary (Cordon Bleu diploma). Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, Sri Mathie’s owners and staff will be on hand to ensure that all your needs are taken care of, creating an unforgettable stay at Sri Mathie and the vibrant southern coast beyond. When the time comes to venture outside it is possible to explore a range of activities along the south coast, all within easy reach of Sri Mathie. Head to Habaraduwa Beach, a 2-kilometer stretch of white sand and clear waters, or visit Ahangama Beach 15 minutes away if surfing is your thing. For animal lovers, what about a spot of birdwatching, or visiting baby turtles at the local hatchery? And for those who seek culture, there’s Yatagala Temple, UNESCO World Heritage site Galle Fort, inland bicycle rides to discover Sri Lanka’s rice-growing practices, or the local Wednesday morning market full of colour and life. Foodies will find a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and bars stretching all along the coast from Galle to Weligama, all within easy transport. Sri Mathie is conveniently located to give guests access to all of this and so much more. Mary (USA) and Guy (UK) bought Sri Mathie in 2018 when they swapped their home of 25 years in bustling New Delhi for a more pastoral and peaceful life in southern Sri Lanka. South Asia aficionados, Mary and Guy brought their lifelong collection of art and furniture, which exquisitely adorns the interiors of Sri Mathie. They love to share stories with their guests, imparting their wealth of knowledge about art, history, and South Asian culture. Since taking over Sri Mathie Mary and Guy have updated the guest wing of the main house and the cottages and added the swimming pool and verandas. They opened their home to guests in 2019 and since then have welcomed a wonderful array of visitors from all over the world. They are always on hand at the property, alongside their staff and their gentle giant, Freddie the Great Dane. A stay with Mary and Guy at Sri Mathie is sure to inspire many an artist, writer, traveler, or holidaymaker seeking a unique and cultured experience in Sri Lanka. A dream stay for the curious-minded! Habaraduwa provides an excellent base for exploring the wider southern coast, and the many activities available in the region. The village is accessible by highway from the international airport and is a short two-hour journey by car. Sri Mathie is located inland from the main village, at five-minutes by car, tuk-tuk or scooter. We provide free beach transfers to Habaraduwa Beach. From the village, tuk-tuks or rickshaws can be flagged from the main road or the bus station. Onward travel can be accessed from Habaraduwa bus and train stations. Bicycles are provided to guests of Sri Mathie. We can arrange private airport transfers for guests, as well as private transportation or scooter rentals for travel elsewhere around the island. Tuk-tuks or rickshaws can be arranged for short-distance travel, and bicycles are also provided for guests.