Coffee may not be the first hot beverage that springs to mind when thinking about Sri Lanka, but the island's coffee story predates that of its tea! Coffee was introduced in the 1820s under British rule, growing into a major industry by the 1840s in the Kandy highlands, ideal for Arabica beans. At its height in the 1860s, the island exported over 50 million kilograms yearly, reshaping the economy...
It is understandable that some of our "renovation project" listings can seem overwhelming. So here is a little bit of inspiration. Siri Wedamadura in Mirissa is one of our stunning rental villas - luxurious, immaculate and full of character. The picture on the left shows it as it was when the owners purchased it, on the right is how it is today. Incredible what a good architect and some TLC can...
Dondra, known locally as Devinuwara, marks the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, situated at the island's tip approximately 6km southeast of the regional centre, Matara. The area is most famous for the historic Dondra Head Lighthouse, built by the British in 1889 using Portland stone shipped all the way from England, and which stands as the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka at 49 meters. The region holds...
Photo shows the Old Dutch Hospital in Galle Fort and was taken by Nilantha Sanjeewa The Dutch held Sri Lanka for approximately 150 years from the mid-17th Century, and whilst they left over 200 years ago their influence on the architecture can still be seen and felt. It is most evident in the coastal towns, especially Galle where the iconic Galle Fort stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dutch...
Strictly speaking Koggala Lake is a lagoon as it is directly connected to the ocean. Regardless, it is renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity and is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Its diverse ecosystem supports a wide variety of bird species, whilst the calm waters are ideal for boating, offering visitors a peaceful way to explore the scenic beauty and the surrounding flora...
In contrast to what you may see when browsing property websites in Europe or the USA, you will notice that a lot of our listings are for "bare land". Rather than being seen as a daunting prospect, here is example of how vision, creative energy, and a little help from Lanka Real Estate, transformed a scrubby parcel of beachfront jungle into a luxurious boutique hotel. In 2018 the land was a nondescript...
We often describe land as being "paddy view". Quite simply that means the plot borders and/or has view of, rice paddies. Apart from a few weeks following the twice-yearly rice harvests, the paddies are the most gloriously vivid green. A green like none you have ever seen before. Paddy fields are great neighbours, not least because you are good as guaranteed never to have your view impacted by...
Mawella, with its gloriously empty, gold-sand beach, sits on the southern coast of Sri Lanka roughly half way between Dikwella and Tangalle. It offers tranquility and natural beauty yet you can be on the southern Expressway in less than 15 minutes. This pristine stretch of coastline remains relatively untouched, allowing visitors and residents alike to immerse themselves in the unspoiled charm of a...
2023 has been an interesting year for those here at LRE who are involved in property transactions around our island paradise. We have seen a significant uptick in interest on the east coast which had been in dormant mode since 2018. People are at last realising that the east coast of Sri Lanka has so much to offer in terms of value, natural beauty, proximity to cultural sites and nature reserves, not to...
Tempted by one of the gorgeous villas we have on offer but daunted by the prospect of owning a property abroad? Fret no more, Lanka Real Estate will not abandon you immediately the ink is dry on the sales documents! One of the (many) post-sale services we offer is a comprehensive villa management service. We recognise that your needs are as unique as your property so we offer our services on a pick and...
