No. 5 Guest Suite
This is one of three bedrooms in a separate 55-year-old heritage villa nestled on the very edge of Lunuganga. This ground floor Ena House Guest Suite opens onto a courtyard with pillars crafted from satinwood trees and a mature araliya tree that scatters fragrant white flowers. The weathered terracotta floors contrast with the whitewashed walls and built-in furnishings, and a galley-style bathroom leads into a private courtyard with a simplistic built-in seat.
Formerly the Colombo home of renowned batik artist Ena de Silva, and close friend of Geoffrey Bawa, the historic former residence was transported from its original position in the capital all the way to Lunuganga – a process that took six years to reach its conclusion in 2016. The design was transformative for Bawa as he introduced the idea of an urban courtyard – a feature well recognised today, but unconventional at the time.
When booked with the No. 5 Master Suite and No. 5 Ena’s Bedroom, this trio of rooms work well for families. Guests can dine within the house, which benefits from its own pantry, dining area and private butler who can organise a short tuk tuk transfer back to the main house and estate.