Visit to Brief Gardens
If the gardens at Lunuganga leave you craving for more, you’re in luck! Geoffrey’s brother, Bevis, lived near Lunuganga and his former country estate, Brief, has also been preserved for future generations. Unlike Geoffrey, Bevis was a landscape architect. The low slung, simplistic house brimming with statues and antiques can also be toured. Artwork by friends of Bevis remain on display, including an exceptional mural representing a tapestry of Sri Lankan life, by Australian artist Donald Friend who came for six days and ended up staying six years. There are also photos of Vivien Leigh and Lawrence Olivier, two other notable house guests who stayed here during the filming of Elephant Walk in 1953.
Once you’re done with the walk around the garden, you can enjoy tea and biscuits at the main house with Dooland de Silva, who will take you on tour of the house. Dooland has worked at Brief Garden for the past 40 years and grew very close to Bevis. He isn’t always available, as he shuttles between Brief and Colombo to look after his children, therefore please let the team know in advance if you would like to meet with him. Both, Lunuganga and Brief gardens can be explored as one complete tour or individually at your preferred pace.
