Here we are at the end of the first month of a new blogging year, & I think it's high time for a relaxing weekend retreat away to plan our individual blog Agendas for the year.
A lovely place where we can find a quiet corner to relax & plan our posts & think about where we want take our blogs in 2011. Over the years we've been to all sorts of 6 star retreats on these cyber weekends....some very ritzy, palatial & down right decadent. This weekend's destination will be a little different. The Sun House is a private colonial boutique hotel perched high on a hill, just 5 minutes from the ancient fort town of Galle on the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Built in the 1860's for a Scottish spice merchant, The Sun House has an wonderful ambience, albeit with a touch of peaceful, faded beauty. Galle was deeply affected by the 2004 tsunami & has spent the ensuing years regrouping & rebuilding.
The Sun House has been renovated to maintain its colonial charm and elegance. The large central living area is the heart of the house. A place where you can browse through their eclectic selection of books in the library, sink into a relaxing sofa, listen to whatever music takes your fancy or relax by the pool.
The elegant suites are filled with colonial antique furniture & dreamy four poster beds.
With wonderful names like Hibiscus, Araliya, Parrot Fish & Dumas, the spacious suites have garden & pool views & private balconies.
Complete with antique furniture, mosquito nets & colonial ceiling fans, the suites make for a truly restful place to read or write or just to dream.
Each suite as a large, modern bathroom.
And the Cinnamon Suite has a stunning outdoor bathroom with a bath tub where you can soak in absolute peace and beauty.
The Living Room overlooks the wide verandah.
And is the perfect place to meet & compare notes on how our blog planning is going.
If you are the lucky occupier of the Cinnamon Suite, then your experience is very special, as it occupies the entire first floor of The Sun House. The Suite is complete with its own library & sitting room.
And a fabulous writing desk to work at & feel the cooling sea breezes drifting through the open windows.
The Mango Courtyard is a lovely spot for taking High Tea.
The fragrant frangipani ('temple tree') garden leads down to the swimming pool.
The pool area is an idyllic and serene place to relax, read, write or swim.
As the day draws to a close, the alfresco pavillion is the place to meet for a refreshing drink & to review our progress.
Make mine a passionfruit margharita please!
A lovely night together in the Dining Room awaits us. Scrumptious & tempting Sir Lankan cuisine is on the menu.
The Griddled Squid with Blistering Sweet Chilli Sauce followed by the Lime Tart has won me!
So The Sun House it is this weekend - care to join me my friends?
Oh Millie...make mine a double! I'm afraid I wouldn't get too much blog planning done. I'd be far too busy swanning and gliding around the place trying to look chic, yet casual, in white linen and a wide-brimmed straw hat.....once I got out of the frangipani bath.
Thanks for the mini-break. As always - you're an inspiration. Meredy xo
I am totally with you on this vacation. All the peaceful white and art...dreamy. This is the first blog post I have sent to my husband to enjoy. Mary Ann
Millie, I have bookmarked, starred and saved this post in as many ways that I can think of 'lest I lose it.
This is the ULTIMATE retreat for me and it has special significance to my blog...truly!
When I was doing some research into the word serendipity, prior to launching my interweb space, one little snippet peaked my interest.
Serendipity: The name stems either from Serendip, an old name for Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka), or from Arabic Sarandib, or from Sanskrit Simhaladvipa which literally translates to "Dwelling-Place-of-Lions Island"
So, you can see, that visiting Sri Lanka would definitely be on my agenda [smile Lotto Gods, smile!] and this would be THE place to go.
Thank you for sharing it and I seriously think we should set up a Lotto syndicate for Aussie Bloggers to take a retreat each year....how about it!
I love the courtyard, the pool, and that outdoor bath - how gorgeous!
I have just discovered your blog - I will definitely bookmark it - I'm originally from Australia myself, but have been living in the US for 18 years now. Susan
Oh, that looks stunning Millie - yes, I think it would be perfect for an unwind and relax :)
I've awarded you with a Stylish Blogger Award - pop over to this post to collect it : http://annettepiperjewellery.blogspot.com/2011/01/hot-weather-sydney-shops-peaches-and.html
oh Millie I am so with you - it looks amazing - I loved the slighly faded colonia granduer vibe - double yum - plus your blog is as beautiful as ever - thanks for dropping by the third - best le xox
Seeing this post has me wondering if you ever went to the Camilla Cottage in NSW last year??? You know the one that was featured in Aust. Country Style mag. a year or so ago.
If you and MOTH did manage to get away, what did you think of it???
Hi Janine Lovely to hear from you! No sadly MOTH pulled the pin on our little side trip to Camellia Cottage. He was grumpy, so we drove straight through to Melbourne from Stirling & I can tell you it was no speakies all way until we hit Ballarat....I wish I'd flown! Millie x
I stumbled across your blog while looking for information on Stirling and thought this is amazing!!
I was even more amused and thrilled to discover this piece of article about the Sun House in Sri Lanka, my birth country. Thank you posting this information for everyone else to see.
The blog is already bookmarked ;) and for I will surely enjoy reading the rest of it.
Life in the little village of Stirling in the hills above Adelaide in South Australia is just about as good as it gets! Enjoying a cool climate and 'hill-station' feel, Stirling is well-known for its 19th-century stone villas set on large grounds dense with roses, camellias, rhododendrons and huge old Oaks.
With 3 sons, 3 grandchildren & my work in a scientific business dominated by yes, more men, The Laurel Hedge was born out of my sheer desperation for something the boys just don't get & never will!
Quote This!
'No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it all too seriously.'
15 years of renovating was over - we'd just completed everything & were really enjoying our lovely old Victorian villa in the Eastern suburbs of Adelaide. However we'd always had a fondness for the country life & without warning we found ourselves transported by alien beings disguised as Real Estate Agents to a house on 1/2 acre of wild, rambling gardens in Stirling!
The house is circa 1972 & with all the 70's features. Open-faced brown brick walls, raked ceilings, exposed beams, split levels - totally yuk! However, it's inherent design is great & the location amazing - tucked behind a wonderful old laurel hedge in a quiet country lane in the heart of gorgeous Stirling.
Here we are at the end of the first month of a new blogging year, & I think it's high time for a relaxing weekend retreat away to plan our individual blog Agendas for the year.
A lovely place where we can find a quiet corner to relax & plan our posts & think about where we want take our blogs in 2011. Over the years we've been to all sorts of 6 star retreats on these cyber weekends....some very ritzy, palatial & down right decadent. This weekend's destination will be a little different. The Sun House is a private colonial boutique hotel perched high on a hill, just 5 minutes from the ancient fort town of Galle on the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Built in the 1860's for a Scottish spice merchant, The Sun House has an wonderful ambience, albeit with a touch of peaceful, faded beauty. Galle was deeply affected by the 2004 tsunami & has spent the ensuing years regrouping & rebuilding.
The Sun House has been renovated to maintain its colonial charm and elegance. The large central living area is the heart of the house. A place where you can browse through their eclectic selection of books in the library, sink into a relaxing sofa, listen to whatever music takes your fancy or relax by the pool.
The elegant suites are filled with colonial antique furniture & dreamy four poster beds. 
With wonderful names like Hibiscus, Araliya, Parrot Fish & Dumas, the spacious suites have garden & pool views & private balconies.
Complete with antique furniture, mosquito nets & colonial ceiling fans, the suites make for a truly restful place to read or write or just to dream.
Each suite as a large, modern bathroom.
And the Cinnamon Suite has a stunning outdoor bathroom with a bath tub where you can soak in absolute peace and beauty.
The Living Room overlooks the wide verandah.
And is the perfect place to meet & compare notes on how our blog planning is going.
If you are the lucky occupier of the Cinnamon Suite, then your experience is very special, as it occupies the entire first floor of The Sun House. The Suite is complete with its own library & sitting room.
And a fabulous writing desk to work at & feel the cooling sea breezes drifting through the open windows.
The Mango Courtyard is a lovely spot for taking High Tea.
The fragrant frangipani ('temple tree') garden leads down to the swimming pool.
The pool area is an idyllic and serene place to relax, read, write or swim.
As the day draws to a close, the alfresco pavillion is the place to meet for a refreshing drink & to review our progress.
Make mine a passionfruit margharita please!
A lovely night together in the Dining Room awaits us. Scrumptious & tempting Sir Lankan cuisine is on the menu.
The Griddled Squid with Blistering Sweet Chilli Sauce followed by the Lime Tart has won me!
i love these exotic places you post.
ReplyDeletethis place ....i love and want to be at.
the painted floors are gorgeous
and everything else.
very stylish
xxx
What an extraordinary spot. But I just adore the vintage car in the alfesco courtyard ~ it takes "accessory" to a new level.
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Enjoy your blog agenda planing in this fantastic and cool down place!
ReplyDeleteThis is a pretty house, I'll keep it in mind, Si Lanka is on my list, thanks for letting us all take a look
ReplyDeleteJust grabbing my sarong and I'll be there in a jiffy...
ReplyDeleteoh, do they have egg chairs?
Oh Millie...make mine a double! I'm afraid I wouldn't get too much blog planning done. I'd be far too busy swanning and gliding around the place trying to look chic, yet casual, in white linen and a wide-brimmed straw hat.....once I got out of the frangipani bath.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mini-break. As always - you're an inspiration. Meredy xo
I am totally with you on this vacation. All the peaceful white and art...dreamy. This is the first blog post I have sent to my husband to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann
Following you!
ReplyDeleteMary Ann
Cheers! We so deserve this. You are always so good at finding the best virtural get a ways. Don't work too hard this weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove, Heidi
Millie, I have bookmarked, starred and saved this post in as many ways that I can think of 'lest I lose it.
ReplyDeleteThis is the ULTIMATE retreat for me and it has special significance to my blog...truly!
When I was doing some research into the word serendipity, prior to launching my interweb space, one little snippet peaked my interest.
Serendipity: The name stems either from Serendip, an old name for Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka), or from Arabic Sarandib, or from Sanskrit Simhaladvipa which literally translates to "Dwelling-Place-of-Lions Island"
So, you can see, that visiting Sri Lanka would definitely be on my agenda [smile Lotto Gods, smile!] and this would be THE place to go.
Thank you for sharing it and I seriously think we should set up a Lotto syndicate for Aussie Bloggers to take a retreat each year....how about it!
Felicity x
I love the courtyard, the pool, and that outdoor bath - how gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI have just discovered your blog - I will definitely bookmark it - I'm originally from Australia myself, but have been living in the US for 18 years now.
Susan
Oh, that looks stunning Millie - yes, I think it would be perfect for an unwind and relax :)
ReplyDeleteI've awarded you with a Stylish Blogger Award - pop over to this post to collect it :
http://annettepiperjewellery.blogspot.com/2011/01/hot-weather-sydney-shops-peaches-and.html
Cheers!
Annette
i am so there... order me a shirley temple! he he... on the rocks... he he
ReplyDeletehave a wonderful weekend sweet friend... xoxo
oh Millie I am so with you - it looks amazing - I loved the slighly faded colonia granduer vibe - double yum - plus your blog is as beautiful as ever - thanks for dropping by the third - best le xox
ReplyDeleteok, well my 'computer is definitely saying 'yes' ' to this. let me know when we are leaving, i'll meet you at the airport! x
ReplyDeletebeautiful house! happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh wow Millie,
ReplyDeleteI would so love to come!!! Count me in!
Seeing this post has me wondering if you ever went to the Camilla Cottage in NSW last year??? You know the one that was featured in Aust. Country Style mag. a year or so ago.
If you and MOTH did manage to get away, what did you think of it???
Hope your weekend is wonderful
Take care
Janine
XXOO
N.W. Coast Tassie
Hi Janine
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you! No sadly MOTH pulled the pin on our little side trip to Camellia Cottage. He was grumpy, so we drove straight through to Melbourne from Stirling & I can tell you it was no speakies all way until we hit Ballarat....I wish I'd flown!
Millie x
Thanks for the invite. id love to come.Fiona
ReplyDeleteBoy I love a place like this. I am waist deep in snow.
ReplyDeleteIt is all so fabulous.
yvonne
Oh my goodness..I feel more relaxed just from gazing at the photos!
ReplyDeleteI love those benches that wrap around large tree trunks! And the checkerboard patio floor...to die for!
I have a four-poster bed. I wonder if I'd like the mosquito netting like that...it's so romantic!
Hi Millie,
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your blog while looking for information on Stirling and thought this is amazing!!
I was even more amused and thrilled to discover this piece of article about the Sun House in Sri Lanka, my birth country. Thank you posting this information for everyone else to see.
The blog is already bookmarked ;) and for I will surely enjoy reading the rest of it.
Anu