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The former country home of Geoffrey Bawa, a celebrated Sri Lankan architect, the Lunuganga Estate offers a fascinating insight into its creator. Bawa who achieved worldwide recognition for his unique designs lovingly created a distinctive abode with beautiful gardens that go beyond the ordinary.
Location
Located beside the Dedduwa Lake in Bentota, the Lunuganga Estate is within easy reach of Kalutara. In fact, due to this reason, after exploring attractions in Kalutara, travellers can continue towards Lunuganga and enjoy all it has to offer. Online blogs the likes of Travel Kalutara offer more information into this attraction which has become a popular place to visit.
The Beginning
Lunuganga Estate actually started off as a cinnamon plantation, dating back to Dutch colonial times before later being used as a rubber plantation when the British took over. It is this site with its bungalow and idyllic gardens that first caught Geoffrey Bawa’s eye.
The Transformation
Bawa purchased the estate in 1949 with ideas of transforming the garden and bungalow. However, he lacked architectural expertise which promoted him to go study architecture in England. He returned to the island as a qualified architect and subsequently began work on the estate, using it as a muse and a place to test his novel design concepts.
Key Elements
Today Lunuganga Estate is open to the public and accommodation options in the region such as Anantara Kalutara Resort offer excursions to this site. Visitors will get an idea of Bawa’s genius and key elements include the enchanting Water Garden, the fascinating Plain of Jars and the mesmerising Southern View.
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