Brief Garden – A Tranquil Garden Getaway
Known for its sun drenched beaches and tropical lagoon, Bentota in Sri Lanka is one of the most popular coastal areas for exciting water sports. Located around 60 kms from Colombo, this idyllic coastal city is a great place to visit with the entire family and offers hours of fun in the sun, sand and surf. Those wanting to soak up some culture however, can visit the famous Brief Garden.
Located around ten kilometres from Bentota, this picturesque garden and the house within it was once the home of Bevis Bawa, brother to the world famous architect Geoffrey Bawa. A multi skilled individual who was known as a soldier, cartoonist, sculptor and painter among various other talents, Bevis Bawa was also proficient as a landscape designer and the Brief Garden bares testament to this.
The land was formerly used as a rubber plantation, till in 1929 Bevis Bawa, a major of the British Army in Ceylon, began creating his resplendent 5 acre garden in Lunuganga. Once the rubber trees were cleared the site began to take shape with fascinating design features such as ponds, a Japanese water garden, sculptures and alcoves being cleverly interspersed amidst the scenic landscape.
Also of interest here is the house that was once the home of Bevis Bawa. Featuring wooden antique furniture, sculptures and paintings, Bawa's home is definitely worth visiting and offers a fascinating insight into its famous former resident. Amidst the works of art are pieces created by Bevis Bawa himself including noteworthy sculptures of the male form. There are also creations by local and foreign artists on display here as well.
Another interesting fact is that such classic Hollywood greats as Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh stayed at the house in 1953 while filming of the movie "Elephant Walk" was going on. Opened to the public in the 1950s, the Brief Garden has also been visited by such great names of yesteryear as Alec Guinness, Agatha Christie, Peter Finch, Gregory Peck and Aldous Huxley.
Those visiting the southern part of the country and looking for Sri Lanka beach hotels in the area can stay at Heritance Ahungalla which offers luxury accommodation right near the beach. Providing the very best in contemporary comforts and conveniences, this beach hotel in Sri Lanka also has a spa where you can enjoy a range of luxurious beauty treatments and therapies.
Located around ten kilometres from Bentota, this picturesque garden and the house within it was once the home of Bevis Bawa, brother to the world famous architect Geoffrey Bawa. A multi skilled individual who was known as a soldier, cartoonist, sculptor and painter among various other talents, Bevis Bawa was also proficient as a landscape designer and the Brief Garden bares testament to this.
The land was formerly used as a rubber plantation, till in 1929 Bevis Bawa, a major of the British Army in Ceylon, began creating his resplendent 5 acre garden in Lunuganga. Once the rubber trees were cleared the site began to take shape with fascinating design features such as ponds, a Japanese water garden, sculptures and alcoves being cleverly interspersed amidst the scenic landscape.
Also of interest here is the house that was once the home of Bevis Bawa. Featuring wooden antique furniture, sculptures and paintings, Bawa's home is definitely worth visiting and offers a fascinating insight into its famous former resident. Amidst the works of art are pieces created by Bevis Bawa himself including noteworthy sculptures of the male form. There are also creations by local and foreign artists on display here as well.
Another interesting fact is that such classic Hollywood greats as Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh stayed at the house in 1953 while filming of the movie "Elephant Walk" was going on. Opened to the public in the 1950s, the Brief Garden has also been visited by such great names of yesteryear as Alec Guinness, Agatha Christie, Peter Finch, Gregory Peck and Aldous Huxley.
Those visiting the southern part of the country and looking for Sri Lanka beach hotels in the area can stay at Heritance Ahungalla which offers luxury accommodation right near the beach. Providing the very best in contemporary comforts and conveniences, this beach hotel in Sri Lanka also has a spa where you can enjoy a range of luxurious beauty treatments and therapies.
