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+1
This is a very nice place of the well-known Sri Lankan architect named Geoffrey Bawa who was a lawyer turned to an architect, out of interest. His concept of “inside out and outside in” design is interesting which brings the elements of outside the house into the house through some courtyard design which allow himself to enjoy the sunlight/ rain water while inside the house. The entrance fee is LKR1,000 which is rather steep, furthermore many sections are not allowed for photo takings. The interior remains the same as much as the same when he was living in the house with his personal collections and artefacts, including a vintage Rolls-Royce, as explained by the narrator. The experience of visiting this place was less than ideal due to few reasons. First, visitors are expected to adhere to the guided tour timings (10am, 12pm, 2pm & 3.30pm). Second, the congregation area is very small and tight for comfort (where it was about 20 plus visitors during our tour). Introductory program via a small TV which we could not see the TV screen at all as it was blocked by the visitor sitting in front. Lastly, there was an incident that one of the visitor accidentally took picture at a section where photo taking is prohibited. We were surprised by the reaction of the tour guide who raised his voice at the visitor and reprimanded her by saying “DON’T MAKE ME REPEAT FOR THE SECOND TIME!” The visitor apologised with remark “sorry” softly. We were completely appalled by his arrogant remarks and the entire experience made us rather uncomfortable. There were 20 plus of us and most of the time it was hardly to gather all of us at one go, trying hard to listen to what he said since the place is rather small and tight. It would be not too much to ask for if he could remind the visitor with more polite tone. After all, we are paying visitors and there is no need to treat us like criminals (for taking photo at wrongfully). Our final verdict is - we like the place, but not how the way it is organised and administered. …
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Date of experience: February 2020
2 Helpful votes
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Not only was it wonderful to be houseguest in Geoffrey Bawa's Colombo home, but to be looked after by the kindred spirit of Rohana, a 'butler' who served Mr Bawa in his late years too, was absolutely wonderful. What gracious people in that house. I cannot fault anybody for anything. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to study the home and have a really good guided tour on top of it with manager Priyanka and on the side with dear Rohana. thank you!…
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Date of experience: February 2020
1 Helpful vote
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You can imagine how the famous architect lived in this stylish yet simple house. If you are interested in architecture and interior design, you'll definitely love this venue. Personally I wanted to know a bit more deeply about Bawa's life and personality. バワ氏が静かに暮らした素敵なおうち。建築やインテリアに興味のある人ならぜひ。個人的には、もう少し家にまつわる彼の生活や人となりについて説明があれば、より楽しめたと思います。…
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Date of experience: February 2020
1 Helpful vote
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+1
Geoffrey Bawa and anything to do with him, has a very revered space in Sri Lanka. I don't think it was worth spending 1000 Sri Lankan Rupees per head and two hours of my time. The tour was crowded and you cannot access or photograph many parts.
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Date of experience: December 2019
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Staff are not at all friendly and rude as well. We emailed them and they gave us the wrong times of the tours and the duration. As it stands but please don't quote me as it may change run every weekday at 10:00, 14:00 and 15:30. On Saturday at 11:00 and 16:00 and on Sunday at 11:00 only. The duration is forty five minutes. The latest Lonely Planet guide says differently but this as it stands as per above in December 2019. They are very strict and will not let you in if you are even a few minutes late so get there a little early. You need to take a tuk tuk or taxi as it's located in a quiet residential area and many don't know where it is. Our driver struggled. Get them to wait for you or ask them to come back after the tour finishes to collect you. It costs LKR 1,000 and they only accept cash. Tours are conducted in English. They do have private tours as well which you need to book by appointment only. Not sure of the cost for this. Only come obviously if you know of and interested in the architect. There is a short video and then you are shown around the house including a look at the guest suite. You can take photo's in the house with the exception of where his personal items are located. No video's allowed. They will ask you to remove your shoes before entering. Tours start punctually. The information leaflet in English is very interesting and gives you more detail on his life and work. The house serves as a hotel as well but with only one private guest suite that you can take a peak of. What annoyed me about the staff was how rude they were. They did the tour but were reluctant to give any further information and limited their answers when you asked a question. Knowledge was limited. When we were waiting for the tour to start, one of the girls was browsing a book in the reception area and asked if she could look at the book again when we had finished the tour to which the guide rudely told her no and that the tour was finished and we had to leave! Worse still there was a private tour afterwards who came a little late and they were told by the guide that they had to wait twenty minutes or so because of this. That was fine and accepted. The issue was one of the men was elderly and disabled and could not stand. When they asked if he could sit inside whilst waiting they said no! He could sit as there was place. This was so mean. The daughter pushed it and then they agreed. I was very surprised by this as Sri Lankan's are generally very helpful and friendly and these sorts of places normally have very helpful staff. They shouldn't be working here otherwise if they cannot be polite to guests. There is no cafe inside. Not sure about toilets but would not bother asking anyway as your likely to get a no!…
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Date of experience: December 2019
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