halala kanda, 4 friends bought a 100 year old mansion, such a transformation, getting 1 lakh rupees for 1 night rent today 4 friends bought a crumbling mansion in Sri Lanka restored and renting it out

New Delhi: Four friends made a 100-year-old mansion near Weligama town in Sri Lanka so that they are now renting it out for Rs 1 lakh per night. In 2010, this ruined mansion by interior designer Dean Sharp was first seen.

The history of the haveli named Halala Kanda is quite interesting. It was built in 1912 by the son of a wealthy plantation owner to woo his bride. In its glory days, Halala Kanda hosted guests such as the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie and the legendary Australian cricketer Keith Miller.

However, when interior designer Dean Sharp first set his eyes on the mansion, there was no past glory left in it. With its crumbling plaster, coral and stone walls had collapsed, the roofs were occupied by bats and a tree was growing from the roof of the entrance. In 2011, Sharp bought the crumbling 100-year-old mansion and two acres of land with his friends Jenny Lewis, Richard Blaisdale and Bentley de Beyer for US$430,000.

Architect Ross Logie was hired to design the mansion. Work began in December 2012, a century after its construction. Sharp’s vision was to keep the look of the mansion as authentic as possible while keeping the original structure in mind. It can accommodate up to 12 people, with five bedrooms and as many bathrooms. The mansion employs a manager, chef, two service workers, two gardeners and a security guard. It has taken four years to convert it into a luxury villa.