The Artist’s Residence – Piero House (Thalpe).

Just inland from Wijaya Beach in Thalpe there’s a beautiful, huge and somewhat magical house called Piero. It’s gets a bit hot but it’s a large house with wonderful design and real character. It’s available for $70 a night for two people (About Rs. 9,000), via Airbnb.

The scene keeps moving down the coast, from Hikkaduwa to Unawatuna to Thalpe to Mirissa. In places close to Colombo, prices and occupancy keep going up, and affordable character and charm generally decline. Enter Airbnb. This global room/house letting startup has hit Sri Lanka in a big way and there are a lot of gems available there, from people outside the traditional hotel industry. That’s how we found the Artists Residence – Piero House.

The House

The house is very big and very nice. It actually has beds enough to sleep six comfortably and crash space for more, but as each guest over two is $50, it makes the most sense for two people. At that rate it’s a ton of space.

When we arrived we first hung out in the lofted chill spot above the garden (very cool).

To get there you go up these lovely stairs, decorated with Frida Kahlo paintings, which leads to a small room with pretty good books and magazines, including some fashion catalogs that feature the house.

The bathroom is another highlight. It’s open and has beautifully deteriorating walls.


no

Besides that there’s a dining table looking over the garden which is wonderful for writing/working at and a big living area with couches.

Then there are two proper bedrooms. We apologize as we only photographed the second one, sleeping in the other (bigger) room. Both have four post beds.

As you can see, for two people you get a ton of space. The decorations and construction are all really creative, and it is truly a good space for artists – for working, thinking, conversing, chilling out. Actually a magically environment.

The main drawbacks are that it’s hot and none of the rooms have ceiling fans (there are pedestal fans upstairs). At night it’s OK but during the day it’s quite hot. You can take a cold shower now and then (there didn’t seem to be hot water). There is hot water, you just have to find it and turn it on. Those are the drawbacks, it’s a wonderful, creative space, but it lacks some of the creature comforts of less hip abodes.

The basic comfort, however, is a good bathroom, and they have that. If you have a comfortable bathroom everything else is OK.

Service

This place is a house which they rent out when they’re not there. The caretaker Raj is pretty cool and there’s an adorable puppy. Raj handles most everything and makes a pretty solid roti, purippu and pol sambol breakfast. He speaks good English and has an impressive mustache.

The owner, Souhaine, was pretty accessible via phone and responds to Airbnb requests within about a day.

One thing we will note is that checkout times seem to be lax. We were told to come at 11 AM and the people from the night before still hadn’t left, and didn’t leave till 3. On the Airbnb comments someone also said that the owner came and stayed the night they were staying, which we’d say isn’t cool. When you’re there it’s nice to have privacy and the run of the house. We’re assuming that doesn’t happen now.

Location

Piero House is a bit hard to find but, we’ve tried to improve the directions here. After Wijaya Beach you turn left and head inland. It’s down a lane about 2.3 km down. This is fine if you’re driving (though the actual road is probably to steep unless you have a jeep). It actually makes the most sense if you rent a bicycle from the shop down the same road. The main landmark on the road is the big Dog Care Clinic.

Once you get there, which can be frustrating (see our directions). It feels isolated, but you can still see and hear people who also live down the tiny lane. In the broader scheme, it’s a short bike ride down to some great eats in Thalpe and a reasonable distance from Unawatuna. You can also get to Mirissa in about 25 minutes by bus or car.

Conclusion

The Piero House in Thalpe truly is an artists residence. It’s a magical space, creatively decorated and an ideal retreat for writers, artists, or general creatives. It’s bikable distance to good restaurants in Thalpe and swimmable beach and you get a big space for around Rs. 9,000 (double).

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide