The name Bawa is synonymous with exquisite architectural masterpieces. Geoffrey Bawa was one of Asia’s most influential architects in the 20th century and his older brother Bevis, was an equally talented artist, landscaper and planter.
The Other Bawa
Born to a mixed-race family, Bevis was groomed to become the eventual owner of the family rubber plantation in Aluthgama known as the Brief Estate. He began landscaping the area and developing the gardens after he retired from the army.
A Refuge for Artists
Bevis was popular among the artist scene in Sri Lanka and was commissioned to landscape many public and private spaces in and around Colombo. He also played host to a vibrant variety of artists, painters, dancers and writers as well as famous dignitaries such as Barbara Sansoni, the Duke of Windsor, Lawrence Olivier and Agatha Christie.
Stay Nearby, Visit Early
Staying at a hotel within easy reach such as Shinagawa Beach would be ideal as you can plan a trip in the morning to see the Brief Garden in natural light. The garden is open to the public and can be visited from 8 am to 5 pm from a hotel in Bentota or Beruwala.
Get Lost in the Manicured Landscape
It is encouraged to roam the gardens by yourself with a map that you can request at the bungalow. The gardens stretch into 20 acres of beauty and history all rolled into one. It remains untouched in the last 85 years and is managed by Dooland De Silva who was Bevis’ manager when the latter died in 1992.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
