Elkerton decided to retain much of the flora on the property, including the jack trees and large palms, whose location determined the placement of the house. “The way that I positioned the house is not centred on the land,” she reveals. “It’s actually to the right of where the trees were.”

Wildlife is abundant, too, with the jungle so close by; the resident monkeys, peacocks and other fauna inspired the design in their own right. The adjacent coastal stretch also served as a rich source of inspiration, bringing fresh and invigorating energy into the quiet countryside villa.

Elkerton complemented many of the house’s traditional Sri Lankan features, including the fretwork and locally crafted furnishings, with design elements she came across on her travels to Morocco, Zanzibar, India and the Mediterranean. Handmade encaustic and Bejmat tiles were applied alongside refurbished Dutch doors and windows, artisanal upholstery fabrics and scalloped walls, an architectural feature she had encountered in Zanzibar.

Importing these elements from overseas was a challenge in itself, but one that proved to be very much worth the effort.

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Sparking the initial layout and aesthetic direction of the property was the designer’s infatuation with classic Moroccan riads. Elkerton shares: “I love that feeling of going into a riad. It’s really, really incredible. So, I knew I wanted a courtyard with high walls; that was a key starting point.”

The home’s antique front doors, ornamented with hand-carved rosettes, now open out to a courtyard paved with Bejmat tiles. This space leads to the sunken sitting room with a vaulted ceiling, a wealth of natural light, and meditative views of the lush gardens.

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The courtyard separately carves a path to the coveted Palm Suite, situated under a cluster of coconut trees, and the only room with an under-the-stars outdoor shower.

While the designer’s interior style borrows more from her travels than her early upbringing in England, her childhood neighbourhood in Cornwall had a surprising impact on the home, too. “Next door to my mother’s house is this lovely house called Braganza,” she reveals. “As I was growing up, I always walked past it. I don’t know why, but I adored the name. When I was trying to think of names [for this place], I just thought of Braganza House!”

The home’s exterior was personalised with just as much care and consideration as its interior. “I liked the older Sri Lankan bungalows, but I wanted to move away from the grey,” the designer tells us. “It was important to me to use a lot of local finishes, such as the polished cement, but with a fresh approach.” The result is a gorgeous, predominantly white base.

Its only downside is the upkeep in Sri Lanka’s harsh climate, particularly during the monsoon season. “The maintenance is quite tough,” Elkerton admits. “It does discolour, but I actually don’t mind that, because it’s natural.”

Outside, a breezy veranda doubles as a quiet breakfast spot and a casual gathering space throughout the day with various seating areas. The large patterned porcelain tiles seamlessly connect this outdoor area to the interiors, while its edges look out onto the pool and the expansive countryside beyond.

One of the designer’s most treasured additions to the house, the pool was also the most challenging feature to construct. Organically undulating and elevated within the gardens, it required exact levelling, careful shaping, natural gradation, and the application of a vibrant terrazzo finish.

A natural, curved deck brings a piece of the beach inland along the winding edges of the pool, with an al fresco dining area located just a few steps away.

From the vivid outdoor spaces to the lovingly curated suites and rich design detailing everywhere one looks, Braganza House exudes quiet luxury, secluded charm and an adventurous yet relaxed personality with a sophisticated finish. It’s a dreamy tropical oasis and a home away from home for both Elkerton and guests alike.

“It’s such a magical place. I wanted to have all these little areas for people to socialise and come together as a family,” she says with a warm smile. “It’s amazing when you do that, and then when people come and stay, they have such a special time.”

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