No. 39 Galle Fort

Located within the walls of a 17th century UNESCO World Heritage Site, three-bedroomed No. 39 Galle Fort offers space, privacy and plenty of old world charm. Ideal for families and groups of friends looking for a warm and welcoming home-from-home right in the heart of this historic ‘living citadel’, trendy Galle Fort’s iconic landmarks are mere footsteps away.

Stately yet cosy, nostalgic yet current, this immaculate property elegantly blends the charm of the past with 21st century comforts. The breezy terraced house is hugely spacious; the timber vaulted ceiling of the living room alone towers almost 10 metres above the burgundy-hued daybeds and the three-metre-long dining table. A friendly staff team – including a cook – attends to guests, ensuring they make the most of their comfortable surroundings.

No.39 Galle Fort dates back to the 17th century but was extensively renovated in 2008. The house is arranged across two floors encompassed by a walled courtyard garden sprouting tropical plants and boasting an alfresco dining area. Many features, such as the wide archway in the living room, the high vaulted ceilings and the heady mix of antique and custom-made furniture, hark back to the Dutch colonial era. The sumptuously dressed beds and cushioned daybeds, along with the well-equipped kitchen, mezzanine TV lounge and iPod dock delightfully complement this heritage home.

Tucked along Lighthouse Street in Galle Fort, on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast, the house provides easy access to the many iconic attractions of this historic locale. Although your cook will prepare daily breakfasts and other light meals on request, the fort is also dotted with a growing number of restaurants, cafés, bars and ice cream parlours to explore and sample. And within a fifteen-minute drive of the fort are palm-fringed beaches, idyllic lakes and fascinating temples.

No. 39 is located mid-way along Lighthouse Street, in historic Galle Fort, just 150 metres from the grass-topped western-facing ramparts and a further 200 metres from the town’s famous international test cricket stadium. The fort is a world heritage site and dates back over 400 years; a walk along its narrow cobbled streets reveals the fascinating hybrid architecture of three colonial eras – fretwork-fringed and pillarred Dutch abodes, British-era monuments, ochre-hued spice warehouses and interesting museums showcasing the fort’s rich history. There are many restaurants and cafes, as well as boutiques selling handicrafts, delicate lacework, glittering gems and other evocative souvenirs. Within 15 kilometres are a selection of mesmerising beaches, tranquil lagoons and historic temples.

Indoor Living;
- Expansive, open-plan, fan-cooled living space with lounge area and elegant teak dining table for 10
- Fan-cooled mezzanine snug with daybeds, a 32-inch flat-screen TV and DVD player
- Refined reading room with twin rattan loungers and a ceiling fan

Outdoor Living;
- Courtyard garden laid to lawn and edged by palms, torch ginger and floral vines
- Semi-alfresco veranda with daybed and planters chairs overlooking the garden

Master Bedroom:
- Privately situated on the first floor of the house
- King-sized four-poster bed, Dutch almirah and side tables
- Folding doors onto private balcony with garden and rooftop views
- Modern ensuite bathroom finished in terrazzo

Second Bedroom:
- Located on the ground floor of the house
- King-sized four-poster bed, Dutch almirah and side tables
- Folding doors onto private terrace with garden/courtyard views
- Terrazzo-finished modern ensuite bathroom

Third Bedroom:
- Situated on the ground floor, just off the living room
- Antique queen-size bed and matching antique cupboard
- Views of Lighthouse Street beyond wide folding windows
- Tiled galley-style bathroom with shower

The house’s central fort location means that all of its attractions, shops and eateries are all quickly accessible on foot. If additional transport is required, don’t hesitate to call the villa management team to organise day or half-day car and driver hire for sightseeing (additional cost).