20 Middle Street is an opulent villa, set within the ramparts of the historic Galle Fort in Sri Lanka. Built in the mid-18th-century, it was likely a Dutch merchant's house and still emanates its historical grandeur. Now carefully renovated, it has retained its original features of columns, arches, verandas, teak windows with shutters, and high timber roofs. Occupying a prime location, it is within easy walking distance to Galle Fort and the breathtaking beaches of Unawatuna.
This large and spacious villa on the 20 Middle Street in Galle, features just five bedrooms. Restored by architect Channa Daswatte, each room is light and airy with touches of colonial heritage and a mixture of eclectic Balinese handcrafts and Sri Lankan works of art. The extensive gardens are one of the largest within the Dutch Fort while for recreation, there is a swimming pool and a sunbathing deck. A trained therapist and fitness instructor can also be arranged, if required.
The full staff at the 20 Middle Street in Galle include a Chef, who serves contemporary cuisine based on your preference, with fresh locally sourced ingredients. In the surrounds are local restaurants, boutique shops and the Galle Fort is within walking distance. Palm-lined beaches of Unawatuna are just minutes away and water sports including scuba diving is a favourite pass time here. Other activities include whale watching (seasonal), boating and visit to the nearby bird sanctuary.
Amenities
Bar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFamily RoomGardenLibraryOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesWi-Fi AvailableStay 20 Middle Street has five spacious bedrooms and is rented to one party at a time ensuring complete privacy. The main house has two bedrooms, each with four poster beds. The Annexe has a double room and a twin room, which can be combined and the pool house has one comfortable queen-size bed. All are spacious and elegantly furnished with polished wooden floors, antique or period style furniture, full glass-wall windows and ensuite bathrooms with twin vanities.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at 20 Middle Street, but there are no specific facilities available for children. Please note the property is more suitable for adults and children under 12 years are not encouraged.
Dine There is a full staff at the 20 Middle Street including a chef who will consult with you about your preferences and meals prepared to suit the most discerning tastes. The menu is a fusion of traditional Sri Lankan and International cuisines and meals served when and wherever you want on the property. Staff will set up dinners in the Verandah, on a big table in the Zaal, or on the Loggia in the Annexe Building for the best views.
Relax Facilities at the 20 Middle Street include a large living room with a library and games room complete with a snooker table. Here you will also find a dining area opening out to the central garden. The Annex has a large seating area overlooking the gardens. There is a large swimming pool with sun loungers and a full-size snooker table.
Experience Situated within the Galle Fort complex, 20 Middle Street is within walking distance of Galle's main sites. Guests have easy access to the Fort and Galle's famous lighthouse and its narrow streets studded with boutique shops and renowned restaurants. The other interesting site in Galle is Unawatuna, known for its palm-lined beaches. Nestled in nearby jungle, is the Japanese Peace Pagoda with ocean views and the Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery.
Location 20 Middle Street is situated in the heart of the walls of the old Dutch fort in the town of Galle, 120km south of Colombo on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.
Getting there Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is the sole international airport in Sri Lanka and is located about 30km north of the city. Travel time between the airport and the city centre is approximately 1-hour. The car transfer from BIA to 20 Middle Street takes about 3-hours. Alernatively, Sri Lankan Airlines runs a daily Airtaxi service from BIA to Koggala airstrip, a 25-minute drive from 20 Middle Street. The flight time is 45-minutes.
When to go Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with consistently warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. There are two monsoon seasons but they only bring rain to the west and south-west coasts from May to September; and the east coast and northern region between October and February. The rest of the year is sunny and dry but the months of December to April are probably the best time to visit. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C.
Destination
West & South, Sri Lanka
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