Courtesy of 20 Middle Street Galle
Where: 20 Middle Street Galle, Sri Lanka
Courtesy of 20 Middle Street Galle
The Lowdown:20 Middle Street is an exceptional private property located within the walls of Galle Fort. This former home of a Dutch merchant, built in 1750, sleeps eight people and is dressed with an impressive art and antiques collection. As if the island of Sri Lanka didn’t conjure up enough feelings of being in paradise, the villa is a sanctuary of calm, filled with places to simply be and spend time with the people you love. Each room is designed with impeccable attention to detail with plush furnishings and an array of cultural design elements. The villa also offers a private pool, billiard table, and games room. The location is second to none, with historical Galle Fort on your doorstep.
Courtesy of 20 Middle Street Galle
Courtesy of 20 Middle Street Galle
Stylish Eats: The villa is served by your own private chef, amongst other attentive staff members, who will discuss your likes and dislikes with you before presenting a feast at a time of your choosing. Flavors are simple and elegant, the ingredients undeniably fresh. Dinner is served out on the terrace overlooking the romantically lit garden. Breakfast is no less special, made up of fresh fruits, yoghurt, Sri Lankan coffee, and eggs.
Courtesy of 20 Middle Street Galle
Courtesy of 20 Middle Street Galle
Suite Talk: The property is made up of three sections, the main house, the pool house, and an annex, interlinked by manicured tropical gardens. Each of the five bedrooms are spacious with high ceilings, four poster beds, and airy neutral linens. Situated upstairs in the main house, two bedrooms open out onto a dramatic veranda that spans the length of the house. Leave the shutters open at night and drift off to the sounds of a tropical storm.
Courtesy of 20 Middle Street Galle
Courtesy of 20 Middle Street Galle
Insider’s Tip: Take a guided tour of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which can be arranged through 20 Middle Street. The fortifications are packed with so much history and life, dating back to the 16thCentury when the Portuguese settled in the region. Familiarize yourself with Pedlar Street, a mere 5-minute walk from the villa, where you’ll find an array of trendy cafes and boutique stores. For the ultimate inside tip, we hear there’s a traditional Sri Lankan tea shop – ask your tour guide – a few steps from the doors of 20 Middle Street that keeps the locals coming daily but is yet to be discovered by the tourists.
Courtesy of 20 Middle Street Galle
Vogue Verdict: An editor’s secret paradise, and a home from home that you won’t want anyone else to discover.
