No 20 Middle St is without question la grand dame of private residences inside the historic walls of Galle Fort. Dating back to when it's immediate neighbour was the Dutch Governor's house - now the Aman - the current owners have ensured that time has stood stil. It is a house that oozes charm and whispers style. There is no need to shout when it is so obvious?
On one side of the entrance hall is the drawing room whilst on the other is the games room with pool table and flat screen TV/DVD with surround sound. WiFi flows throughout the ground floor. One master ensuite double is upstairs above the entrance hall and has a private balcony that looks towards the 17th century Dutch Reform Church.
Back downstairs, the entrance hall leads onto the terrace overlooking the internal courtyard garden with Jurassic ginger flowers and other tropical plants and the air is filled with the sweet aroma of frangipani trees. The terrace has an indoor outdoor feel and is festooned with rattan and bamboo furniture as well as a glass dining table for up to 8.
At the far end of the garden is the annex that has two further upstairs bedroom adjoining suites - a double and a twin - as well as a private sitting area. All bedrooms have four poster beds; fitted mosquito nets; mattress toppers; air con and ensuite bathrooms.
Once through No 20's large entrance doors the dust and heat is gracefully removed from ones shoulders and it is easy to enjoy tropical living in a degree of style and comfort not often available. Leave the kids at home...or house them elsewhere...and enjoy this opportunity for quiet reflection with friends in delicious historic surroundings.
For more information on the Galle Fort please see our guide
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