Few that pass by the doors of The Fort House would guess that behind the unassuming facade lies a beautifully rendered interior with four comfortable bedrooms. As you take off your shoes and wander past a Jaffna temple horse into the open-plan living area you will be captivated by the hybrid of classic Dutch features (spacious rooms, high timber ceilings, wide archways, an original teak staircase and polished floors) complemented by a sometimes eclectic selection of contemporary furnishings and local arts and crafts. The irreverent fake zebra print chairs and rug in the sitting room area work surprisingly well against the stark 300-year-old colonial architecture.

A highlight of the ground floor is a pocket-size pool (7m) shaded by an avocado tree which fruits from March to October. Plant lovers will enjoy the year-round flowering of birds of paradise, bougainvillea and torch ginger plants around the pool. Walk up the garden steps and you will find yourself with a choice of either a breakfast terrace or a sun-dappled roof terrace with fabulous westerly views over the endless terracotta roof tiles of Galle’s famous Fort and out to sea; simply breathtaking at sunset.

Wherever you choose to chill out, there will be two helpful full-time staff as well as a manager to organise anything you require. While the property’s internationally-trained cook creates a mini banquet according to your personal preferences (breakfast and other provisions are normally at cost price), you can browse through the library of books and DVDs, pick out a board game, or curl up and relax in front of the TV. Since the house is located in the heart of Galle Fort, its vibrant streets, sights and sounds are right on your doorstep; the best way to get a feel for life in this historic citadel is to do a circuit round the rampart walls stopping off to watch the fort jumpers as they theatrically dive from Flag Rock. Alternatively ask one of the house staff to take you to shop at the original Dutch Market or, for a small extra charge, go for a spin in the villa’s vintage Morris Minor.

• Main Dining (10 persons)
• Tumble Dryer
• DVD Library
• Electronic Games
• Ceiling Fans
• Fax
• Food Starter Pack
• Hairdryers
• High Chairs
• IDD
• Internet (WiFi)
• iPod Dock/Speakers
• Iron/Board
• Equipped Kitchen
• Laundry Service (Sent out)
• Book Selection
• Air-con
• Baby Cot
• Bed Linen
• Board Games/Toys
• Car
• Food Menu
• Microwave
• Oven/Hotplates
• Safe
• Swimming Pool (Private)
• Toiletries
• Towels
• TV (Satellite/Cable)
• Washing Machine
• Coffee Machine
• Computer
• Chef/Cook (All meals)
• Service Staff
• Shopper
• Housekeeping (Full time)
• Masseuse/Spa Therapist

No rates available currently.

Much of the ground floor of The Fort House is made up of living and dining space with the high ceilings making the already spacious rooms seem even larger. Beside the stairs is a deeply cushioned concrete-based sofa seating area, whilst to the back, overlooking the bijou pool is a dining table for ten.

The house has four air conditioned bedrooms, all attached to generously sized bathrooms with large raindrop showers and amusing accessories such as granite trough soap bowls, colourful local art and plenty of hyacinth woven baskets that act as storage drawers. One of the bedrooms is located poolside, beyond the well-equipped western-style kitchen. Furnished with a double bed and a wardrobe, this easily accessible room allows for quick dips in the pool and has a relaxing view of the leafy walled garden; being on the ground floor it is ideal for elderly relations who would rather avoid stairs.

Climb the teak circular staircase to the first floor to reach a hall-way library, its shelves stacked with an extensive range of contemporary literature. Opposite is the Dutch Suite which has a wonderful vaulted ceiling with skylights that gives it a spacious feel. The room has a double four-poster bed and an adjoining lounge.

To the right of the hallway, bedroom three is known as the Bastion Twin Room and has large colonial planter’s chairs where you can curl up with a book and relax. The shabby chic mirrors marry well with the rest of the décor and the two four-poster single beds can be turned into a double if required. Hidden behind a small curtain is a doorway that leads into the mezzanine area TV lounge.

To the left of the hallway, the master bedroom features French doors which lead onto a sun terrace overlooking the pool and fort rooftops. The main feature is the king-size four-poster bed, which is elegantly draped with a silk-trimmed mosquito net. As well as a shower, this ensuite bathroom boasts a copper inlaid bathtub.

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