20 Middle Street

Built in the 1750s by a Dutch merchant, 20 Middle Street is one of the largest villas in the Fort, with elegant rooms, lush courtyard gardens, and a swimming pool.

The present owners bought the near-derelict property in 2004 and fully restored it with the help of renowned Sri Lankan architect, Channa Daswatte. Their brief was to preserve and respect the integrity of the original Dutch house, while providing all the modern comforts of a contemporary home. As a result, the five air-conditioned bedrooms are large with ensuite bathrooms, high ceilings, original teak doors, and cool terrazzo floors.

LIVING AREA

The villa is cool, airy and stylish. A large part of its beauty is in the spaces which unfold as you enter – the original merchant’s house, with two bedrooms upstairs, looks out on one side to a landscaped courtyard garden shaded by a majestic old mango tree. This links to the annexe at the centre of the property – which has two interconnecting bedrooms upstairs while the downstairs loggia is the ideal spot to sit and read, have a siesta or a yoga class. The garden extends the other side of the annexe, where there is a pool and terrace with sun loungers, beyond which is the pool house which has one bedroom on the first floor. The choice of peaceful spots to relax in is one of the highlights of the property.

BEDROOMS

There are five bedrooms – two in the Main House, two in the Annexe, and one in the Stables - all air-conditioned and with en-suite bathrooms. 

Bedroom 1
This large bedroom features a teak king four-poster bed and antique furniture, and has expansive views over the rooftops of the neighbouring houses, looking towards the 17th century Dutch Reform Church. Furnished in calming greys and whites, there is a large walk-in shower and separate w/c, as well as a spacious walk in dressing room.

Bedroom 2
Like Bedroom 1, the room has a king four-poster bed, and has shuttered doors which open onto a spacious terrace. This allows light to flood in, and offers impressive views of the gables of the Dutch Reform Church and the red-tiled Fort rooftops. This room too has the added benefit of lofty ceilings making it cool and calm, along with a dressing room and generous-sized bathroom.

Annexe Building - Bedroom 3
This double aspect room has a slightly more contemporary feel to it, with a king teak four-poster bed with mosquito net, walk in shower, enclosed w/c and open plan washbasin. With views over the garden and the pool, there is also an interconnecting set of doors to Bedroom 4, making this ideal for those travelling with young families.

Annexe Building - Bedroom 4
This bedroom has twin four-poster beds (which can also convert to king-size) as well as an open plan bathroom area. It is decorated in hues of beige and rusty red, which gives a chic, relaxed feel. There are views over the gardens and there is an interconnecting door to Bedroom 3.

Garden Cottage
This charming cottage has one bedroom, with a queen-size four-poster bed, draped with a mosquito net. Double hand basins and an antique wardrobe give the room great character and style.

STAFF & SERVICES

The comfort of 20 Middle Street is enhanced by the friendly team who manage it. A lot of care has been taken in recruiting staff who really care about the property. The level of service, and the quality of the Western and Sri Lankan food produced by the chef, has meant that many guests return, with some staying for as long as a month. 20 Middle Street is truly an oasis in the heart of bustling Galle Fort.