Fleewinter

This former merchant's home has recently undergone a complete transformation courtesy of its Hong Kong based owners. Many of the original features have been restored and when combined with an eclectic mix of modern and traditional features the overall feel is of a comfortable family retreat.

A cool green sided pool in the courtyard provides the focal point to this stylish house whilst the west facing roof terrace offers a magnificent view over the Dutch ramparts and spectacular evening scenes as the sun slides into the Indian Ocean.

With an additional terrace off the master bedroom, a family TV room, and three separate living areas there are plenty of spaces to escape to a peaceful corner or relax with a sundowner after a hard days surfing and sun bathing at the nearby beaches.

The master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with shower. The first double and twin bed room share a bathroom with shower, the other double can also access this bathroom or use the additional guest bathroom located on the ground floor. All bedrooms are fully air-conditioned and have ceiling fans.

A study / reading area is located in the entrance hall. There are large and comfortable sofas in the main living area that opens onto the dining area. In addition there are two seats situated next to the courtyard pool and deep chairs on the roof terraces. On that rare 'rainy afternoon' there is the Satellite TV/ DVD room with huge beanbags.

Surrounded by plants the small pool provides a perfect place to float around during the day or upon returning from a day of sun on the beach.

Whilst breakfast can be taken on the roof terrace a fabulous locally made teak table can be set for up to 12 for more formal dining.

Unless you have requested a cook the villa is given on a self catering basis. There is a fully equipped and modern kitchen. The staff, a live-in house boy and a room girl who comes daily, are there to look after you and can help with meal preparation.

With regard to food shopping you can either provide the houseboy with sufficient funds and instructions and he will shop for you or go to the daily fish,fruit and vegetable markets yourself. There is a good supermarket in town as well as the 'village shop' around the corner in the Fort.

Galle Fort is like no where else in Sri Lanka. Enter through the 'new' English Gate or the 'old' Dutch Gate and enter a different world. Renovated Dutch architecture of some of the 600 odd houses crowd the narrow labyrinth of streets in this 90 acre Fort. Largely built by the Dutch during the 18th century the Fort is another of Sri Lanka's World Heritage sites. The Ramparts are used for romantic strolls as well as early morning power walks and - of course - for local 'village' cricket games. They also provide an excellent vantage point to capture the atmosphere of an international test match. There a number of restaurants and hotels where you can have lunch or a cup of coffee after wondering around the many boutique gift shops. Many antique dealers also have showrooms in the Fort. Galle remains the traditional home of jewellery design and there are numerous jewellery and gem shops. The Fort has a number of small beaches that are suitable for morning swims whilst the sunbathing beaches are between 5-7km away.