Galle South Coast Villas for Rent | Sri Lanka Luxury Rental Villas - list view

No. 39 Galle Fort

Atmospheric, well located and very comfortable sum up our stay at No.39. After the hustle and bustle of the fort, diving in and out of cafés and boutiques, and photographing iconic landmarks, it was heaven to return to our tranquil and comfortable abode, which was right at the heart of everything.

Ajith, the housekeeper, welcomed us in his quiet way, always with a shy smile and, with assistance from a second member of staff, kept the house clean and tidy. He was also the cook, and although still a novice in the kitchen, we were pleased with his efforts, especially his curries. The menu is fairly limited but included grilled fish, salads, sandwiches and kids’ meals – all dishes Ajith felt confidant cooking.

Although this is a great family house, the cement stairs (sans stairgates) and minimal kids’ facilities make it less suitable for toddlers. That said, there are two daybeds at the entrance to the master bedroom that can sleep children up to ten years old.

The soft pillowy quilts made the beds very comfortable and we particularly loved the upstairs bedroom for its extra space and breezy rooftop views. We found the bathrooms to be fairly small, but all were nicely finished in smooth polished cement. Note that Ajith is a live-in housekeeper and spends much of his time in the kitchen or discretely in his quarters, which are located next to the garden bedroom.

more...

From $280 Special 2br Rate

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 4

Our
Rating 7.2 Guest Rating 8.9

No. 39 Galle Fort

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Galle

Atmospheric, well located and very comfortable sum up our stay at No.39. After the hustle and bustle of the fort, diving in and out of cafés and boutiques, and photographing iconic landmarks, it was heaven to return to our tranquil and comfortable abode, which was right at the heart of everything.

Ajith, the housekeeper, welcomed us in his quiet way, always with a shy smile and, with assistance from a second member of staff, kept the house clean and tidy. He was also the cook, and although still a novice in the kitchen, we were pleased with his efforts, especially his curries. The menu is fairly limited but included grilled fish, salads, sandwiches and kids’ meals – all dishes Ajith felt confidant cooking.

Although this is a great family house, the cement stairs (sans stairgates) and minimal kids’ facilities make it less suitable for toddlers. That said, there are two daybeds at the entrance to the master bedroom that can sleep children up to ten years old.

The soft pillowy quilts made the beds very comfortable and we particularly loved the upstairs bedroom for its extra space and breezy rooftop views. We found the bathrooms to be fairly small, but all were nicely finished in smooth polished cement. Note that Ajith is a live-in housekeeper and spends much of his time in the kitchen or discretely in his quarters, which are located next to the garden bedroom.

more...

From $360

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 7.2 Guest Rating 8.9

32 Middle Street

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Galle

Once the doors of 32 Middle Street were closed behind us we felt instantly at home. The property felt secluded and its courtyard swimming pool and rooftop sundeck offered plenty of scope for relaxation. Indoors, we loved curling up on the squashy sofas in the living room and admiring the Asian artwork, owners’ photographs and interesting reading material that personified the property. Each room is large, although the master bedroom with its balcony overlooking the pool and sumptuous en-suite bathroom is easily the most exclusive. The house is well set up for families (best for older children), groups of friends and couples who will love the seclusion and privacy. The open-plan design of the two downstairs bedrooms, with the bathroom forming part of the room, albeit behind a concrete screen wall, might not suit everyone.

The helpful villa staff can prepare meals at cost price with prior notice, and Marloni’s delicious rice and curry was a real treat. The villa’s good management team can also assist with local travel arrangements.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 7.2 Guest Rating 8.8

79 Leyn Baan Street

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Galle

There are few homes in Galle Fort that feel as homely and as eclectic as this one. 79 Leyn Baan Street is a long house, stretching between two streets, but the configuration makes it feel very intimate. Rooms are filled with interesting books, including many coffee table tomes on Sri Lankan architecture and design, one of which features the house itself. Those looking for an informal home-from-home in the fort will love it here.

It is obvious that this is a family house – there is a kid’s bunkroom on the ground floor and a cupboard brimming with board games and toys – however hazards like the courtyard pond and a steep master bedroom staircase mean that we wouldn’t recommend it for children under 10. What 79 Leyn Baan Street suits best are decadent couples looking for a private, personal and unpretentious retreat in the fort.

A trusted daily housekeeper cleans and helps in the kitchen, and the management company is on call should you need further assistance (they can also arrange for a chef to cook at the villa for a reasonable daily charge). But the fort’s plethora of cafes and restaurants are less than a 10-minute stroll away so there’s no shortage of options for lunch and dinner. Guests will also be kept company by Ruby, the house’s friendly dachshund. A second entrance at the rear of the house provides nippy access to the ramparts and the little beach beyond.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 7.0

The Dutch House

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Galle

A favourite with visiting celebs – Sting once stayed here – the Dutch House manages to be both majestic and homely at the same time. It’s a true refuge, not only because of its large garden and hilltop location, but also because of the discreet, warm nature of the staff who keep the house so perfectly in order. Attention to detail – from the banana leaf-wrapped soaps in the bathrooms to sun hats and wicker bags in the suites – is an obvious source of pride. The house’s serene location made it hard to believe that we were staying in Galle. Everything is within walking distance, though three-wheelers are recommended to transport you up the steep hill back to the house! The large garden has plenty of outside seating (we loved the double lounger on the veranda) and was looking particularly lush on our recent return visit. The management told us that more and more weddings are being hosted at the house (for up to 200 people). Although the staff are very capable, the management team work with an experienced local events company for larger affairs. The wonderful vintage Rover parked outside the front door is an atmospheric companion to the house, and although this particular model is not roadworthy, vintage car hire can be organised for a colonial-style tour of town. Note that there are no TVs or DVDs (instead, hundred of books) but there are CD players – one in each suite. Whilst breakfast, lunch and snacks are served at The Dutch House, dinner is at sister property the Sun House (boutique seven-room hotel) just across the road. Here, three-course set dinners are served, with menus changing nightly. Guests can request to dine privately at ‘home’ on occasion, but we felt that although the food is unquestionably good at the Sun House, the Dutch House is a slightly let down by the fact that it doesn’t have its own private full-time chef.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 8.2

Ivory House

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Galle

The rural setting of Ivory House is undeniably idyllic. Often when you stay on the coast you miss out on experiencing the island’s lush, rural hinterland. Here you can enjoy the best of both worlds as beaches are accessible in 10-15 minutes (there are plenty of local sprays of sand for sunbathing). Families will find this house suits them well; the gentle lawns and shallow ledge of the pool are both child-friendly.

The villa’s wraparound veranda makes the most of the rural environs, and although it is scantily furnished with only a round table for six, there are loungers in the garden and beside the pool. Wide folding doors bridge the gap between indoors and out, and thanks to their location to the front of the house, the huge living room and the front master suite benefit most from the rural vistas. The second master bedroom is tucked behind, but has its own side veranda, whilst the remaining two bedrooms – one of which is very small and would suit a single traveller, a child or perhaps even a nanny – open onto the living room.

The staff looked after us well and we were happy with the chef’s cooking – amongst other items, his sweet potato and coriander soup was delicious. We’d also recommend the Sri Lankan breakfast. Also try to visit the nearby Kahanda Kanda hotel for afternoon tea or a meal at least once during your stay.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 7.6

Lassana Kanda

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Galle

Lassana Kanda is a destination in itself – one of Sri Lanka’s grandest private villas (on a par with those in Bali and Thailand) and offers such an abundance of space and facilities that it encourages you to stay put. The interiors were furnished elegantly and felt distinctly uncluttered.

The pool is stunning and plenty large enough to swim decent lengths while others relax in the shallows and admire the gorgeous palm-fringed valley views. The meticulously designed tropical gardens complemented the verdant hillside setting perfectly. We loved the pool pavilion for dining and the sun deck for relaxing on the plentiful loungers.

The guesthouse has a little kitchenette and works well for independent teens as well as elderly relatives or less mobile family members who prefer ground level bedrooms. There are plenty of kids’ toys and facilities at the villa and this, together with such an abundance of space for letting off steam or finding your own quiet corner, make Lassana Kanda a dream destination for families.

The villa has a dedicated staff team. The manager is also an experienced chef (he’s worked in Australia and the UK) and served us seared tuna with a mango salsa for lunch and a Thai selection from one of his evening set menus; both meals were excellent. Staff do not live in, but there is 24-hour security and the manager is on call.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 14

Our
Rating 8.3 Guest Rating 8.4

Mihiri Beach House

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Galle

We loved being at Mihiri House as a couple, but we’ve visited on other occasions as part of a bigger group and have seen how it really comes into its own then. Its set up is very sociable – the ground floor living/dining room is huge and there are lots of places for everyone to find their own spot without resorting to different rooms.

Because the bedrooms are almost equally sized, it’s a great house for groups as well as families. The bedroom layout would suit two families travelling together as well, and the rooms on the ground floor would be ideal for any less mobile travelling companions. We liked the upstairs bedrooms because you could throw open the windows at night and let in the breeze – great if you fancy a change from the air conditioning.

The villa has only recently (March 2012) opened to guests and the staff team are still a little shy, but they were always smiling and responsive to our requests and left us to it most of the time, which we liked. You’re welcome to use the excellent kitchen yourself, though with the chef’s cooking on offer (we loved the curries) and the temptation of a great local restaurant within walking distance (Wijaya), it’s unlikely it’ll cross your mind.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.7 Guest Rating 9.3

Old Palm House

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Galle

Old Palm House is easily one of the best inland properties near Galle. Perched on a hilltop with views out over a leafy valley, it’s tropical, tranquil and one of my favourite places to stay. This hidden oasis offers the best of both worlds – easy accessibility to the beach (five minutes’ drive) and the opportunity to experience life (and explore) inland. The house is designed very much for succumbing to the easy, relaxed pace of life of the tropics. Polished cement floors keep you cool underfoot and oversized sofas are a delight to melt into. Being open on three sides, the dining area to the front of the house is light and airy, and makes a lovely venue for a meal, by day or night. Housekeeper Chinteka whips up a mean cocktail or two and kept us very well fed - you can ask him for just about anything. The other staff members were always enthusiastic, smiling and eager to please. Nothing seemed too much trouble. Although this is a four-bedroomed house, one of the rooms (the single) is very small and best suited to a child or a nanny. The master bedroom definitely overshadows the others in size and outlook, so you may have to draw straws for it; but for one family, the villa layout is superb – and the pool’s shallow lounging shelf is ideal for little paddlers.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 7

Our
Rating 7.7