42 Lighthouse Street
Galle

42 Lighthouse Street is a striking Dutch colonial villa located in the heart of Galle Fort, one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting and atmospheric enclaves. Tucked within this UNESCO-listed citadel of cobbled streets and stone ramparts, the villa offers direct access to Galle’s cafés, boutique galleries and breezy promenades, yet remains an oasis of privacy and calm, behind its grand wooden doors and thick ochre walls.

Originally built in the early 1800s for a Dutch merchant and his wife, the villa has been lovingly restored with care and character. Its design strikes an artful balance of retaining original features like soaring ceilings, deep verandas and timber shutters, while layering in a considered mix of antique finds and modern pieces. The result is a home that feels both timeless and current, authentically colonial yet elegantly pared back.

The property comprises four spacious, en-suite double bedrooms, each cooled by air conditioning and ceiling fans, and furnished with four-poster beds, soft linens and artisanal accents. The living room is expansive and inviting, ideal for breezy reading afternoons or pre-dinner drinks, while arched doors open to inner courtyards and shaded spaces where frangipani blossoms scent the air. 

Dining is thoughtful and generous, with a varied menu that includes fragrant Sri Lankan curries, tropical salads and Western comfort classics, all freshly prepared by the in-house chef. Breakfasts feature platters of mango, papaya and passionfruit, served alongside homemade jams and Ceylon tea, while lunch and dinner can be tailored to your preferences, whether that’s a traditional rice and curry feast or grilled fish caught just beyond the walls.

One of the villa’s most charming features is its bijou rooftop terrace, a secluded spot with views sweeping over Galle Fort’s rooftops, church spires and the Indian Ocean. It’s the perfect place for a sunset gin and tonic, a moment of stillness, or a starlit conversation after dinner. While the villa doesn’t have its own pool, guests are welcome to use the serene courtyard pool at nearby Fort Bazaar, just a short stroll away.

Service is warm, intuitive and discreet. A small, attentive team manages the villa, creating a stay that feels more like a private home than a hotel. Guests consistently praise the staff’s care, nothing is too much trouble, and recommendations for local guides, tuk tuk drivers or restaurants are always on hand.

With its elegant restoration, understated luxury and unbeatable location, 42 Lighthouse Street is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, settle in and absorb the rhythm of Galle Fort life. Whether you're here for romance, family time or a stylish base from which to explore Sri Lanka’s south coast, the villa is an effortlessly chic choice.

The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling