No. 77 Leyn Baan

No. 77 Leyn Baan is a restored townhouse on one of the quiet lanes inside Galle Fort, a few steps from the old ramparts of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO-listed colonial town. Behind a discreet black front door, it opens into a two-storey home of around six thousand square feet arranged around three courtyards, where original stone arches and weathered walls sit alongside polished floors and contemporary art. Booked as a whole house for up to eight guests, it suits families and friends who would rather walk to dinner than drive.

The heart of the house is an inner courtyard with a still, shallow pond and a striking central sculpture, open to the sky so light pours through the rooms around it. Climb up to the rooftop and there is a private pool and a terrace with relaxed seating, looking across the terracotta rooftops of the fort with glimpses of the Indian Ocean beyond, a lovely spot for sunset with a book. Restaurants and cafés are within walking distance, and beaches and day trips along the south coast are an easy drive.

Inside, there are formal and informal living rooms, a moody green-walled lounge, a media room with satellite television and a dining room seating eight beside a fully equipped kitchen. The four bedrooms are split between the ground and upper floors, each with air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a television, a safe and an en-suite bathroom, three of which have bathtubs. The upstairs master suite has its own lounge area. A housekeeper looks after the house daily, laundry is handled in-house, and a private chef with grocery shopping can be booked in advance at extra cost.