The tranquility you feel as soon as you step off Galle Fort’s cobbled streets and inside Chandolu’s unassuming eighteenth century walls is palpable, and this serenity immediately appeals. Wander across a black and white-tiled hallway, and you’re whisked directly into the heart of this historic house; an open plan living and dining area characterised by soaring ceilings, graceful colonnaded archways, cushy built-insofas, colonial furnishings, eye-catching artwork and pots sprouting lush plants. Ample light and refreshing breezes flood in from a sun-drenched courtyard at the far end of this atmospheric living space; from its tall outer wall, blushing pink bougainvillea tumbles towards an inviting mosaic-tiled plunge pool that’s perfect for dipping into during the heat of the day. Chandolu has an enviable location in Galle Fort. Its entrance is up a narrow side street, seconds away from the fort’s western-facing grass-topped ramparts where cricket players, sunset seekers and strollers colourfully converge at the end of the day. Views are best from the first floor of the villa where ocean panoramas playfully unfold from a spacious master bedroom opening directly onto a gorgeous roof terrace – the villa’s undisputed highlight. Furnished with a dining table and day bed for soaking in the superb scenes of ramparts and sea, this is the best spot for savouring a good old fashioned Galle Fort sunset; sink refreshing sundowners before dining al fresco under a sparkling ceiling of stars. Chandolu features two master bedrooms across two floors furnished with king-sized four-poster beds dressed in soft cotton linen, and draped by mosquito nets. Facilities include air conditioning, ceiling fans, built-in cupboards and safes. The ground floor bedroom opens directly onto the sun-drenched pool terrace and features a colonial-style bathroom with black-and-white chequered floor tiles, a pair of freestanding sinks and a claw-footed Victorian bathtub. Chandolu’s second bedroom is on the ground floor and opens directly onto the pool terrace, along with a cosy TV Room with DVD player and a selection of movies that can be converted into a third bedroom if required. The villa is also facilitated with an iPod dock, lots of interesting coffee table books, collections of magazines and a selection of novels. You’re welcome to use the fully equipped kitchen, and the villa comes with a team of two full time staff capable of cooking breakfasts and simple local meals. A member of the Chandolu’s management team drops by from time to time, and the fort’s restaurants are mere footsteps away. The bedroom on the first floor features a cosy ocean-view sitting area and a contemporary ensuite bathroom with elongated designer sink and shower. Three sets of doors lead from the bedroom onto a sea-view balcony that winds round to a fully furnished roof terrace. The ground floor TV Room is equipped with a built in sofa that can be made up as a bed, if required. The room comes with a ceiling fan and air conditioning, and is attached to a bijou bathroom so it would work well if a third (single) bedroom was required.