The architectural style of this villa is typical of the Dutch period houses found within the Fort with high ceilings, columns and archways. The house was one of the first to be refurbished in a wave of development that started in 1999. The original owners, Jo and Jack Eden, have since moved elsewhere but the villa has continued to develop with a plunge pool added to the open courtyard in the back, around which you find the kitchen and open sitting areas. This is modern tropical villa with plenty of charm. Note the bedrooms are not airconditioned.

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Accommodation
The villa has three double rooms and one twin room. In total, the villa ccommodates up to eight people.  The rooms are non a/c and are all upstairs overlooking the Fort’s clay-tiled rooftops.  Overhead fans help to cool the rooms.  The Master Bedroom has an en suite bathroom with hot and cold shower, wash basin and w/c.  There are two more bathrooms shared by the rest of the three rooms upstairs.

Facilities
A lounge area is dressed in bright colours and a raised dining area furnished with an antique dining table is located on the ground floor.  The sun-filled courtyard leads to a plunge pool with relaxing sun loungers.  There is a well-equipped kitchen for those wanting to cook their own meals.  There is also an in-house chef, though, who will prepare delicious Sri Lankan meals and assist you with grocery shopping.   Beds are made-up by the housekeeper who comes in daily and will also do laundry, if required.

Excursions
Lying within the walls of the 17th century Galle’s Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 63 Peddlar Street is an ideal base from which to explore its heritage and see life unfold each morning within the Fort.  Hours can be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with Dutch and British period buildings still in use, the sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the growing collection of art galleries, antique shops and restaurants.  There are some fine beaches just outside of the Fort including Wijeya, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa. Surfing is ideal at Unawatuna, laden with small and rustic beach bar shacks; just a few minutes away from Galle Fort.  A boat ride on Koggala Lake with its many islands is another wonderful experience.   Eagle Island with about 100 nesting Eagles, and other small islands with nesting parrots, and a variety of bird species makes Koggala Lake a bird watchers delight.  The Yala wildlife sanctuary and the Sihnaraja’s magical rainforest also make for interesting and adventurous excursions.