Idyllically located on the Southern Sri Lankan coast, the stunning The Chatham Collection is a striking combination of style and sophistication. The absolute epitome of indulgence, each of the four properties simply oozes elegance and is the perfect sanctuary of luxury, perfect for immersing yourself in a haven of serenity and repose. Whether you opt to stay in the historical 18th century ’20 Middle Street’; an oasis in the heart of the bustling Galle Fort, or in one of the impressive beachfront properties of Habaraduwa House, Villa Sulanga, or Villa Ahasa with their unrivaled views of the Indian Ocean and majestic golden tan sandy beaches, prepare yourself for a luxurious retreat like no other. Indulge yourself in your own little slice of paradise, the perfect escape from frenetic everyday life.
Why We Love This Collection
We love these villas for their ‘wow’ factor! Not only are their locations stunning, but it is clear to see the owner has a real passion for achieving the very highest of standards, perfectly balanced with a real Sri Lankan authenticity. Impeccably and lovingly furnished with very personal touches, the attention to detail in each of Chatham Collection villas is outstanding.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Southern Sri Lank is between December and April before the main southwest (Yala) monsoon brings rain to the west and southwest. Temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius along the coast and are generally lower inland over the central hills should you decide to take an excursion to discover the virgin rain forests and rolling tea estates.
Location
From Bandaranaike International Airport, the drive to 20 Middle Street in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort will take approximately two and a half hours. The train station is just a three-minute drive from the property, and for a more personal transfer, the nearest helipad is a convenient two-minute drive away. Further along the coast, close to Koggala Beach and just fourteen km from Galle, are the villas of Sulanga and Ahasa and Habaraduwa House. Private transfers can be arranged to escort you from the airport to your Chatham Collection paradise.
20 Middle Street
Lovingly refurbished over a period of four years, 20 Middle Street was the first property in this collection to be purchased by owner Judy Green. Beautifully furnished and sympathetically in keeping with its Dutch ancestry, it was intended to be a place of comfort and elegance that her own family and visitors could relax in and indulge in the five-star service provided.
The first thing that will strike you on entering this majestic five-bedroom villa is the sheer size and expanse of each and every room. The property is made up of the original merchant’s house with two chic upstairs bedrooms and a linked annex where you will discover a further two beautifully appointed, interconnecting bedrooms. Take a short stroll through the lush gardens, and you will discover the secluded Pool House, which houses a further upstairs bedroom. Complete with sumptuous furnishings, all of the five double bedrooms come with en suites and indulgent four-poster beds, teak furniture, and antiques. Envisage opening the magnificent shuttered doors of the merchant’s house bedrooms and gazing across spectacular Sri Lankan rooftops to the pretty 17th century Dutch Reform Church. It’s a sight to behold.
The cooling grey and white interior combines with high, lofty ceilings to give a sense of spaciousness and a fresh, airy style. With so many secluded spots around the property, you will be spoilt for choice of areas to sit and unwind. The property has a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, great for cooling off after soaking up the heat of the Sri Lankan sun. After you’ve completed a few lengths of the pool, why not enjoy a short siesta in the downstairs loggia, perfect for a chilled afternoon with a good book and a pot of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. The children (and young at heart) will also enjoy the air-conditioned games room complete with satellite TV, computer, pool table, and extensive book and DVD library.
Habaraduwa House
Nestled in an acre of flourishing, landscaped gardens sits the impressive Habaraduwa House. If you are seeking total relaxation and privacy, then this is the perfect haven for you. Designed as a series of standalone buildings, the four double bedrooms enjoy glorious views across the Indian Ocean, three of which have their own terraces with steps that lead down to the lush emerald lawns. Beautifully furnished with cool crisp linens and limed woodwork, hues of blue and white give a nautical feel to the rooms. All four rooms have an en suite bathroom, two of which have both an indoor and outdoor shower, perfect for bathing under the stars.
Aside from the spectacular location, beautiful architecture, and luxurious furnishings, a highlight of this property has to be the dining ambalama, perfect for a romantic candlelit meal or for a larger gathering of friends and family. The central hub of the house is the exquisitely furnished sitting room, which opens up onto a spacious pool terrace where you can sit and drink up the Sri Lankan ambiance from the privacy of your own back garden. The games room also offers entertainment on tap, and for those who fancy themselves as a bit of an Olympic swimmer, the twenty-meter pool is waiting to be discovered!
Villa Ahasa & Villa Sulanga (HH Villas)
Inspired by the colonial railway-style bungalows located in the North-Western and North Central Provinces, these two elegant twin villas are the latest addition to the Chatham Collection. Situated adjacent to Habaraduwa House, they make the perfect getaway for a large group or perhaps a family occasion. Uniquely designed to be completely private from each other, these stunning villas are able to be linked at certain points. Each property has three luxurious double bedrooms fitted with dreamy four-poster beds and crisp white linens. You can opt for an en suite bathroom with an indoor/outdoor shower, or if you’d prefer a soak after a hard day’s relaxing on the golden sands, perhaps immerse yourself in the luxurious roll-top bath. Throw open the French doors to the downstairs bedrooms and step out onto the covered veranda, literally a stone through from the private pool. Or enjoy the first-floor views, a glass of wine in hand, whilst watching the glistening Indian Ocean from the comfort of your own private terrace.
As for dining, Al Fresco really doesn’t get any better than this. Enjoy exquisite local cuisine perfectly prepared by the in-house chef whilst you relax under a canopy of stars in your very own open-air ambalama.
With an abundance of secluded outside areas, heavenly dining, and breathtaking views, you are sure to be transported to a world of relaxed luxury and fine dining.
Services & facilities
First class service is of paramount importance, and your Chatham Collection experience will see you want for nothing! Guests will enjoy free amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and in-room safes. Many of the properties have a games room complete with a fully stocked DVD and book library, and each of the villas has its own private pool. Great care has been taken to recruit the very highest caliber of staff, and they are on hand to assist with your every need, whether that be organizing transfers or producing delicious authentic cuisine for you to enjoy during your stay. The friendly team of staff will ensure that you receive a five-star service that will make your stay truly unforgettable.
Food & Drink
Mouthwatering Western and Sri Lankan delights are cooked up by the in-house chef, so whether you want a romantic dinner for two or a relaxed buffet-style banquet, you can guarantee that you will not be left feeling hungry! For those wanting to venture away from the villas and sample some of the local gastronomic delights, you will find a plethora of bistros and bars in both the Galle Fort and Habaraduwa districts. Enjoy eating the fresh local seafood, and of course, sample an authentic Sri Lankan curry, all washed down with some fresh thambili.
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