TARU VILLAS RAMPART STREET & TARU VILLAS LIGHTHOUSE STREET, GALLE

These class acts are part of a handful of houses along the south coast by interior designer Nayantara Taru’ Foneska. Planter-style furniture is offset by white walls, referencing the fort’s colonial heritage without being stuck in the past. And behind the latticework shutters each four-bedroom house hides a secret: a sunset roof terrace on Lighthouse Street and a courtyard swimming pool at Ram part Street. Rampart Street; doubles from about £190. Lighthouse Street; doubles from about £145