Doornberg Historic Dutch House

Built in 1712 & perched on an acre of manicured lawn, Doornberg sits above the ancient town of Galle offering 180-degree panorama with views of the UNESCO-heritage Fort & the Indian Ocean beyond. Rent by the room or whole villa.

Take a step back into the time of a Dutch Admiral, for whom it was built & allow Doornberg to gracefully cradle you in quiet luxury. Four Palladio columns support the front verandah protecting the door frame. Adjacent window shutters feature the elegant, moulded woodwork characteristic of the early 17th century.

A six-meter-high formal entrance gallery leads to the great room which is the principal living space and centre of the building. The flanking bedrooms preserve the original symmetry of the house.

Pillared columns support the deep internal verandahs which open to a grassed courtyard, shaded by an imposing Rose Apple tree in the centre.

The roof is steeply pitched and clad in the original terracotta from the period of the build.

The house contains four suites with independent garden access. Each air conditioned suite features a reading lounge, restored netted Dutch bed, ceiling fan, monogrammed linen on custom-made 10-inch mattresses, and a large period bathroom with cast iron bath.

Throughout the house there is a significant collection of contemporary art, featuring pieces commissioned from Sri Lankan artists and multi-disciplinary works from Chinese and Australian artists.

Extensive lawns bordered by indigenous plantings lead to a secluded pool area, hidden from the house. The 16-metre length pool is set against a dominating mango tree and the verdant jungle surrounds.