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.
The house comes with a cook & house staff. Breakfast & afternoon tea is included, lunch & dinner are offered by a set menu at a fixed price.
This grand Dutch House was built for an Admiral. Staying here is to take a gentle step back in time. The price is for up to 4 people in 2 suites.
The space
Doornberg is a truly beautiful house on a lovely site at the top of Richmond Hill.
The continued existence of buildings like Doornberg is not only a tribute to the collective endeavour of those who bought the architectural ideas to the shores of this island and its craftspeople who interpreted them in terms of its climate, environment and technology, but also a continued reminder that a well-built building, meaningful over time, is indeed one of the most sustainable aspects of making good architecture.
The entrance stone bears the markings Doornberg 1712.
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. The price is for 4 people occupying 2 bedrooms - additional charge for additional bedrooms.
Each 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.
The front verandah offers views to the town and to the ocean beyond.
A collection of local and international publications covering art and architecture.
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.
Its arcade has the lovely sweep of roof and minimum four pillars of the best Ceylon Dutch houses. 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.
There are 4 master suites all with private access to the garden & ample seating as well as ensuite with spacious bedrooms & lovely bathrooms.
Guest access
Doornberg occupies a prime position high above Galle Fort with lovely views of the Fort & Indian Ocean.
The drive way leads up to the front door where the entrance stone bears the markings Doornberg 1712. There are 3-4 steps & otherwise the entire house is on one level.
The household team will meet you at the entrance & whilst showing you around the house, they will guide you to your bedroom suite.
Other things to note
The household team will look after you & will do their best to provide a wonderfully relaxing experience.
