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Doornberg Galle
Doornberg
The Place : Galle, Sri Lanka
Just a short stroll from Galle Fort, Doornberg stands atop Richmond Hill as one of the city’s most atmospheric heritage addresses. Built in 1712 with classic Dutch colonial architecture, this villa is a living time capsule, its thick yellow walls, original timber beams, and leafy internal courtyard telling the layered story of Sri Lanka’s colonial past. From orphanage to private home, and now painstakingly renovated as a boutique villa by owner Peter Harris.
If you’re seeking a heritage villa stay near Galle Fort, with art-filled interiors, private gardens and a hidden swimming pool, Doornberg is one of Galle’s best-kept secrets.
Inside the Stay
Arrival at Doornberg feels like stepping behind the scenes of old Ceylon. The approach leads you uphill, past city rooftops, to a discreet gate and a passageway that instantly captures your eye with its sightline to a serene courtyard. In the center, a flourishing rose apple tree anchors the site, dividing sunlight and shadow through the day.
The villa unfolds in a U-shape around the courtyard, with stately yellow exteriors offset by minimal yet characterful interiors. Each of the four suites is unique, with high ceilings, carefully restored timber, splashes of art, and antique Dutch beds layered with quality linens. Some rooms offer private library corners and seating areas—one suite has a dreamy bathroom with a skylit shower and both a free-standing tub and elegant fixtures. Expect moody lighting (no harsh overheads), cool comfort via air-conditioning, and just enough modern minimalism blended into the centuries-old character.
One of Doornberg’s signatures is its collection of contemporary and commissioned artworks, from bold canvases to minimalist sculpture, much of it sourced personally by the owner. Art and travel books fill shelves throughout the house (including works on Geoffrey Bawa and regional design), offering inspiration for slow mornings and rainy afternoons.
The courtyard lets dappled light move through the villa all day, while wide verandas and shaded corners invite lounging, reading, or an alfresco breakfast. Beyond the courtyard, lawns open up to a “hidden” swimming pool nestled among tall palms and broad canopies, private, out of view from the main house, and complete with sun loungers for lazy afternoons.
What we loved
What we loved most about Doornberg was how it felt like stepping into a piece of living history. Every corner of the villa seemed to have a story from the old Dutch stone columns to the little nooks where you could curl up with a book. The big living areas were full of interesting art and shelves packed with books. We spent hours flipping through design books or sinking into a chair with a good novel, with the warm light shifting through the day.
Our favourite spot was the hidden swimming pool, tucked behind the garden and shaded by trees. It felt like our own secret escape. After wandering the streets of Galle Fort in the morning heat, nothing beats slipping into the cool water or just lying back, listening to the birds.
The people here made it even better. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles and seemed to know exactly when to appear with a helping hand. The chef cooked meals that we’re still thinking about from crispy Sri Lankan hoppers for breakfast to fresh grilled fish and candlelit dinners out on the lawn.
The location couldn’t have been more perfect. After a day in Galle’s colourful, busy streets, we’d come back to the villa and feel the calm around us, surrounded by books, art, soft light, and familiar faces who made it feel like home.
Particulars
Price Range
From $800/night or ₹1,27,000 per night (varies by season; inquire for special packages or whole villa bookings).
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