Eden Villas, Sri Lanka's premier luxury villa specialist, proudly introduces Doornberg House to its prestigious portfolio of properties along the south coast. Doornberg House, originally built in 1712 for a Dutch admiral, commands an acre of manicured lawns with sweeping 180-degree views of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and the Indian Ocean. Its storied past includes stints as a private residence, a school, and an orphanage.
In the early 2000s, renowned Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte, a protégé of the legendary Geoffrey Bawa, led its restoration, transforming the property into a private boutique hotel known as The Dutch House. Over the years, it has welcomed notable figures from the worlds of politics and literature.
Sri Lanka, a teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage shaped by centuries of history, religion, and artistic expression. Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, it is a land where ancient traditions meet vibrant modernity. Its cultural mosaic is deeply influenced by Buddhism, which has flourished here for over two millennia, as well as Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, each contributing to the nation’s rich tapestry of festivals, rituals, and customs. The island is also renowned for its ancient cities—such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa—adorned with intricate temples, statues, and stupas that stand as a testament to its glorious past.
Revival through Restoration
After a period of neglect, Doornberg was purchased by Peter Harris in 2021. Harris embarked on an ambitious restoration project to return the house to its former grandeur. With a focus on preservation rather than renovation, the restoration was painstakingly done by hand, often without electricity, and included sourcing 23,000 terracotta tiles from a historic Dutch church near Negombo. Harris’ approach centered on the philosophy that nearly anything can be restored and given new life rather than replaced. Today, Doornberg House is available for booking either as a private villa or by individual rooms through Eden Villas.
Architectural Splendor
The property’s impressive front verandah, framed by four Palladio-style columns, features shuttered windows adorned with intricate wooden moldings that harken back to the early 17th century. Inside, the six-meter-high entrance gallery opens into the great room—the heart of the house and its main living space. Flanking bedrooms preserve the original architectural symmetry. Pillared verandahs lead to a lush courtyard, shaded by a majestic Rose Apple tree. The steeply pitched roof, still clad in original terracotta tiles, completes the house’s historical charm.
Doornberg House boasts four private suites, each with direct garden access. The air-conditioned suites include reading lounges, restored netted Dutch beds, ceiling fans, monogrammed linens on custom-made mattresses, and spacious period bathrooms featuring cast iron bathtubs. Throughout the house, a curated collection of contemporary art showcases works by Sri Lankan, Chinese, and Australian artists.
Extensive lawns, bordered by native flora, stretch toward a secluded pool area, offering privacy amidst the tropical landscape. The 16-meter pool, set against a towering mango tree and lush jungle, provides a tranquil retreat.
Founded by Jack Eden, the award-winning Eden Villas is Sri Lanka’s leading specialist in luxury villa rentals, offering a stunning collection of properties along the southern coast. Their curated portfolio spans historic inland retreats, modern hilltop estates, and glamorous beachfront homes. With over 30 breathtaking properties to choose from, each villa comes fully staffed, and Eden Villas' dedicated Concierge team ensures guests receive impeccable service, drawing on over 20 years of expertise in Sri Lanka.
For more information, visit: www.edenvillas.com Instagram: @edenvillasinsrilanka
With thanks to: Scout