The Dutch HouseReviewed by Emma Boyle

The Dutch House or Doornberg is one of Ceylon’s most well-preserved historic mansions. Built in 1712 for an officer in the Dutch naval fleet as a seven-bed mansion on a hilltop overlooking the harbour and ocean, it was converted into an elegant four-suite hotel at the turn of the century. Highly exclusive and very private, the Dutch House offers ample space in which to unwind in the form of breezy living areas, an English tropical garden complete with pretty croquet lawn and a picturesque treetop infinity pool. Voted as one of the top Hip Hotels in the World, Doornberg’s beautiful Dutch period antiques and classic interiors reflect its eighteenth century origins but blend well with its contemporary collection of art.

The four exquisite suites are arranged in a horseshoe formation in each corner of the original house. All open onto the extensive plateau lawn that features a 200-year-old Tamarind tree. Verandahs stretch around the house while a comfortable sitting room and a library extension is located inside. There is even a small pantry kitchen where guests can make their own cocktails or cups of tea. The floors throughout are either polished hardwood or cool tiles while four-poster canopy beds, antique bookshelves, cabinets, dressing tables and writing desks stand atop them. Elegant silk drapes cover antique window and door frames.

The Dutch House is ideal for anyone seeking seclusion and privacy close to all the major sights and attractions of Galle and its UNESCO-heritage fort and beaches. The Dutch House is managed by sister property, The Sun House, and is impeccably presented and maintained by the friendly and able staff. Enjoy doing nothing more than relaxing and watching the sun set from your private verandah, playing a round of croquet or taking in the sights on an evocative trip around Galle in the villa’s 1940’s vintage Rover.

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The Dutch House has four luxurious suites that combine absolute grandeur with the utmost comfort. Each of the bedrooms is air conditioned and features large four-poster beds draped in soft mosquito netting, luxurious linen and silk drapes, cool polished concrete floors and stunning soft furnishings. Spacious en-suite bathrooms are just modern enough and fitted with fine showers and traditional claw-footed bathtubs which add to the colonial atmosphere. The bedrooms each lead into a private sitting room which contains sofas and writing desks with views over Galle Fort, the croquet lawn or private garden.

The Ball Room
This very private suite is reached through magnificent temple doors and consists of a sitting area with private terrace and a beautiful bedroom that features an inviting emperor-size four-poster antique teak bed draped in luxurious linen highlighted by shades of forest green and crimson red. Teak and ebony tea chests, wardrobes and writing desks evocatively furnish the room while a partition to one end hides a dreamy bathroom with twin claw-footed baths, twin vanities and an open-air shower courtyard.

The V.O.C
Named after the Dutch East India Company that historically shaped the town of Galle, this beautiful suite that features a large four-poster bed and plenty of antique furniture opens onto a central courtyard and sweeping verandah with views over the pretty croquet lawn. The en-suite bathroom features a claw-footed bath and an open-air shower room.

The Blue Room
Furnished with Dutch period antiques and styled with exquisite French linens and sweeping silk drapes this room exudes a timeless elegance and charm. Its bathroom features a claw-footed bath and an open-air shower room. The Blue Room opens onto the large living area and grassy croquet lawn.

The Yellow Room
Stunning silk drapes and Dutch period furniture make this room stylish and elegant. Opening onto the central living area and front verandah it is bright and breezy, while its en-suite bathroom also features a claw-footed bath and open-air shower room.

 - Take a dawn or sunset walk around the historic citadel of Galle Fort, built from 1640 by the Dutch on the site of an earlier Portuguese fort

- Ride inland on mountain bikes to discover a stunning emerald landscape of paddy fields, white-washed Buddhist temples, and rural villages

- Spend the day on one of the golden beaches along the coast: Unawatuna, Thalpe or Mirissa

- Go whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa

- Visit the virgin white tea plantation in Titagalla and learn how tea, cinnamon and rubber is produced

- Visit the rainforest with a naturalist and learn about the plants, animals and the importance of this ecosystem

The Dutch House is a haven of peace and tranquility, and is popular with couples and those seeking relaxation. Therefore, it is not suitable for children under the age of ten.

At the Dutch House breakfast is served at any time of the day – to your private verandah, beside the pool or in the beautiful courtyard garden. You may order a typical English breakfast featuring eggs, toast, marmalade, fruit shakes and tea or try out the Sri Lankan alternative that features delicious string hoppers or bread accompanied by tasty curries and sambols.

Light lunches and snacks such as sandwiches, pasta and salads are served throughout the day to any place of your choosing while dinners are typically served in The Sun House, just next door. Daily changing dinner menus usually consist of a selection of starters and desserts with a set main course although guests can request an alternative in the morning if it is not to their taste. Sri Lankan dinner parties are often held when the management feels that the guests are well suited, although guests can more privately dine on their terrace if they wish. Cuisine is inspired by a fusion of Asian flavours and cooking styles. Fresh produce is organically grown and sought from both local and Hill Country specialists whilst seafood comes straight from the ocean.

Typical starters may include lemongrass and ginger broth served with steamed seafood wontons or shaved coconut, chicken and mint salad with coconut lime dressing and crispy shallots. Mains may feature Tamarind glazed Mahi Mahi with crispy eggplant and tomato salad served with a pumpkin sesame mash and Asian greens or crispy pork fillet with sweet and sour tomato and pineapple sauce served with basmati rice and sautéed spinach. Desserts often come in choices of three and will delight those with a sweet tooth! The rolled passion fruit meringue served with sugar shards and the homemade ginger or toasted coconut ice-creams are our favourites.

The Sun House has a wide range of international wines and spirits which can also be enjoyed from the colonial-style Dick’s Bar although you can mix your own eclectic cocktails in private from The Dutch House’s own pantry kitchen.