Landesi is Sinhala for ‘of Dutch origin’. Fitting, as this manor house graces the vicinity of a fort fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This stately house was designed and built by renowned architect Ashley de Vos, a conservationist of the Galle Fort who expertly retained the classic features of the period. Reclaimed wood hand crafted in to intricate trelliswork across the property, doors and 18-foot pillars from an old colonial home, transpose you in a blink of an eye back to the spirit of the Dutch era of Ceylon.

Four plush bedrooms overlooking colonnaded gardens give view to the Groote Kerk now known as the Dutch reformed church.

Inside, art by famous local artists including Laki Senanayake and several lithographs by Donald Friend enhance this house’s unique and special character. All around outside, are the feats of the mastery of culture and history to engage with.