Nooit Gedacht 

Heritage Hotel 

 A blend of Old and New


        In Dutch Nooit Gedacht means  “Never thought of”  or “unexpected”, Originally the house of a Dutch Governor when Dutch ruled Galle in 1735.The spot for the Governor's mansion was chosen by the Dutch because of the fresh water spring in the back yard of the house. In the back yard is also the remnant of a Dutch canal once used to transport fresh water and spices to warehouses in Galle fort.  

      

       With the  front yard of the hotel is about two acres of land planted with coconut trees , the house features a Dutch-style facade with a long veranda  flanked by a two storied belfry-type edifice from British Period. Inside, the Dutch portion of the house has terracotta floors and some nice pieces of antique furniture. Also a long veranda with dining tables overlooking a small pool and a  

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tropical garden lit with fire flys in the night. An old well stands at the edge of the manicured garden adding a piquant touch to what is after all, a utilitarian well. The well-manicured back garden gives way to a sprawling six acres of land eventually leads to the famous Rumassala Mountain which is mentioned in the epic Ramayana. The guest rooms are laid from middle to the back of the natural garden overlooking the mountain and the Dutch canal which is now occupied with wild lilies.

         Built in 1735, the house passed from Dutch to Sri Lankan hands in 1795 when Nooit Gedacht was bought by a Sri Lankan  Mudliyar from Unawatuna, by all accounts a formidable man, this gentleman is four generations removed from the present owner Para Dias Jayasundere one of his descendants.

       

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          In 1942 the house was commandeered by the British and used as the logistics Centre for the Koggala Air Base during World War II. The family was given twenty four hours to clear out. In 1948 the family wrest back the house.  The house is on the site of the military camp established by the Dutch 

 when they first arrived in the country, as a base from which to lay siege to the Portuguese fort of Galle. The camp was chosen for its proximity to a spring of fresh water.

  

         Nooit - Gedacht is for those who want a more intimate, personal holiday and its quiet charm and laid back hospitality leaves you well alone to enjoy yourself.