Armitage Hill

Armitage Hill is a 200-year-old hilltop estate on 20 private acres, 7.5 km from the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. The original 1820 plantation house sits at the centre of a compound of pavilions added over three decades by the celebrated architect Kerry Hill, and the result is one of the most written-about private homes in Sri Lanka: five separate suites, a 70-foot pool, a dining pavilion that seats 20 and views north to Adam’s Peak and south over the winding Gin River.

Highlights of Armitage Hill

• Historic 1820 plantation house with later pavilions by architect Kerry Hill
• 20 acres of private gardens on a hilltop above the Gin River flood plains
• 70-foot swimming pool with a large pool pavilion
• Dining pavilion that seats up to 20 guests
• Five en-suite bedrooms spread across three stand-alone buildings
• Private chef and house staff
• About 7 km from Galle Fort and a short drive to the south-coast beaches

Bedrooms and bathrooms

• Five en-suite bedrooms, each with a double bed, arranged across three separate villas within the compound
• Two extra single beds can be added, so the house sleeps up to 10 adults and 2 children

Because the bedrooms are in separate buildings, the house is not recommended for families with small children.

Living spaces and pool

The pavilions are linked by courtyards and verandahs, with several large living and lounging areas, the dining pavilion and a 70-foot pool with its own pavilion. From the verandah of the main house you look north towards Adam’s Peak; to the south the land falls away to the Gin River. Satellite TV and WiFi are available.

Staff and services

A chef and house team run the villa. Meals are charged on an ingredients-plus-transport basis, so you pay only for what is bought for you, and the chef cooks both Sri Lankan and Western dishes.

Location: near Galle

The estate sits on a hill about 7 km inland from Galle Fort, with its ramparts, boutiques and restaurants, and within easy reach of Unawatuna and the other beaches of the south coast. The drive from Colombo airport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes on the Southern Expressway.

Who it’s for

Armitage Hill suits architecture lovers, multi-generation families with older children and groups of friends who want space, privacy and a house with real history. It is a natural choice for milestone birthdays and long dinners for up to 20.

Good to know

• Small children are not recommended because the bedrooms are spread across separate buildings.
• For a period in the 19th century the house belonged to the Ephraim family, then owners of the New Oriental Hotel in Galle Fort.

Rates and booking

Rates for Armitage Hill start at ₹89,000 per night for the whole villa, including taxes and service charge, and vary by season, dates and group size. Send us your dates and number of guests through the enquiry form or WhatsApp, and the Gorilla Stays team will confirm availability, the best rate and any extras such as airport transfers, a private chef or in-villa spa treatments.

Frequently asked questions about Armitage Hill

How many guests does Armitage Hill sleep?

Armitage Hill is a 5-bedroom villa that sleeps up to 12 guests.

Where is Armitage Hill located?

Armitage Hill is in Galle, Sri Lanka.

How do I book Armitage Hill?

Send your dates and number of guests through the enquiry form or on WhatsApp (+91 77588 31510, available 24/7). The Gorilla Stays team will confirm availability, the rate and any extras.

Are there other villas in Galle?

Yes. Gorilla Stays lists 10 villas in Galle. See all villas in Galle.