“Nooit Gedacht” in Dutch means “Never thought of” or “unexpected”. The house was first built as the then Governor’s residence in 1735, in a conveniently located land where they discovered a freshwater spring. Remnants of the canal dug by the Dutch to transport water and other goods to the Galle Fort is still visible at the foot of the wide lawn. The view is of the famous Rumassala Mountain and the never-ending skyline leading to the golden beaches of Unawatuna. It is a true paradise among the hotels in Unawatuna.
After the Dutch ownership, the Nooit Gedacht Hotel Unawatuna was bought by a local “Mudliyar” in 1795, whose descendent owns it to-date. While under their ownership the house played an important role during the Second World War when it was commandeered by the British and used as the logistics centre for the Koggala Air Base. Even during the Dutch rule, the premises hosted a military camp which the Dutch troopers established when they first came into Sri Lanka, to organise their attacks on the Portuguese.
Today, the Nooit Gedacht Hotel Unawatuna is a place that blends the old with the new among the more modern hotels in Unawatuna; long verandahs concealed by lattice panels, stone-paved and terracotta floors covered with antique furniture, an old but functioning well, ample space to walk around, an opportunity to enjoy the nature in the beautifully manicured garden full of fireflies in the night, and a comfy stay with all modern amenities including two swimming pools await your arrival.
