Kumar Sangakkara’s Galle Fort Home: How the cricket legend transformed a 120-year-old villa without losing its heritage charm

Sri Lankan cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara and his wife Yehali bought a historic house inside Galle Fort in 2008. What they discovered after purchasing the property was far from the charming heritage home they had imagined. The 120-year-old villa was in extremely poor condition and required extensive restoration. Years later, the property has been transformed into a striking blend of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage and contemporary design, while retaining much of its original character.

From Dilapidated Villa to Heritage Home

Sangakkara and Yehali were already drawn to Galle Fort because of its coastal setting and historic atmosphere. However, they were unaware of the condition of the property before buying it. Instead of completely modernising the old villa, the couple chose to preserve its historic features. Architects Jeevan D'Souza and Murad Ismail, along with interior designer Annika Fernando, worked on the restoration.

The aim was to give the home a new life without removing the elements that made the historic building unique.

A Home Inside Galle Fort

Galle Fort sits on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Its history dates back to the 16th century, when the Portuguese established the fortified settlement. The Dutch later expanded the fort during the 17th and 18th centuries, while British influence added another layer to its architectural history.

Today, the fort is known for its narrow streets, old homes, courtyards, verandas, churches, shops and massive stone ramparts. It is also a living neighbourhood rather than simply a preserved historical monument.

Restoration That Worked Around the Old Structure

One of the key ideas behind Sangakkara’s restoration was to work with the existing structure rather than erase it. Historic walls, architectural details and other original elements were incorporated into the new interiors. Contemporary furnishings and artwork were added alongside antiques and surviving features of the old villa.

This approach allowed the house to retain its heritage character while becoming suitable for modern living.

The Giant Sculpture That Changed the Restoration Plan

One unusual detail from the renovation involved a large sculpture created by Sri Lankan artist Prageeth Manohansa. The artwork was planned as a centrepiece for the house, but its size created an unexpected problem, it could not fit through any of the doors.

Instead of abandoning the sculpture, the team brought it into the house before restoration work began and then renovated the property around it.

The decision reflects the wider philosophy of the project: modern additions were adapted to the historic structure instead of forcing the old building to change completely.

What the Galle Fort Villa Looks Like Today

The restored property has four bedrooms, three courtyard gardens and a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the historic surroundings, including views towards the Galle Lighthouse.

The interiors combine contemporary design with artwork, antiques and preserved elements of the original building. The result is a home where modern comforts exist alongside traces of the villa’s past.

Why Galle Fort Is Worth Exploring

For travellers, the restoration also highlights what makes Galle Fort such a fascinating destination. The area brings together European architectural influences and South Asian traditions, creating a distinctive atmosphere that can be experienced simply by walking through its streets. Visitors can explore the historic ramparts, narrow lanes, old courtyards, churches and museums while observing how the centuries-old architecture continues to coexist with cafés, galleries, shops and homes.

A Lesson in Preserving Heritage

Sangakkara’s Galle Fort home shows that restoring a historic property does not necessarily mean turning it into a museum or completely replacing its old features.

For travellers visiting Galle Fort, the story offers a reminder to look beyond its picturesque walls and ramparts and appreciate the craftsmanship, history and living communities that continue to shape this remarkable heritage destination.

[With TOI inputs]