The Fort Printers.

At the centre of Galle Fort, this 18th-century mansion has worn many hats over the years before landing as a 10-room hotel, rich in history, character and cool.

Pedlar Street has long been a mirror of Galle’s mercantile soul. One of the oldest streets in the fort, it takes its name from peripatetic traders—pedlars—touting silk, spice, gems and everyday goods back in the day. Over time it developed as a mixed commercial and residential lane, shophouses and grand, coral-stone villas rising from the pavement, one of which is now The Fort Printers. With its arches and timber shutters wrapping curvaceously around a corner, it’s one of the loveliest buildings in Galle Fort, one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.

Style.

Shades of ivory, sand and grey let the architecture of this 18th-century mansion do the talking, gently restored by Channa Daswatte, chief protege of the legendary Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Its history—and elegance—demanded sensitivity: original elements were preserved wherever possible, from antique doors and windows to ceiling beams and Jackwood flooring. Where old wood could not be saved, reclaimed timber was used in its place, ensuring continuity of material and soul.

More recent layers strike a balance between sophistication and cool. From signage to lighting, and, as you enter, a mix of modern and colonial pieces—think Marcel Breuer’s cantilever chairs around Saarinen’s tulip table, rustic bobbin settees and reed-thin copper floor lamps—The Fort Printers wears understatement like a pro.

Story.

Like much of Galle, this 18th-century Dutch mansion has lived many lives. After the Dutch ceded the territory to the British in 1796, the building was adapted by its new owners. It served as a centre of Buddhist learning (connected to the renowned Mahinda College) and later housed the Bank of Ceylon. Reborn once again as a printing house, it gained renown for the Buddhist manuscripts and exquisite gold personal cards it produced. Eventually, as digital technology replaced traditional printing, the presses fell silent and the business closed.

This was the moment Shahzad Malik stepped in. Born to Pakistani parents, the Singapore-based banker was holidaying on the south coast of Sri Lanka in 2000 when he stumbled upon a remarkable building in Galle Fort. Drawn to its layers and stories and encouraged by those around him, he snapped up the property. On a whim, he decided to bring it back to life as a hotel.

In 2006, following years of sensitive restoration, The Fort Printers was born. Remnants of the past linger, from the British printing press by the front door to room names—Arts, History, Geography and Headmaster’s Suite—echoing the building’s former lives. Shahzad’s decision to let the building breathe, enhanced by his eye for relaxed sophistication, is what ultimately makes the hotel sing—a sensibility carried through to his nature retreat, Kurulu Bay.

Suites.

Upstairs in the Heritage Wing, a veranda lined with settees and safari chairs drips with colonial style. It leads to four guest rooms (37-59 sqm) featuring raked ceilings, antique windows and fabulously wide floorboards. Four-poster beds, Ming cabinets, Jeanneret-style chairs and earthy table lamps create an atmosphere of rustic sophistication, minimalist yet rich in texture. Views take in the tops of frangipani trees and terracotta-tiled roofs, some stretching as far as Galle Lighthouse.

Ground-floor rooms reflect the hand of Bawa protege Channa Daswatte, with concrete floors and modern bathrooms featuring freestanding antique bathtubs. The Prefect’s Room (52m2) overlooks the swimming pool, while five additional rooms (28-37m2) in the adjacent Church Wing open onto a zen courtyard.

All have air-conditioning, wifi and sumptuous toiletries. Heritage Wing rooms come with a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities, while those in the Church Wing have access to a guest kitchen.

Spaces.

A veranda wraps around the building, the perfect spot to pause for a Green Smoothie post-walk in the morning—even better for a Ceylon Cinnamon Sour later on, as the sun drops and Pedlar Street comes to life. Inside, 39 Bistro + Wine Bar occupies a suite of light and elegant spaces done over in pale grey, with mid-century furniture and walls hung salon style with vintage Sri Lankan photography. Giant frangipani trees punctuate the courtyard just beyond, where crumbling walls in raw sienna wrap around a dazzling lap pool. At one end is the Frangipani Terrace, with chairs in stainless steel and fishtail-palm wood favoured by Geoffrey Bawa. There’s a pair of sun loungers at the other end of the pool, with additional spots to recline in the Church Wing courtyard.

The Mediterranean meets North Africa and South Asia in 39 Bistro’s standout menu. Expect just-caught seafood, organic produce from local growers and a rich mélange of spices in mezzes and larger plates. Start with the sublime Beetroot Carpaccio (with molasses, walnuts and homemade labneh) and Spiced Beef Hummus, followed by Grilled Tuna Steak (in chermoula spices and herbs), Braised Pork Shoulder (dates, almond and coconut milk) and Pavlova. Stay for at least three or four days to work your way through the rest of the menu.

Sustainability.

Since the building’s restoration 20 years ago, everything has been done thoughtfully, intentionally and without excess. No plastic is used on the property. Food waste is composted and cleaning is done using natural, cinnamon-based products. Toiletries are refilled in reusable dispensers. In the kitchen, no seed oils are used—only ghee, olive oil, and coconut oil. Ingredients are sourced organically where possible, supporting small local farmers and suppliers. Fish comes exclusively from small-scale fishermen practicing sustainable fishing.

Service.

A small team of discreet and friendly staff are there to look after you from morning to night.

Spend.

Double rooms from USD 150 per night, including breakfast and taxes. 

Book your room at The Fort Printers here.

Photography: c/o The Fort Printers.