It is located close to the sacred Temple of the Tooth in the center of the city of Kandy at the head of the Pavilion Street.

However following the Uva Rebellion, three years later in which Kandy was captured by the rebels, the British moved to combined both parts of the island under a central administration.

Therefore, a European-style palace was constructed in the late 18th century for the use of the British Governor of Ceylon during his visits to the city.

This was used for hosting Royal visits to Kandy, most notably that of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1875.

William Gopallawa a native of Kandy was the last Governor General and first President of Sri Lanka to reside at the house.