Siyambala House — Luxury Villa on Koggala Lake

Siyambala House is a luxury villa that overlooks the serene 43-acre Koggala Lake on two sides, placing guests within 15 minutes' walk of Koggala Beach and just 20 minutes' drive from the historic Galle Fort. Designed to sleep up to 10 adults in great comfort, it offers a rare combination of architectural character, generous space and a setting of genuine natural beauty.

With high-vaulted ceilings, traditional friezes over the windows and doors, and inlaid floors, the house is best described as a modern take on the Sri Lankan vernacular. At more than 4,000 sq ft, it is light, airy and very spacious. A spectacular 15-metre infinity pool — complete with an extended shallow end for babies and small children — anchors the outdoor space, while the covered terrace benefits from a wonderfully calming breeze off the water, making it the natural place to eat, socialise or simply doze in the shade.

Location

Siyambala House sits on the south-eastern tip of Koggala Lake, around 20 minutes' drive south of Galle in the south-west of Sri Lanka, and just five minutes from Koggala Beach. The 120-km journey to the airport takes around three and a half hours, depending on traffic.

Bedrooms

The house has five bedrooms in total. Two are on the second floor — including the master suite and a children's room with two single beds — while three are in the guest wing on the ground floor. Three rooms are en suite and the other two share a bathroom. With the exception of the children's room, all bedrooms feature large king-size beds, two of which are four-poster. Every room enjoys magnificent views of the lake and is furnished with custom-made wardrobes and chests of drawers, a writing table and chair, armchairs, ceiling fans and an air conditioner.

Bathrooms

The bathrooms are finished to a high standard, with marble imported from Italy and fittings imported from the US. Water is heated by solar panels. The two en suite bathrooms on the upper floor have both baths and showers, while those downstairs feature double showers; all are equipped with rain showers alongside the more traditional variety.

Living Areas and Facilities

The double-storey atrium, with its giant picture windows looking on to the lake, is the first room encountered on entering through the large castle doors. Comfy sofas, a TV and DVD player, and sweeping lake views make it an ideal spot for quiet time or a movie. The French-café-inspired kitchenette — containing a fridge, coffee machine, microwave, sink and all necessary utensils — sits between the terrace and the atrium and tends to become the most sociable room in the house. The covered terrace features a 10-seater dining table and a sitting area, leading on to a wooden sun deck, the pool and a lawn.

Staffing and Services

A dedicated staff of five — including a hotel-trained chef, two house-boys, a night watchman and a manager — is on hand throughout each stay. The house provides daily breakfast, a comprehensive menu of Asian, Sri Lankan and Western food (plus a children's menu), full laundry service, daily cleaning, airport pick-up, satellite TV, a DVD player and music system, sun loungers, money changing, and locally arranged transport including tuk-tuks. A complimentary tour of Galle Fort and a range of excursions can also be arranged.