Madampe House

Madampe House is a two-storey, three-bedroom home of around four thousand square feet on the shore of Madampe Lake, just inland from Ambalangoda on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast. Surrounded by tropical foliage and looking out over the water, it is a peaceful, private base for families and small groups of friends who prefer birdsong and lake views to a busy beach, with the coast only minutes away.

A sweeping lawn wraps around a ten-metre pool, set with loungers for lazy afternoons in the sun, and a shaded terrace with planter chairs looks across the garden towards the lake. The villa has a canoe for paddling out on the water, and BBQ equipment for dinners in the garden. From the air the house sits almost hidden in green, with the lake curving past just beyond.

Downstairs, the bright, white living room is filled with indoor plants and opens towards the pool, with a dining area around a handsome timber table and a well-equipped kitchen. Upstairs, all three bedrooms have king-size four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets, air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and their own private verandas, and the master bathroom has a large bathtub. Five staff live on site, with a private chef, daily housekeeping, laundry, a gardener and 24-hour security, and breakfast is included.