Lakefront living
on the Victoria Reservoir

The Victoria Reservoir was created in the 1980s, when the Victoria Dam was built across the Mahaweli — Sri Lanka's longest river — as part of the Mahaweli development programme. Its job is hydro-power and irrigation, but over the decades the long, winding lake has also become one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Kandy hills.

Forested ridges run down to the water, much of the shoreline remains green, and the light moves from silver in the morning to gold at dusk. That combination of open water and unspoilt hills is exactly what makes a lakefront home here so rare.

• A view that stays a view. Nobody builds on water, so an outlook across the reservoir is about as lasting as a view can be.
• A calmer, cooler climate. Breezes off the water and the elevation of the hills make evenings noticeably fresher than on the coast.
• Something to do. Boating, walks by the water and long lunches on the verandah become part of everyday life.
• Scarcity. Genuinely lakefront plots near Kandy are few and far between.

Regal Victoria Lakeside occupies an elevated site bordering the reservoir in Digana. The master plan is laid out so that the villas, the 14.5 m infinity pool on the rocks and the open-air gym all look out across the water.

Every villa is positioned to maximise lake views and privacy. Lot 09 is the waterfront home of the collection — a 20-perch, three-bedroom villa set directly above the lake edge. Lot 20 is cantilevered out over the slope towards the reservoir, and the flagship Lot 14 & 15 has unobstructed water views from 40 perches of garden.

Residents can take a boat out on the lake, swim in the infinity pool with the reservoir beyond, or run the 400 m jogging track shaded by natural greenery. See all the villas now released.

Waterfront land needs a little more homework than an ordinary plot. Whoever you buy from, ask about:

• Elevation and slope. A raised site gives better views and keeps the house well clear of seasonal changes in the water level.
• Reservations and building lines. Land beside reservoirs and rivers can be subject to reservation areas and building-line rules. Make sure the approved plans respect them.
• Access and boundaries. Confirm the access road, the boundaries on the survey plan and who maintains any shared areas by the water.
• Approvals. Ask to see the building approvals for the villa and the development, and have your lawyer check them.
• Upkeep. Gardens, slopes and shared facilities beside the water need regular care; find out who looks after them and how it is funded.

Our guide to buying property in Sri Lanka covers the legal process in more detail.

Lakefront doesn't have to mean remote. Kandy city is a short drive from Digana, and the Victoria District around the reservoir is home to the Victoria Golf & Country Club, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and some of the island's best-known wellness retreats.