Every room and corner of the property has
the effect of producing gasps of surprise and delight as guests view it
for the first time.
The villa is comprised of two buildings,
linked on the upper level by a lotus pond and pergola. A serene Buddha
statue stands within the lotus pond and white thunbergia cascades over
the pergola-covered walkway leading to the Master Bedroom and
Studio.
The Master Bedroom
is characterized by elegant furniture, teak floors, and glass on three
sides to maximize the awesome views of the jungle and river valley.
- Sliding
glass doors open on to a timber balcony, fringed by a food forest of
fruit trees; the built-in bench seat is an ideal place to absorb the
natural surroundings and listen to the ceaseless gurgle of the Ooz
River as it coils its way through the deep gorge below.
- The
en-suite garden bathroom is dominated by a large black terrazzo
bathtub, creating a strong contrast against the white Palimanan stone
floor.
- A black terrazzo wash stand supports a stylish chrome
washbowl, and the shower is flanked by shelves and cabinets.
- Everything
possible has been considered for the comfort of the guests; the
luxurious open-air bathtub is sheltered by a thatched canopy, and
privacy is maintained by a wall.
- Wooden shutters,
like hatches within the wall, can be opened to reveal a view of the
rice fields, and a larger hatch beside the bathtub offers the
delightful alternative vista of the jungle.
- Tree
ferns, birds’ nest ferns, and stepping stones across a star-grass lawn
complete the natural décor of this charming garden bathroom.
Colourful local artwork adorns the walls of a passage
way leading to the Studio on the
same floor.
- Situated
on the western side of the villa, this room boasts a panoramic view of
the rice fields, and features a pitched roof, a cream terrazzo floor
and more built-in cupboards and storage space.
- The
Studio doubles as an additional bedroom and includes an en-suite toilet
and shower room with a marble floor and black terrazzo washstand.
The adjacent building, across the lotus pond, holds the Study,
with a flat screen satellite TV, DVD player and a quality sound system
for the entertainment of the guests.
- This
room also doubles as an additional bedroom with an en-suite shower room
and a stone terrace that appears to almost float within the gently
swaying fields of rice.
- Cushioned seating is built
into the low wall encircling the terrace, thereby creating a
comfortable place for relaxing with a book while enjoying a coffee or a
cocktail at sunset.
- A cathedral window in the Study room
overlooks the main living and dining area on the lower level, which is
accessed by an external cantilevered staircase.
It
is upon reaching this lower level that visitors will be able to fully
appreciate the unique design of the villa. The gargantuan, 12 x 8
metre, living and dining pavilion extends the full
height of
the building and features a marble floor underneath a vaulted roof
supported by coconut-wood pillars on stone plinths.
- Furnished with rattan chairs and sofas, pendulous steel
globe lanterns
and Buddhist welcome statues, this pavilion represents open living at
its very best, and is a fantastic venue for parties, receptions and
functions.
- A small aviary is situated to one side, and a large hatch
links the dining area with the fully equipped kitchen,
where the cook will prepare a range of delicious Indonesian and Western
meals.
- Next door is a toilet and a shower, and
the laundry and staff quarters are situated at the back.
- The
adjoining semi-circular timber deck overhangs the lush river valley and
provides an alternative romantic dining area. Living jackfruit trees
grow through holes that have been cut in the floor of the deck,
creating a solution that blends style with nature without threatening
the environment.
- A further example of environmental
conservation is the water recycling system that has been devised for
the 8 x 3 metre infinity edge swimming pool, the outdoor Jacuzzi, and
the graceful cascade flowing down from the lotus pond above.
- Another Buddha statue rests within an alcove behind the
cascade.
The Guest Room is situated at pool level,
within the building that houses the Master Bedroom and Studio.
- Furnished
with a dreamy four-poster bed, the Guest Room features a Palimanan
stone floor, windows with sliding doors facing the valley, a dressing
room, and a garden bathroom with a black terrazzo tub, shower and
toilet.
Rustic stone steps lead down from the swimming pool
to the lowest level, past an outdoor shower, a bed of beautiful white
peace lilies, and a small lotus pond contained within a stone pot.
At this level there is an open terrace
overlooking a grassy meadow within the valley.
- Another wooden deck juts out to one side and a narrow path
leads down to the river past a small temple and a coconut grove.
- On
one side is a secret sanctuary, a traditional open pavilion, known as a
‘balé’, with a thatched roof and a raised teak floor scattered with
cushions for relaxing. Even here, guests can enjoy music from the sound
system, which boasts eight speakers directed towards every corner of
the property.
- On the other side, a fully equipped gym
provides the facility to maintain a daily fitness routine while
appreciating the wonderful views.
The Master Bedroom, Guest Room, Studio and Study
each feature individually controlled air-conditioning units
and powerful ceiling fans to keep the rooms pleasantly cool.
There are
- telephone lines for IDD calls
- lines for in-house calls in each room
- safety deposit boxes.
At night the villa takes on a different persona, with cleverly
concealed lighting. Guests will appreciate the fresh cool air,
and will be serenaded by a chorus of frog song to the accompaniment of
ritual music from the village temples and the constant murmur of the
river.
There is a barbeque terrace at the front of the
villa beside the rice fields and parking space for up
to six vehicles.
*** Due to the steep hillside elevation, the villa is
not recommended for disabled people or young children.