Chiang Mai Villa: Doi Luang Reserve

If you thought wooden log cabin retreats were for celebrities and superstars – think again! Situated in Chiang Dao, which is a stunning part of Thailand, you can touch and feel the nature all around you. Surround by a vast array of Lamyai and Lemon trees, and a large lawn area that leads to a private fishing lake, this tranquil estate is all yours for the taking.

The design of the house would not look out of place within the alpine regions of Austria, constructed from reclaimed Mai Padu wood, which is also evident with the solid wooden doors and window shutters that create a dazzling aesthetical affect. Just gazing out towards the picture postcard Doi Luang mountain range from the open-air terrace sparks an emotion deep within your soul.

On a clear day, the mountain views are amazing, but when the mist gravitates towards the peak, the landscape seems to interchange and evolve by the second creating a wondrous optical illusion. Another interesting factor is that organic vegetables are also grown on parts of the estate, which is great news for those health conscious people who know the difference.  

It is really difficult to sum up the relaxing atmosphere and the natural surroundings of Doi Luang in words, only experiencing it in its full glory can really do it the justice it deserves.  

The large terrace that leads directly from the lounge is an ideal place to spend your days and evenings in prime position to enjoy the mountain views. With a great selection of handmade wooden furniture, chaise lounge, two dining tables and numerous spots in the shade and sunshine, there is a risk you will never inhabit the internal living areas of the house until your retreat to your bed.

Sit back and absorb the mountains while answering your emails on the powerful WiFi internet system.

There are six bedrooms within this property, all of which garnering real character that in turn creates a great atmosphere. Five of the bedrooms are situated within the main house, whilst the sixth is situated 10 meters away within its own self-contained wooden cabin with a double bed, ensuite bathroom and private kitchen. Two of the bedrooms are situated on the ground floor of the house either side of the living room. Both have a similar design with wooden floorings, large double beds and ensuite bathrooms. The relaxed nature of these bedrooms is enhanced by the mountain views from the windows. The master bedroom is the centerpiece of the second floor, large and spacious with tall ceilings that allow tremendous airflow. As with every part of the house, the hard wooden floors just add to that back-to-nature log cabin effect which is much desirable. Aside from a large double bed and a fully equipped ensuite bathroom, large mirrored patio windows lead out to a vast upstairs terrace, which is the prime spot to catch the mountain views of your dreams. The two remaining bedrooms are situated either side of the master on the second floor. Both have wooden floors, double beds and ensuite bathrooms. They both also have balconies with triangular spaces cut out from the wooden exterior of the house, which also face those same mountain views. None of the bedrooms have air-conditioning, because after nightfall at Chiang Dao, the temperatures can be the coldest in Thailand. Air-conditioning or central is simply not needed.

All six bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, which own showering facilities, toilets and wash basins. There is also a guest bathroom next to the lounge, which has a toilet and wash basin.

The kitchen is fully equipped with many appliances for your self-catering needs, however, with an onsite cook; you probably won’t even need to venture to this part of the home. The selection of modern appliances includes a stovetop, toaster, tea and coffee making facilities, a large refrigerator and freezer, and a microwave.

The lounge is tastefully decorated with luxury and comfort in mind. The solid and glistening wooden flooring and cream coloured walls against the backdrop of the mountains through the hand-carved Mai Padu sliding doors that open up to the outdoor terrace really is a well thought-out feature. Even though the large L-shape settee is really comfortable and you can enjoy a host of international satellite TV channels, you will spend most of your time on the terrace gazing out in awe at Doi Luang Mountain. The open-plan style of the lounge also owns a six-seat wood/glass dining table within close proximity to a bar area with a refrigerator.