Located just five minutes’ drive from the cultural town of Ubud, Villa Sawah appears to float upon the rice fields from which it takes its name. The two-bedroom property, complete with swimming pool, is built on 4000 square metres of land and was designed by the acclaimed architect, Guy Morgan; modelled on the traditional Dayak longhouses of Kalimantan, it was inspired by a neighbouring granary building.
The villa is approached from the village of Penestanan. A 100-metre private pathway, bordered by a hedge of sleepy red hibiscus, brings visitors through the rice fields to a timber walkway leading to the front door. Flanked on one side by the tree-lined Wos River valley, the infinite 270-degree vista is unbroken by fences; and Bali’s revered volcano, Mt Agung, is visible on clear days. In traditional longhouse style, the property is constructed upon a raised platform one metre above ground level, ecologically designed around nature to preserve the contours of the land and allow animals and water to pass underneath. A further acknowledgement to the traditions of an ancient culture is the presence of a pair of hand-carved guardian statues at the entrance, while Indonesian timbers, clean lines, tactile contemporary furnishings and a soothing palette of colours make for an effortless and relaxed style.
Villa Sawah Rooms
Folding louvred teak doors and French windows provide the daily option of converting the longhouse into an open pavilion. The fan-cooled lounge and dining area is in the centre of the house, furnished with comfortable L-shaped cane sofas, cabinets and a shelf unit housing a satellite TV and CD player. Rustic boat-shaped lamps rest at the base of the soaring ‘alang alang’ thatched roof above a terrazzo floor, and bold red walls accentuate the modern dining table with its six coordinating chairs. The fully equipped open plan kitchen is contained within a horseshoe-shaped natural stone serving counter with adjacent walk-in pantry.
A glass door at one end of the building leads into the master bedroom suite, complete with office and bathroom. The office features practical shelving, an ample desk and a timber ceiling. The bathroom is located between the bedroom and the office, and is dominated by a large terrazzo bathtub, together with a washbowl resting upon a stand, a tiled shower cubicle, a toilet hidden within an alcove, and built-in cupboards and storage space. The air-conditioned bedroom is almost completely encompassed by three folding walls of glass, designed to maximise the panoramic rice field views. These French windows can be opened up to allow cool breezes and the sounds of nature to permeate and wooden shutters can be pulled down for privacy. The room, with its timber floor and ceiling fan, is simply furnished with a queen size bed, cane chest, stylish wall lamps and bedside tables.
The second bedroom is located at the opposite end of the house. This room also boasts floor-to-ceiling French windows on three sides, a wooden floor, a queen size bed and simple, yet immaculate, contemporary furnishings. A frosted glass door leads to the guest bathroom, which features a tiled shower cubicle, washbasin and toilet.
Located next to the kitchen and master bedroom are two raised timber external decks, ideal for relaxing in the open air. From the lounge area, a short flight of wooden steps leads down to a white Palimanan stone pool deck furnished with four trendy orange sunloungers and two large Chinese-style parasols. The private 4 x 8-metre infinity-edge lap pool appears to overflow into the rice fields and river valley. A serene Buddha statue stands at one end.
Villa Sawah Services Facilities
Staff
Villa Sawah is fully serviced by: One full-time Villa Manager, One Housekeeper, One Cook, One Gardener & Pool Attendant, Two 24-hour Security Guards.
Villa Facilities
- Fully air-conditioned Master Bedroom with en-suite bathroom
- Fully air-conditioned Guest Bedroom with access to guest bathroom
- Fully equipped kitchen, Living and Dining area
- Swimming pool, Exterior decks and pool terrace for relaxing
- Office, Household staff, Safety Deposit Box, IDD Telephone, Night security