Overview
Baan Palang Hin is crafted right into these granite hills, with open-air showers between huge boulders, and the stairs organically following the natural rocky curves. This quality of respect and integration with nature is nowhere as visible as in the heart of its living space where a gigantic rock towers more than 8 metres from the polished teak floors. Its massive presence at once grounds you and uplifts you, balancing the soaring wooden roof above with the expanse of island-dotted seascape to the west and south, forming a seamless ying-yang of earth and water, nature and nurture.
You feel this sense of balance between the elements everywhere: the extensive gardens blooms with diverse botanical treasures lovingly planted and cared for, while at the same time the wild forest trees purposefully form an integral part of the landscape, providing homes and playgrounds for the many local birds and the occasional squirrel.
Baan Palang Hin offers much, but imposes nothing: It's private, but within easy reach to everything on Samui, giving you independence but with full seclusion, as well as security. You can choose to enjoy the detail of fine workmanship in the finish and appointments, or soak in the big picture view of the Gulf of Thailand. You can hang out at the delightful community horizon pool just a few minutes from the house, or enjoy the easy ocean access and beachcombing on the nearby deserted south coast. You can order your meal prepared for you in the villa, explore local Thai eateries, shop and cook for yourself, or dine at one of many high-end dining options at nearby resorts. You may choose to book a massage in any of Samui's fine wellness sanctuaries, or find yourself simply sitting in the garden to listen to the buzz of the cicadas.
From the top of this high lot to the house itself it's a plant-stopping meander along pathways lined with exotic gingers, palms, forest ferns, orchids, carnivorous plants and spanish moss. But it's a fairly long walk nevertheless so it would not be recommended for young children or anyone with walking difficulties.
Baan Palang Hin is home (when they have time) to Penny and Steve and their daughters Emily and Ariane, who were all involved in the design of this family villa. Penny and Steve oversaw the three-year construction process from their home in Kathmandu.
Together they have created a space that is delightful to visit - full of treasures that reflect their love of Asian art and their combined experiences of living all over the world, with door handles from Kathmandu, Buddhas from Burma, and furniture custom-built in Thailand to fit this unusual villa and garden, and the tropical lifestyle it embraces.
The villa is open to the environment. Walls? While fully secure, the house has no interior walls and the huge rock forms a natural divider between the bedrooms and between the bathroom and living space. The master bedroom is separated from the living room by its elevation and beautifully carved wooden panels, which seclude the space but don't obstruct the views or breezes. Windows? While fronted by sliding doors and windows to shield from any occasional winds or showers, the house can also be opened up to take in the delightful breezes and to the sounds of birds, squirrels and the sea far below.
You will lack for nothing in this thoughtfully appointed house. The sofas and veranda furniture are custom-designed and flexible to fit your every whim or mood. Whether enjoying the gentle smooth surfaces of the fine wood staircase under your feet, or the convenience of a thoughtfully-appointed kitchen, you will find the house very comfortable.
The delightful and discreet guesthouse at Baan Palang Hin can accommodate two persons, and is a wonderful option if you want to share a holiday with family or friends while maintaining your privacy. The guesthouse has air conditioning, but you may prefer to open all the sliding doors to the surrounding breezes. A soothing waterfall backs the outdoor terrace, and views extend all the way down the southern coast from this high vantage point.
The guesthouse has a small kitchenette adequate for sundowners, early morning drinks or light snacks, but it's not equipped or intended for preparing meals.
Please be assured, that should you not require this space, the guesthouse will not be rented to any other party during your stay.
