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We have more photos online here.  We’ve booked flights to Samui for a few days next weekend and we’re taking the kids (the ultimate test!!) so will be adding to the blog again shortly.

We have furniture….

I arrived back in Samui last night where even queueing at immigration is a relaxing pastime.  The airport has no walls, just vertical posts and thatched roofs so you immediately feel a sense of tranquility.  The queue isn’t speedy but there’s no jostling or frustration … just a sense that you’ll get to the desk in the end and that your holiday has already started.

Arriving at the house in the dark, I was greeted by Michael’s interior design wizardry.  He completely understood that we wanted natural materials, soothing colors and a feeling of comfort and space.  I am working on a website, soon to be revealed, with photos of the house, but here’s a sneak preview of the twin bedroom…..

It’s hot hot hot here in Samui with bright blue skies and our terraces are proving to be real sun traps.  Off to check out that pool…

Baan Pimalai is going green

Baan Pimalai is adding some color to her pristine white walls with an injection of leafy green.  Between the jungle-covered hills and the coconut palm fringed shores, Koh Samui is an island rich in plants, trees and flowers so it was only right that Baan Pimalai have some of her own.  We have grassed the garden so whether you want to kick a ball about with the kids or plant your sun lounger there for some bronzing, this could be the ideal spot.  We’ve also added some plants to the Balinese shower.  This downstairs bathroom has the best of an outside rain shower and being sheltered enough to use whatever the weather.  The huge shower head  is attached to the ceiling, but the wide gap between the wall and the ceiling will make you feel as if you are showering outside in the rain.  We will be adding more plants and flowers to the garden and terraces over the next weeks to keep up the tropical feel of Baan Pimalai.

Scaffolding off … it looks like a house!!!!

The scaffolding has finally come down and Baan Pimalai looks like the white, airy, contemporary villa she was always intended to be.  There is a week or so of work to be done (pool to be tiled, kitchen installed etc) as well as lots of finishing, cleaning and tidying.  After that, we can hang the lovely curtains we have chosen and ask our interior designer to install furniture, furnishings and artwork.

Baan Pimalai

Looking up steps to dining terrace

Ensuite bathroom to the twin room

View from the four poster bedroom

Pool and water feature from dining terrace

Dining terrace, looking towards living area

Ensuite bathroom to the four poster bedrom

View from the twin bedroom

24th July House Status

You visit, things go slowly, you leave, things seem to go quickly. I’m sure there is a lesson to be learned.

Below are the pictures of the house on Sunday July 24th taken by a neighbour. It looks like Hans’ team are progressing nicely with the tiling and some of the windows appear to be in.

Looking at the pictures, the house should be pretty bright and sunny, which was the aim. With white window frames and clear glass it should be nice.

The Golden Buddha

It would be wrong to visit any part of Thailand without visiting a temple or “Wat” and Koh Samui has an impressive one for you.  The Wat Phra Yai temple on the north east corner of the island is home to the Golden Buddha.  This 12 metre high golden statue was built in 1972 and is visible from the air as you approach or leave Samui by plane.  As you arrive at the site, you will notice lots of stalls and shops trying to tempt tourists with souvenirs, food and drinks.  Climb the staircase up to the temple, note the Nagas (a type of Buddhist mythological serpent) on the handrails and make sure you look at the view from the top.  The monks are raising money for a new shrine hall and to re-paint the Buddha so you can buy a roof tile or one of many religious artifacts.  It’s a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, take your time and try to appreciate the calm.  Please remember that this is an important Buddhist temple and you should respect it, dress modestly.

The latest photos of the site