Your Dream Home Awaits
Khumpaya Garden Home

AN INNOTATIVE HOUSING project is underway in Hang Dong, where homes are being built to western standards with gracious Lanna oppulence.

In a secluded estate, just off the Hang Dong Road, Mr. Sampan Seuwatanachai and Mrs. Ua-ampai Chaiya have employed the finest craftsmen to help them create Chiang Mai's first fusion homes.

The estate's owners, being aware of the needs of today's home buyers, are providing a range of housing that employs the strength and solidity of modern materials, while incorporating the natural beauty of Lanna architecture with the extensive use of teakwood.

Three stunning show-houses have been completed, allowing prospective buyers to see at first hand what can often be difficult to imagine from an architect's blueprint. All-teak homes are inclined to be expensive, and in today's belt-tightening economy there is clearly a niche for a home that encapsulates the unique beauty of Northern Thai architecture with sturdy modern construction methods.

We drove out to Khumpaya Garden Home estate, which is situated about eight kilometers from the airport and within striking distance of major supermarkets, an international school, hospitals and shopping malls, to see the new homes for ourselves.

Following the directions from an efficient and friendly security guard, we drove along the quiet, tree-lined streets of this small estate until we reached the sales office and show-houses.

From the outside, these beautiful wooden structures reflected the richness of Lanna architecture and style. The interiors were simply breathtaking. Ornately carved doors opened onto rich parquet flooring that, throughout the house, supported furniture of the finest wood. Imported silken wallpapers formed tasteful backdrops for delightful artwork, in the form of paintings and sculptures.

The bedrooms are simply to die for; hand-carved beds are draped in hand-woven bedsheets and quilts, with Thail silk pillows matching beautiful curtains. Pastel walls are adorned with tasteful sketches, while from the open door of the en suite bathroom, a deep blue Lanna painting beckons.

The bathrooms provide a blend of Lanna and Balinese artwork, and the finest American Standard fittings. My wife was particularly fond of the adjoining al fresco, and totally private sitting area that boasted a bench seat over natural rocks, with running water and green plants. This cosy little haven is accessible through the bathroom's roof to floor sliding glass doors.

Being the family's chief cook and bottle-washer, I fell in love with the kitchen. Solid and spacious dark-wood cabinets abound, and there's a beautiful and practical marble wrap-around work surface, with stainless steel sinks and the choice of a gas or electric cooker.

Ceramic tiled floors make for easy cleaning, while ample windows bring natural light into, what for me, is the most important room in the house.

There are sufficient power points to cater for the simultaneous use of several electrical appliances, and extractor fans above the cooker.

The "fusion homes" somehow manage to create a seamless shift from ancient Lanna to modern-day Chiang Mai in the most tasteful and functional manner.

From the rich teak exterior, supported by a solid, steel-reinforced concrete shell, to the rich artwork adorning the smooth plastered walls, the hand made furniture and curtains throughout, the modern fitted kitchens and the Thai-Balinese bathrooms, with their Benjarong tiled floors, these homes are a delight to visit; they must be heaven to live in.

Home buyers can chose from three styles :

Phase two of Khumpaya Garden Home is located on seventy rai of land, and apart from providing the normal services - ie telephone, electricity and water, will boast a clubhouse, swimming pool, after-sales service, pest-control service and 24 hour security.

The owners point out that home buyers can feel free to modify existing designs in consultation with the resident architects, and in accordance with the agreement of the vendors.

THAI HOME ART AND NATURE CO. LPT., 257/96 Moo 3, Baan Waen, Hangdong, Chiangmai 50230 (about 8 kms. south of Airport Plaza or 8 minutes drive) ask for Khun Sampan Sue at Tel. 053-431195, 09-8511844.