The impressive Villa Jembar Lawang is completely encompassed by emerald rice fields and is situated just a few minutes walk from the rugged beach at the ancient fishing village of Canggu on Bali’s west coast. Built on 2,200 square metres of land, the property can sleep up to five couples, with four bedrooms and a spacious library that can also serve as a bedroom. The villa was designed by the acclaimed Balinese architect Popo Danes, who was recently honoured with the ‘Indonesian Institute of Architect’ award for his efforts in promoting contemporary Balinese architecture in its proper way.

The style of the villa is contemporary and elegant; a group of eight or ten people can stay at the house, very comfortably, without encroaching on each others’ space. It was specifically designed to maximise the wonderful panoramic views, and offers the ultimate in private luxury for those who seek tranquillity combined with a high standard of service. Jembar Lawang means large open door or gate in the Javanese language. It is an indirect expression for warm welcome, which is substantiated by the antique statues of a Javanese wedding couple, waiting to welcome the guests as they step over the threshold.

Indeed, guests entering the property for the first time, as they cross over a small ornamental pond, will have no idea what to expect behind the large front door. They will be surprised when they find that the doorway leads into a magnificent, semi-circular, open living area supported by towering Romanesque columns and harmonised by a cool terracotta tiled floor. Looking out over the flat green lawn and furnished with antique daybeds, a large dining table, and low antique retro tables, this is an ideal place for relaxing or socialising; perfect for a party, a reception or a lazy lunch. This imposing living area is the main focus of the property and is flanked on either side by corresponding two-storey wings, which accommodate the bedroom suites, the library, the entertainment room, two additional ground floor shower rooms, the kitchen and the laundry.

There are four double bedrooms, two in each wing, boasting spacious en-suite terrazzo bathrooms. The light and airy bedrooms also feature built-in wardrobes, chunky antique furniture, timber floors, picture windows and large sliding glass doors. One of the bedrooms has a romantic four-poster bed. The downstairs bedrooms are each complemented by a terrace overlooking the garden, and the upstairs bedrooms each feature a large stone balcony with an attractive balustrade, furnished with daybeds and enhanced by pots of bougainvillea and stunning views of the rice fields. Each of the en-suite bathrooms with its terrazzo fixtures, has its own distinct characteristics; some of the bathrooms are entered by stepping through beautiful old wooden doors and feature slate paved floors, bathtubs, and ‘his and hers’ washbasins; others feature open-air garden showers surrounded by pebbles and plants, another displays a carved white Palimanan stone frieze on the exterior wall. [ ...read more about Villa Jembar Lawang ]