Classic Sanur Beachside Villa, Landscaped by Made Wijaya

You know when you flip through those coffee table books of beautiful Balinese landscaped gardens? Imagine my surprise when I found this exact garden gracing the pages of a classic book from one of Bali’s favourite adopted sons, the late Made Wijaya. Looking through the lens of the camera was like looking back in time, to an era before 1.5 are modern ‘villas’ with three metre boundary walls. The entrance of the property is completely unassuming, but when you walk through the doors, the property really opens up in spectacular style.

On entering the property, you pass between two wooden structures – one which houses the staff area downstairs and a nice double bedroom with balcony and ensuite bathroom upstairs. The other holds a rather expansive bedroom, possibly the original master bedroom with adjoining sitting area/office space and large bathroom with artisanal terracotta motif tiles that we have never seen elsewhere on the island. Upstairs is another large bedroom with views over the center of the property -gardens and pool area. As you pass into the heart of the property, you are greeted by a guest lounge area under a large bale with traditional alang-alang grass roof. You’re immediately presented with one of the unique features of the property – a beautifully landscaped garden and lily pond with a traditional wooden bale placed at its centre. It’s probably one of the most serene spots in Bali. There are two traditional painted brick buildings (think Mercure Hotel). The first hosts the kitchen, dining area, and one lounge area – all benefitting from a refreshing breeze even in the hottest days of the year. The second contains what could also be considered the master bedroom, a small outdoor sitting area perfect for a morning coffee, and a beautiful ‘old wood’ plank bedroom with semi-outdoor bathroom upstairs. There is a 60 year-old lumbung (traditional rice storage) gracing one corner of the garden, which is a great place for meditation/yoga, or for kids to play. That may sound contradictory, but it makes sense when you see it!

Sometimes when you view a property, the total comes out to more than the sum of its parts. This property absolutely encapsulates this phenomenon. We are battle hardened, difficult to please, and almost impossible to surprise. This property had Widi and I looking at each other smiling. There are very few villas like this on the island. This is unique in that it is actually available to purchase. You have to see it.  Offered furnished, as pictured, on a 32 year lease.