Villa 1880

Villa 1880 comprises an antique plantation house sandwiched between two contemporary buildings: a flat-roofed living pavilion at the front and a double-storey bedroom block at the back. The entrance leads directly to the large open-sided living pavilion lying alongside the 19m pool, with open-plan guest kitchen and bar at one end, leading to the chefs kitchen. A large terrace runs from the shallow section of the pool to the master suite and the spa, and houses a casual seating area. From here, steps lead up to the veranda which wraps around two sides of the house, providing access to the sunset roof terrace, two guest bedrooms, childrens bunk room, media room and, above, the romantic attic bedroom.

Living Areas
Flanking the full length of the 19-metre swimming pool is the open-sided living pavilion a light-filled space designed for breezy living and easy entertaining. The furnishings reflect the owners exquisite taste and love of modern retro, with chic designer seating arranged at one end, and a solid wood dining table stretching four metres set before a river-stone wall.
Sharing the same open-plan space is a guest kitchen with vintage Italian bar stools lining a marble-topped island counter with hob and butlers sink perfect for an impromptu cooking class. Concealed behind a wall featuring artwork by Italian artist Filippo Sciascia is the professionally equipped chefs kitchen complete with double fridges, a wine fridge and coffee machine.

On an ironwood deck linking the original plantation house to the modern sleeping pavilion is a table tennis table and a casual seating area complete with hammock just the place to keep an eye on the kids in the shallows. At the opposite end of the 19-metre saltwater pool is a sun deck with four loungers and sleek alfresco shower.

Upstairs, in the heart of the old plantation house is the air-conditioned media room. Plush seating in pink velvet wraps around a vintage B&B Italia coffee table set before a 60-inch TV with satellite channels, DVD player and home theatre system. Shelves set into original panels are laden with Asian literature and board games. Antique insect prints line the wall and presiding over this flamboyant space is a stuffed peacock.

Pockets of intimate seating are arranged on the veranda, which runs the length of the upper floor and leads to an enormous rooftop terrace furnished with brightly cushioned casual seating, long benches and a state-of-the-art barbecue.

Within the villas spa is a shower and changing area and a treatment room with twin massage beds and a hammam-style sunken bathtub for two opening onto tropical foliage and a water feature.

The villa also has a small studio office, separated from the living area by a koi pond, for those seeking a quiet space to work.

Bedroom
Villa 1880s four bedroom suites and kids bunk room feature comfortable beds with King Koil Heaven mattresses and high thread count cotton bedding, elegant 60s-inspired furniture, and thoughtful extras such as easily accessible reading lights and JLB portable speakers. Most have satellite TV, DVD player and sound system, and all have a choice of air-con or ceiling fan and an ensuite bathroom.

Master Bedroom Suite
Reclining on the super-king bed in supreme comfort, encircled by billowing curtains, glimpsing greenery beyond the plantation shutters on each side, you're in for a 21st century Bedouin tent experience. The master suite is the only bedroom at garden level, its bed resting on a stunning geometric-patterned terrazzo floor. Behind an eye-catching copper-backed room divider is a writing desk and a wall of cane-fronted wardrobes. The ensuite bathroom is equally generous, with twin vanities and double doors leading into a partially covered courtyard garden with statement bathtub and rain shower.
       
Guest Suites 1 & 2
These two upper-floor suites lie behind a bank of green plantation shutters lining the ironwood veranda and overlooking a courtyard of dwarf palms. Both feature super-king beds and handsome retro-style furniture. In guest suite 1 a cream terrazzo bedhead cum room divider separates the sleeping area from the bathroom, which is fitted with twin granite basins and large shower enclosure. Guest suite 2 replicates the master suite, with a retractable mosquito net around the bed, a desk and a wall of wardrobes. Its bathroom, which connects to the bunk room bathroom, has an indoor section with twin granite basins and shower, and a courtyard with an alfresco bathtub and shower.

Attic Suite
A private staircase from the veranda leads to the fourth suite, a ravishingly romantic eyrie lodged under the pitched roof of the original plantation house. A super-king bed sits under whitewashed beams facing a low TV console, flanked by wardrobes and a desk. Behind brilliant blue smoked glass is the bathroom, featuring fish-scale wall tiles designed by the owner, and a basin and vanity set into a vintage Balinese table.

Childrens Bunk Room
Located in the original plantation house and specially designed for children up to the age of 12, the childrens suite comprises eight single beds stacked in four rows, each fitted with a reading light and wall organiser, screened by privacy curtains and separated by stepladders. Theres a 43-inch TV, toys, books and fun papier animal heads lining the wall. The brightly decorated bathroom with bathtub, bidet and twin basins (one set lower for younger kids) connects with guest suite 2, a convenience parents may appreciate. This room also opens onto the media room and the veranda.