Stepping back in time
Following a refurbishment spread over the past nine months to celebrate its seventh anniversary, 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai is now offering 30 suites built around the original colonial teak homestead, which dates back to the late 1800’s.
In addition to being returned to its original condition and maintaining the integrity of the colonial elegance of the property when it first opened, highlights of the refurbishment include the unveiling of a new suite category, softscape and landscape improvements, renovated perimeter and garden walls, new gym equipment with digital connectivity and enhancements to the Spa. The newly launched boutique offers a range of elegant artisan jewellery, unique handmade wooden home accessories and local silk textiles, together with gifts and souvenirs.
Named as a tribute to a former occupant of the original teak homestead and a manager of the Borneo Company, the three 80-sqm David Fleming Macfie Suites provide a luxurious stay and spacious living area for a family of up to four or a couple wanting additional air-conditioned living space with an al fresco conservatory.
The King bedroom suites include a customised divan that provides comfortable seating during the day and converts to a bed at night. The adjoining spacious tropical vintage-tiled conservatories have the option of being enclosed and air conditioned or open-air and are furnished with a plush daybed that can sleep a fourth person. All suites feature large walk-in closets, en-suite bathrooms with Victorian free-standing claw foot bathtubs and separate indoor and outdoor showers, the signature 137 Pillars rattan planter’s rocking chair and cane shades for privacy.
Local artisans were employed to restore the unique poon tam walls throughout the property, using an ancient technique similar to that used in Thai temples where the colour is incorporated into the plaster.
“Our focus and purpose was to renew our suites to their original splendour, while adding thoughtful embellishments that appeal to today’s definition of luxury; namely space where we stripped out some larger pieces of furniture, meaningful technology with the addition of USB sockets, Vifa Bluetooth, sound systems and residential touches including elegant Lucite magazine racks, freeing up surfaces for guest needs and personal drinks consoles. The project was rather like polishing the diamond – with design inspired by the rich heritage and history of the property and a lush tropical landscape, with a striking palette chosen to soothe the senses, while paying attention to precision and simplicity and a sense of place,” said its general manager Anne Arrowsmith.
Rates start from Bt15,000 ($465) per night, inclusive of breakfast and are subject to service charge and government taxes.
