The essential and emotional bridge
between
our vision and your desires
About Us
Asian Dream
Selections
Chiang Mai Real Estate and
Holiday Rentals
We are a small company hoping to move forward on every level.
Together with the Thai’s creativity & efforts we look forward to the development of Chiang Mai, already well under way. Our experience and love for what we do, reassures us in our own ability towards realizing all your, and our own dreams
Thailand is a wonderful country to live in, but do not expect anything here to be the same as you are accustomed to.
It is of key importance to understand that nothing in this marvelous country is as easy as it looks.
A simple job like laying a tile can end up in tears of frustration.
Bride’s House Another frustration: a man hired a company to build a house for his new bride.
By agreement, all building materials were to be ordered and paid for on each delivery by the contractor.
The work went on smoothly, which is exceptional, until 95% affected.
The builder disappeared and work stopped.
The man went himself to order further materials.
Each of the suppliers refused to accept another order until previous deliveries to the original contractor had been paid for. Hence the disappearance of the builder.
Final cost of building the house was 50% above the original agreement. Even the biggest Thai smile was hardly compensation…
On finding that magic plot of land you need to consider the following: Location Number 1 in consideration of any property purchase.
It is crucial to the future enjoyment of your home.
Avoid proximity to a noisy road, railway line, airport, etc. which would interrupt your peace. Construction Materials Transport of building materials to a remote spot, or with difficult access can be extremely expensive. The best Thai professional builder requires constant monitoring.
It is time to collect the names of construction companies and compare prices, remembering that each one will tell you that his brother’s son is the best contractor available in the area and could start work immediately.
The reality being that their experience would be greater in the rice paddy, or in the consumption of whiskey.
Even the best of Thai workers is not comparable with the experienced workers of, say, Northern Europe.
Having a “good” contract will safeguard you against disaster?
Starting a Civil Law case in Thailand can bring enormous
costs.
Although you will have every chance to win the case, it is no
guarantee that the works being properly finished, nor that you will
receive financial compensation, they are able to hide themselves behind
their company structures. Be wise and spend some money hiring a professional manager or spending slightly more money by buying a house of your liking in a
good development.
The best advice I can give you after all this:
“Be prepared, …for anything and everything!
After all, this is Thailand.”
Magazines featuring Paradise Development & Real Estate Co., Ltd.
Ban Lae Suan Magazine
"Villa
Harlequin"
Ban Lae Suan Extra Edition '47 (House and Garden) Number 280
Tropical Living Thailand Magazine
"
Villa Extraordinaire"
Tropical Living Thailand Magazine March 2005
Story by; Benjamin Malcolm/ Photography; Nakarin Banjerdjin
I thought to myself, as I walked through the exquisite 'Villa Kinkala' property, which is for sale in the Sankamphaeng area, east of Chiang Mai, just how much I would want to decorate it in the style of the designer, garnishing the confines of this fresh-air fed Mediterranean-style building with something akin to its current tableau - dark wood furniture, flowing water, birdcages, and antiques together with statuary galore from Europe and Asia.
Quite a challenge for any prospective owner as this superlative villa is like a large, hand-carved banquet table, ready to be set with that most special of meals.
I was given a tour of the property by owners/designers Dirk van Ostaden and Jose Carlos Garcia Tapia and Domi Duca Realtor Art Roffel.
'Villa Kinkala' and its surrounding land is certainly one of the premier properties for sale in the north, with an asking price of 56 million Baht.
It consist of one main building, the expansive villa, a separate guests/servants' building on the left as you enter the compound and a sizeable 21,000 square meter piece of landscaped water-rich property.
Set back from the main road in the lee of green foothills; this villa would be ideal for a private and serene homestead, in the words of the English Poet Thomas Gray, "far from the madding crowd"
Ostaden built 'Villa Kinkala' over 15 month along the designs of a Spanish villa, a symmetrical design of alternating chambers and sunlit red-brick areas, amid the cool of a carefully landscaped, surrounding lake.
As in many villas, the house is rich in fountains and open-air sitting and dining areas, the better to appreciate one's surroundings.
This feature of Mediterranean life neatly parallels Southeast Asian tendencies to embrace the outdoors.
There is 1,574 square meters of living space in total in this 3-bedroom house.
Two of the bedrooms are located in the guest areas in the front of the main house, which are accessed from the outside to ensure privacy for the hosts.
My tour began in the late afternoon and I stopped to admire the two figures that framed the front door, as we waited for our hosts to appear.
These Buddha's horses', two squat chubby men holding the personal horse of the Buddha over his head, were only a taste the things to come.
The lively Ostaden and Carlos soon made their appearance and began leading Roffel and me through the various chambers, stopping here and there long enough for us to dmire their collection of antiques, a mix that seemed to span everywhere from Burma to China and the length of Europe, from Spain to Russia (one particularly interesting piece was a portrait of Lenin woven into a kind of Persian rug).
Each room of the house, in the designer's decoration scheme, has taken on a different feel, European in some cases with dark wood and Spanish paintings and Asian in others, with Buddha images and Thai art.
Also sprinkled hroughout the villa was a comprehensive array of Christian statues and paintings.
A marvelous collection of birds, including a peacock and several cockatoos, greeted us about every corner.
The birdsong from all these cages formed a natural musical accompaniment for out tour. The owners pointed out the layout of the building and the designs and symmetry which were carried over from one side to the other.
One particular design that was used consistently is a star-like carving that appears above every doorway.
"You see in the design that everything repeats itself", Ostaden pointed out. "One side is the same as the other, in every case rooms are 6 x 6 or 6 x 4 (meters)".
Although many of the intriguing antiques from all over the world including some furniture would depart with the existing two owners, there will be enough remaining of the 'banquet table' to give anyone an excellent base from which to proceed.
There are the series of wonderful fountains situated in the sunlit areas.
Overlooking the giant blue pool in the back of the house is a giant Buddha head, which spews forth a cascade of water into the sizeable pool below.
In the sunlit areas toward the entrance, three nozzles dribble water into separate smaller reservoirs.
The surrounding water, a series of moats and dams which was the starting point in the design, also helps keeps things cool and lush.
Another piece that will always remain intact is the carved Burmese chandelier holder above the entrance, at the base of a huge metal chandelier.
Ostaden described the process of the carving's installation, which required the efforts of over a dozen men lifting and setting.
Surely, this is one of the more impressive pieces in the house, with less astute visitors might not even notice, and flushed into the ceiling above them as they wipe their feet on the welcoming carpet.
There are high ceilings throughout the building, which provide a nice sense of ventilation and natural air-conditioning. "I've tried to make it classic in all ways"' said Ostaden at one point. "I don't really want it to be too modern".
This classic sense doesn't preclude the latest in electric accoutrements and a large gourmet kitchen area.
Although it was early in the day, I could see the lamps about the house and could well imagine the beauty of the house at night, with the surrounding floodlighting and shadows.
Our slow and winding tour came to an end with a coffee break in the main entrance, underneath the Burmese piece which had been lifted into place by a dozen men.
As we sat and talked, my eyes and ears appreciated the comfort and the beauty anew about me and at the skill used in building and decorating this estate and of course, the birdsong in the distant. Oh, how lucky would be the one, I thought, who tries their hand at re-setting this finely carved banquet table of 'Villa Kinkala'.
Boys Toys Magazine
"Thai up - Your Dream Home" Extravagance at its best!
Boys Toys “Yule love it” Issue, December 2005
Story by; Nick Judd/ Photography; Dirk van Ostaden
Where better to escape the hustle and bustle of every day life in Thailand, and with this exclusive tranquil habitat
in Chiang Mai you can archive spiritual inner peace (at no cost).
And if that all sounds a bit pretentious too
pretentious for your liking, than you can soak up the sights and sounds of Chiang Mai itself.
Thailand's second largest
city, utilizing its golf courses, white water rafting facilities and the like.
Surrounded by a magnificent vista of wooded hillsides and fertile rice paddies, you'll be able to boast having your own
lake and tropical gardens.
The 'Villa Kinkala' is a secluded haven, a unique blend of Asian and Mediterranean design
offering spacious rooms, and, let's cut the chase, a luxurious swimming pool.
With walkways and fountains in and
around the pool you'll constantly be calmed by the presence of running water. Extravagance at its best!
Lanna Home Chiangmai Magazine
"'Villa Kinkala" The essentional and emotional bridge between a very special vision and human desires.
Lanna Home Chiangmai Magazine Volume May 2006
This high-class property represents the ultimate lifestyle of the owners, Mr. Dirk van Ostaden and Mr. Jose Carlos Garcia Tapia.
It is one of the most exclusive residences in the Chiang Mai area, strange enough this stylish and elegant property is now within your reach, as this unique piece of paradise is now for sale.
Surrounded by magnificent scenery of wooded hillsides, standing in the middle of a mature lake and tropical garden, 'Villa Kinkala' is part of a breathtaking panorama.
The totally symmetrical architecture is a unique blend if Asian and Mediterranean design.
An impressive secluded haven harboring immense charm and character...due to a harmonious decor with natural materials, masterpieces of handicraft and balanced colors.
'Villa Kinkala'
Created to exhibit and enhance image by a refined concept of grandiose extravagance
The entrance extends through the open central living area to a swimming pool at the end. Spacious living rooms, a striking study, an imposing dining room, and a serene master bedroom are offering not only a distinguished atmosphere but also incomparable exclusivity.
Terraces, Salas and walkways invite outdoor living close to nature.
Two independent and complete guest apartments are the guarantee for an exceptional environment and an enjoyable, luxurious and peaceful life. This is the only way to describe this remarkable mansion, as it offers a surprising ambience in a tranquil habitat with easy access to the world, exhibiting panache, assuring eminence and stature to the owners.
Residences Magazine
"Exceptional & Dramatic Mediterranean" A personal museum and gallery dedicated to the art of imagination.
Residences Magazine Volume June 2006
Story by; Andrew Bond / Photography; Brent Madison
In Thailand you can really let your imagination free.
The possibilities for building a dream house are almost limitless, your money goes much further and the range of materials and styles offer all sorts of exciting choices to create a wonderful tropical villa or mansion.
This is exactly what Dirk van Ostaden and Jose Carlos Garcia Tapia have done in Sankamphaeng with their incredible 1300 sqm. creation.
Villa Kinkala is an Andalusian - styled residence which boasts multiple courtyards, numerous relaxation patios, a pool, two separate guest quarters and no less than four spacious living rooms, each decorated in a different world style.
The house sits on 13 Rai (21,000 sqm.) of land in a peaceful lakeside area with low hills as a backdrop.
It's the kind of retreat that only the super wealthy or privileged could afford, but here in Chiang Mai they have realized their dreams.
Dirk and Jose like building and they have previously designed and built houses, or redecorated them, in Spain, Portugal and Holland, but here in Thailand they have created a masterpiece.
Each of the living rooms has an exquisite collection of antique or classical furniture from all four continents, items they have been carefully collecting for several decades.
One room entirely filled with Asian pieces including antique teak chairs from Vietnam, art from Thailand, porcelain from Yunnan and Buddhist sculptures from Burma.
In another you find yourself in Morocco and North Africa, while a third is decorated with classical Spanish art including an ancient life-sized crucified Jesus hanging on the wall.
The attention to detail truly is impressive. "We like to build and to collect", Dirk explained to me, "If we like something, we buy it. In the end we had so much that we had to build a big place to keep it all".
Villa Kinkala is a personal museum and gallery dedicated to the art of imagination, but even without the furniture and art, it has a unique atmosphere.
With so many living areas privacy is assured and the symmetrical design, centred on a series of inter-connecting courtyards, guarantees plenty of natural light and a cool breeze.
Each of the courtyards is a quiet oasis filled with palms and tinkering fountains.
Koi lazily meander about in the water and an inviting swimming pool, with its Buddha frieze fountain, is cleverly positioned to guarantee privacy.
By designing the house with four different living areas they have created a choice of places to relax according the play of the sun throughout the day.
For example, a warm afternoon winter sun pours through the windows on the west side, crating a perfect reading room. And jutting out from the east and west flanks are two extensions with remote Salas, each boasting an aviary with gorgeous peacocks inside.
But perhaps the most unique character of the house is that they have imported foreign ideas and broken with the tradition of Lanna and Thai-styled finishing’s.
Instead of teak floors they have opted for a cool sand-wash floor, the pillars are loose face brick and the finishing are Moorish in appearance.
The kitchen resembles that of a European farm house and the courtyards are traditional Mediterranean in character.
Self contained and suitably large, you never need to leave this peaceful environment and it certainly is far enough from the bustle of Chiang Mai to be considered a rural country retreat.
In all, Villa Kinkala and its extensive gardens full of large ponds and tropical species, took nearly 18 month to finish.
After that you would think Dirk and Carlos would want to spend the rest of their time retiring in relaxation in this incredible home, but not so. "We're restless, this is now finished and we want to build something different. I think I will put it on the market", he says, surprising me.
For someone looking for the ultimate residence, but without the energy to create their own, Villa Kinkala is the answer to a limitless imagination for luxury within a limited budget.
Residences Magazine
"An Excellent Decision" Dutch couple tells us just why they choose Chiang Mai to retire in.
Residences Magazine Volume June 2006
Story by; Andrew Bond / Photography; Brent Madison
'Middle aged couples' in Europe are realizing that you simply pack it all in early and retire in Thailand.
My timing was perfect.
Just as I arrived at the home of Jo and Ans Wolfgang, they returned from a late afternoon cycle around their pleasant Thai neighbourhood.
Of course, they're Dutch so it didn't surprise me to see them with bicycles, but the expressions on their faces suggested they were clearly enjoying themselves more than pedalling home alongside canals and dykes on a miserable European November evening.
Jo and Ans have been in Chiang Mai for a year now, but they have been visiting Thailand for more than twenty years.
Now they have become the hosts, and several members of their family have come to visit and see for themselves the easy lifestyle they are leading."Many people in Holland choose to retire in Spain or France, but we choose Thailand", they tell me. "The people here are very nice and it's cheap", Ans explains. "Out here it's peaceful and quiet and we like being near the nature".Jo and Ans have bought one of the comfortable villa in On Tai, a wholly Thai village about a 20- to 30-minute drive from Chiang Mai.
To get their home, I passed through fields of maturing rice - a verdant sea of green - and than I followed a small country lane past a picturesque pond.
Immediately I agreed with them upon this being the perfect choice for a peaceful retirement place.
They refused to follow the trend of most other foreigners to find a condo in the city centre or to move into one of the popular mooban projects. "We looked at many places in town, but it was not what we wanted really, then the agent from Domi Duca showed us this and we decided to take it without a second thought...its perfect", Ans told me.
Their house is in modest size, enough for the two of them, but it's the sense of space out there that I can see attracted them to see this remote neighbourhood.
After chatting awhile, I got the impression that they enjoyed the adventure and difference of living here.
"We eat and shop at the local markets in Sankamphaeng, the childern from the nearby village come by to practice their English and we let them play on the computer.
We never had childern of our own", she relates to me.
In fact Jo and Ans aren't even ready retiring, but living in Thailand has made it affordable for them to give up their careers early and start really living.
So just why did Jo and Ans choose Chiang Mai? "Phuket is nice to see, but it's not true Thailand, this is authentic and not crowded with tourist and Western services.”The weather is much nicer here too", Jo explains.
They are not alone - more and more foreigners are choosing Chiang Mai as the ideal place to retire or simply make a new life, even start a little business here.
Many of them aren't even at retirement age yet.
They are realizing that you can pack it all in early and afford to reward yourself with a comfortable life relaxing in Chiang Mai.
One of the greatest advantages of making a home in Chiang Mai is the options of interior decorating.
Chiang Mai is world renown as the handicraft capital of Asia and buyers from all over beat a path to the famous Bantawai artisan's village south of the city, where you can find a wide choice of furniture and decor.
The Wolfgang’s brought very little with them from Holland - a piano and some family heirlooms - the rest they have sources locally.
Another bonus that they enjoy is the nice sized garden they now have, and having a home in Chiang Mai gives you a chance to take up gardening.
Chiang Mai is already home to a significant ex-pat population including all kind of Europeans, Japanese and Americans.
This means that any new arrival benefit from a well-established system to help them settle in.
Ban Lae Suan Magazine
Extra Edition '50 (House and Garden) Number 290
Bride’s House
Location
