Location: Sanur, Bali, Indonesia, Asia View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 3 Baths (Sleeps 6)
Keywords: Convenient, close to beach, close to Sanur & Denpasar & Ubud, maid and gardener included, artistic, soul, spacious, breezy, cool, practical, oasis, fully equipped house, warm, open, kid-friendly, comfortable
This tropical Bali dream house, located north of Sanur, Bali, is what couple Anni Crofut and Mel Maliki like to call their 'third child' (they also have two boys). A testament to their cross-cultural marriage, the house blends the open-air feel and tropical materials of Mel's native Indonesia, with the exposed wood, open floor plan, and cathedral ceilings of the old barns of Anni's rural Massachusetts.
Before building, Anni and Mel had spent years renting houses in Bali, so they were very clear about what they did not want. "We wanted to avoid the sort of villa you see all over the island that is built to look romantic - open-air, no doors, thatched roofed - but is in fact quite impractical. Coming from New England where the winters are so rough, I'd always thought of the tropics as gentle, but those houses taught me that a tropical climate has its own hazards: bugs, dust, mosquitoes, ants, mold, gecko's, smoke from burning fields, and a very fast pace of decay. In the open houses, we couldn't keep nature out because there was no way to close in the space. Mosquitoes were abundant, and the thatch would shed, and the geckos living in the thatch would contribute their own fall-out. We'd essentially spend a good part of each day just sweeping up!"
Armed with a concept and a list of things to avoid, Anni and Mel chose Balinese architect Ketut Arthana. Internationally recognized, Ketut has a reputation for optimizing and managing space. "He instantly understood what we wanted. He set the ceilings high, like a barn's, but added variety to the roof-line by slightly lowering the kitchen roof and using the typically Balinese cross-hatched exposed rafters. He wasn't afraid to recommend tile over thatch, for its strength, quality and ease of maintenance, and we found that by lining the under-side of the tile with basket-colored woven rattan (shipped up from Borneo), we were able to achieve the same soft, natural effect from inside as you get with thatch, but without the problems. Ketut placed giant sliding glass doors and windows around the perimeters of the entire house, giving the space plenty of light and ventilation during the day and an open-air feel, but with the option of shutting out the bugs, water and dust at night and during storms. Above these doors, Ketut added a ring of slim rectangular windows for ventilation and style."
Once complete, Ketut handed the drawings over and Anni and Mel took charge. "Mel oversaw the entire building process, and I made all the interior design decisions. I didn't pay attention to rules and conventions. I was never focused on making the house fit into a category (rustic, modern, contemporary…). I just did what I found beautiful." The result is a huge mix of influences, combining primitive and modern, old and new, raw and finished. Anni brought her love of Mexican color into her paint choices, and her appreciation for Shaker simplicity into her choice of old, strong, and simple wood furniture. "I was very relieved when, in the end, it did in fact all come together."
Color is a major theme. The main living space has a soft cream terrazzo floor contrasting with two bold papaya-orange walls and another sailor blue wall. The ventilation windows hold circular coins of colored glass framed in teak, giving a warmth and funky flare to the entire space. The kitchen and bedroom floors are richly colored in traditional Dutch-style cement tiles. More color flows through the deep-set, vertical, and whimsically stained-glass windows along the stairs.
In contrast to the bright colors, raw materials ground the house in the natural and neutral, creating what architect Yew Kwan famously described as "high-style primitive." Raw teak trees frame the kitchen space and act as pillars on the terrace; Y-shaped stripped coffee balusters and teak banisters form the railings along the stairs and balcony; marble stones and large plates of slate form a mosaic on the master bathroom wall; and worn gray river stones provide drainage where house meets land.
Outside, the property is ringed with a mustard-yellow fence overflowing with pink, purple and yellow bougainvillea. Large-leafed bamboo borders the back and side wall, offering a constant cooling sound of rustling leaves. A rice-terraced-shaped pool fills one corner, while lush mango and Frangipani trees create umbrellas against the sun. Ocean breezes blow in from the east, cooling the land and house, even in the hottest season.
And you can see the ocean from the house! Anni muses; "That third floor room wasn't in the drawings, but one day, Mel was up on the rafters and he realized that from up there we could see the sea. We learned that it wouldn't cost much to raise up the roof and add an extra room, so we just did it. No permits needed. Nothing. Just like a wave of the hand. You could never do that in the US! That room is a retreat, way up high, for meditation or writing, or for play for young kids.
In this same brave and spontaneously creative spirit, Anni and Mel made the decision to move back to the US in 2006 after living in their house for only two years. "We wanted our kids to discover their American half, and to be educated there. Mel and I were at a cross-roads professionally, so it was the time to go. Of course we were so sad to leave our house. But we're suckers for adventure." The house has been rented since then, but Anni and Mel and their boys return every year to repair and spruce up the house and to enjoy it themselves.
"This house has a warmth and grace and artistry to it, but it is also a very livable house, peaceful and soothing, also fabulous for entertaining, and very convenient to Sanur, Denpasar and Ubud, " says one renter. "Many happy memories were made in that house," he continued, "and we want to return again if we can."
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : The three bedrooms and the office all have AC. The main space is well ventilated with large sliding glass doors and a 7 meter spread which allows for nice fresh air circulation, enhanced also by 4 ceiling fans. A ring of a ring of slim rectangular teak ventilation windows ring the entire main space as well as all of the bedrooms, adding more breeze and circulation.
- Linens Provided : All provided: 400 thread count sheets and pillow covers. Microfiber hypoallergenic duvet and pillows. Bath towels and face cloths. All linens will be professionally cleaned every few days. Please bring your own beach towels.
- Washer
- Dryer : All clothes are hung in semi-sun to dry. Ironing is available on request.
- Garage : Two-car covered garage.
- Covered Parking : 2 car covered garage with 2 additional parking spaces inside gate.
- Off Street Parking : Plenty available. Gang Sekar Pole is a dead-end quiet street with lots of parking and privacy, while also being an exceptionally wide alley by Bali standards.
- Beds
- King Bed : Hand-crafted teak king-sized beds in both the master and upstairs bedrooms. Full mosquito netting on both beds.
- Twin/Single Bed : Two mahogany twin beds are in the third bedroom.
- Child Bed : One of the twin beds can be made into a toddler's bed by inserting a wooden rail (provided) on one side of the bed. This rail will prevent the child from falling out of the bed. Two single floor mattresses are also included in the rental and can be used as extra bedding.
- Crib : A crib is available for those with small infants.
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : Large screen TV, speakers and DVD player are located in loft.
- DVD
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Ping Pong/Table Tennis
- Private Pool : Lovely infinity-edged pool shaped like a rice terrace and integrated into the garden by a soft curved border. Sizable shallow area for children. Deeper area for adults and diving play. Pool shaded by Frangipani tree. Pool size is difficult to measure because it is not a rectangle, but it is approximately 30' x 10.'
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Traditional Dutch cement-tile floor and raw teak tree trunks frame and delineate the kitchen area from the rest of the large open living space. Complete kitchen with large refrigerator and large counter-tops and chopping block for prep. Gas stove and oven. Plenty of storage. Full selection of kitchen knives, cookware and kitchen tools. Toaster oven which can be used to toast, reheat, broil or bake. 12 complete sets of classy Marks and Spencer dinnerware (lg. dinner plate, salad plate, lg. soup bowl, smaller cereal bowl, mug). Complete coffee and tea ware. Cloth napkins and place mats. Oh, and let's not forget Wati, the ever-loving, efficient and helpful maid, who can whip you up a scrumptious Javanese meal!
- Cooking Utensils Provided : The kitchen is complete with a full selection of cutlery, pots and pans and kitchen tools for preparing meals.
- Refrigerator : Large refrigerator / freezer.
- Microwave : We do not have a microwave but we have a large toaster oven that can be used to toast, reheat, broil or bake.
- Catering Available : Well, not exactly, but even better. Wati, our lovely maid, will be happy to cook for you. In the mornings, she can prepare fruit, toast, pancakes, yogurt and/or French toast for breakfast. She is also an excellent Javanese cook. She is available to cook food for you, however please note that food costs will be at your expense, and if you decide to have Wati cook for you often and/or to have her stay beyond her normal working hours, we request that you offer her a gratuity at the end of your stay. (We would be happy to recommend to you an appropriate amount.)
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio : A wide and shaded veranda spills off of the main living area in the front of the house (the two areas can be separated by closing the glass doors that connect them. This veranda is a lovely sitting area, with rattan rocking chair and sofa, a funky coffee table made from an antique rice grinder, and a hammock. From this veranda, you can enjoy the garden while keeping your eye on the kids in the pool.
- Balcony : The second floor bedroom has a private veranda/ balcony with two rattan rockers that look out over the pool and garden.
- View/Location
- Ocean View : The ocean can be seen from the windows of the third floor meditation/writing room.
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : The internet connection is only for one computer at a time, using a plug-in modem, provided, at no cost to renter.
- Other Amenities
- private caretaker, separate helper's quarters with bedroom and bathroom, separate office building with AC with option to use as a bedroom, dead-end quiet street; cathedral ceiling in main living space, open-air master bathroom, 3rd floor meditation/writing room with view to ocean, large sliding glass doors and/or windows in every room offer open-air option during the day and wind and bug protection at night. lovely shaded lawn and garden, convenient to Sanur with its stores, restaurants, banks and beaches, convenient to Ubud with its cultural riches, convenient to Denpasar with its travel agencies, department stores and government offices, only 35 min. to airport
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : This house is fabulous for kids. They love the openness of the main room. The pool is visible from the veranda so adults can sit and enjoy the cool shade while keeping an eye on the kids. A shower room is accessible from the outside so kids can wash and dry off from the pool before entering the main house. The wall surrounding the property serves as a container for both an emotional sense of intimacy and privacy, as well as for safety.
- Smoking Allowed
- Activities
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Sightseeing
- Rafting
- Other Activities
- Parasailing, boating, biking, yoga classes, all the arts of Bali (dance, painting, sculpture, batik, weaving, gamelon), and a phenomenal safari adventure park only 15 min. drive away.
Rate Details (In USD)
USD 800-2,000/week (depends on season - please contact us for pricing) USD 2,800-6,000 for month-to-month contract(Price depends on season.Please contact us for pricing.) Rent includes fully furnished house, maintenance & utilities 1 full-time staff for grounds and pool, 1 full-time maid for cleaning & laundry breakfast prep & cooking of 1 meal/day if desired. Food shopping & expenses are tenants' responsibility. If you ask our staff to perform additional work (errands, babysitting, cooking) beyond their responsibilities outlined above, this should be arranged between you and them & take place after 5pm and at tenants' expense.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Stunningly Colorful, Spacious & Artistic Bali House for Rent
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Sanur
As I wrote in the description, we built this house for ourselves. We never intended to rent it while we were building it. We chose the area because a) it is so convenient, while still being quiet b) the 'banjar' system in this village is not so strong, which makes it friendlier (less obligations, rules and restrictions) to non-Balinese, and as Mel is Javanese and I am American, this suited us.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Wati, our lovely helper, lives nearby and works full-time at the house. Wati will make your stay easy and pleasant. She will prepare the beds and house fully before your arrival. During your stay she will do your laundry, make your beds every day, replace soap and toilet paper, wash towels and linens once a week, and keep the entire house clean. She is available to prepare breakfast and one meal/day WITH FOOD COSTS AT TENANTS' EXPENSE. Her breakfasts can include any of the following: tea, coffee, fruit, yogurt, toast, eggs, french toast, or pancakes. If you wish her to cook one meal/day for you, please note that she cooks only Javanese food, so for any other cooking she would need overseeing and instruction. She does not speak English, but she is learning. Sis, our gardener and grounds keeper, is Wati's brother. He also lives nearby and works full time at the house. Every day he cleans the pool and tends to the gardens, lawn, buildings and property. He has worked at the house for 10 years and knows the property intimately. If you would like errands/cooking/help from either Wati or Sis which is beyond the scope of their responsibilities outlined above, we ask that this be arranged directly between you and Wati or Sis and this additional work should take place at the end of the staff's work hours and at the tenants' own expense.. Note: neither Wati nor Sis speak much English, but both are studying and are eager to learn and to please. Hendro, our house manager, can be called on to translate. Hendro does not live at the house, but is available to come by or can be reached easily by phone. All contact information and details are clearly outlined in a welcome book you will find waiting for you at the house.
Sanur beach is about 2 miles white sand beach. You could rent bicycle, and ride a long the beach. Very beautiful.
Owner's Map of Sanur
Mel grew up in east Java. Anni grew up in western Massachusetts. We met when Anni was teaching ESL as a volunteer at an Academy of Foreign Languages in Jember, east Java, and Mel was her student! Anni was 24 and Mel was 21. We have lived together in Boston, Bali and now the Berkshires in western MA. We have two boys, Zephyr and Kaylo. We make our living selling silver jewelry that Anni designs along with a handful of other international designers, all made in Bali.
Property Photos
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- View of master bedroom from infinity pool. - Vacation Villa with Wi-Fi and Infinity Pool in Bali, Indonesia
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- View of sitting area and kitchen from loft. - Vacation Villa with Wi-Fi and Infinity Pool in Bali, Indonesia
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- - Vacation Villa with Wi-Fi and Infinity Pool in Bali, Indonesia
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- Long view of dining table, sitting area, and stairs leading to loft & 2nd fl
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- Rattan rockers and hammock on veranda which looks out over garden and pool.
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- King-sized teak bed in master bedroom. Glass doors open to pool & garden
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- View of master bedroom's semi-outdoor bathroom. Shower is around the corner
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- King-sized bed in upstairs bathroom with private balcony/veranda.
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- Two twin beds in downstairs bedroom with Dutch-tile floor.
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- View of house from main entrance.
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- View of pool and bougainvillea pouring over fence
Traveler Reviews (2)
stunningly colofrul, artistic and spacious bali house for rent
Guest: armin
(Berkeley, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11
Review Submitted: 11/23/11
Beautiful house, superb staff. Clean and well-maintained. Very helpful owners. Anyone sensitive to barking dogs may not be happy here.
Owner response:We feel it important to point out that dogs are a part of life in Bali and one will find them living side by side with people all over the island. The relationship between people and dogs is a peaceful one on the whole. Dogs act as security guards and pets, while some seem to wander the streets un-owned. Overall, they add character to the island and are integral to the society. Our house is located near Sanur, and we are therefore in a neighborhood where people own dogs who occasionally bark. We have not found this to be too bothersome, and it is simply part of the experience of being in Bali. However, if you wish for absolute silence, you may prefer to stay in a more remote area, further from the South of Bali. Having said that, even in very remote areas you will likely find yourself kept company by the sounds of roosters crowing, cicadas chirping, dogs barking and many other island noises.
Recommended for:People with disabilities, pet owners.
Blissful !
Guest: pobox
(Jupiter, Florida, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11
Review Submitted: 10/03/11
What a wonderful way to really sink into the rhythm of life on Bali! Our eyes were soothed by the open floor plan of the house, beautiful stained glass windows, natural wood beams and railings, esthetic and comfortable furniture, and the shaded view of the lush gardens. Our bare feet enjoyed the cool floors and the green lawn on the way to the sparkling pool. Our meals were so easy to prepare in the well appointed kitchen and our nights were spent dreaming in the quiet rooms upstairs. We sigh as we remember and hope to return to the Maliki home once again.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #357870
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