Looking at homes and learning how and why they’re built the way they are and getting to know abit about the people that built and reside in their homes has always been very interesting to me… we have so many luxuries in our homes many elsewhere in the world can never realize or imagine… there’s always been the haves and have nots… and those somewhere in the middle… Today I just thought it might be interesting to share some info and photos of a home we recently visited…

My husband and I recently took a holiday trip to Bangkok, Thailand… one of the most intriguing, fascinating, informative trips we’ve ever had the pleasure of taking…Part of what makes travel so intriguing  is to see the different ways people live and the kinds of structures they reside in… the most lavish structures and materials in Thailand are used for the many temples that are scattered throughout… Thailand being a deeply religious Buddhist country.

 One of the most revered and unique single residences in Bangkok was built by Jim Thompson… the man who had the vision to bring Thai Silk to the world…http://bit.ly/8gaxDf…

His home was and still is a showplace and one of a kind… so very unique in that he purchased 6 single traditional Thai homes made of the best teak wood (most of which were already two centuries old from different provinces in Thailand) and moved them all to the location where it still stands today inside the City of Bangkok (which sits just next to a working canal)… he used his training as an architect to create and build his home…but kept in keeping with Thai customs and style… Thai homes were never built with bolts and screws, all the wood was cut precisely and fit into grooves or wood slots when the owners wanted to move it was very easy to disassemble and then reassemble at they’re new location… the house was elevated a full story as with all other Thai homes… above the ground… for several reasons…

Traditional Thai Roof to keep the home cooler….

Jim Thompson’s Bedroom Suite…

Traditional Lower Level of Thai Homes… Jim Thompson’s is much more elaborate…

Some of the Tropical Plantings in his Garden…

When the home was completed Jim Thompson moved in. It became the place to be invited to if you were anybody in Thailand… People from all walks of life were honored to join Mr. Thompson for a wonderful evening of dinner, entertainment and conversation… he almost always had guests every evening and  became the most sought after invitation to receive.  We werent allowed to take fotos of the interior of the home but please be assured it is still in its original glory…beautifully maintained… all the floors are made of teak and Mr. Thompson with his architectural abilities added some western influences (not customary in Thai homes) such as electrical lighting (chandeliers which came from Thai palaces), indoor staircase, interior toilet and shower. 

This was Mr. Thompson’s permanent residence for 8 years before he mysteriously disappeared and no signs of what happened to him has ever surfaced… Today his home belongs to Thailand and is preserved as a lasting reminder of  his creative ability and deep love of Thailand.

 I hope one day you can go and enjoy this home in person its truly a wonder in how it was put together!

After all…   there are so many diverse ways of living throughout the world… and if we can enjoy and appreciate them… it only enriches and enlightens our personal worlds. 

Sawadeeka (Thai meaning Have a Good Day!)

Thanks for checking in… your comments are always welcomed!

Isi

Isi Wu, the realtor for you

Serving Clients All Over the Eastbay