The lush gardens are planted with a considerable variety of tropical shrubs and trees, and the house has been lovingly furnished with antiques and artefacts from all over Asia. Bordering terraced rice fields, guests staying at Villa Senja will be presented with a privileged insight into rural Bali, yet the villa is only ten minutes drive' from the shops, nightlife and internationally acclaimed restaurants of trendy Seminyak. The sweeping beach at Seminyak is renowned for its world-class surf breaks, panoramic coastline views and legendary sunsets. Umalas Riding Stables is less than two kilometres away and Nirwana Golf Course, designed by Greg Norman, is a twenty-five minute car journey. Convenient for all of the main shopping malls and tourist attractions, the villa is thirty minutes' drive from Bali's International Airport.

The approach to Villa Senja is through the Balinese village of Umalas, the narrow country lane then winds through the rice fields for another kilometre before reaching the entrance to the property via a large courtyard with a sizeable parking area. A pair of impressive doors opens into a serene tropical garden flanked by a lotus pond.

Villa Senja was designed entirely by its owners, a labour of love reflecting a joint creative talent and a passion to preserve, share and celebrate Indonesian heritage. For this reason, a powerful energy runs through the villa and its gardens. The property oozes space; it is a romantic fusion of Colonial, Javanese, French and Chinese styles inspired by the owners' travels and complemented by antique furnishings, artwork and treasures that have been gradually collected over the years. Comprised of three buildings with ironwood shingle roofs, the attention to detail is extraordinary. The structure of the villa is rich in history and features an abundance of antique Javanese teak wood and timber floors throughout. Each of the five bedrooms retains a distinct character of its own, and each is between 25 and 30 square metres in size, complete with an en-suite bathroom - with bathtub and shower - and private terrace or balcony with a hammock.

Living & Dining area
Guests will enter the central 'jog 10' building through a narrow entrance hall presenting a Chinese theme with oriental fretwork screens and Chinese furniture. A wide doorway leads into the salon, which measures 54 square metres and is built around an antique Javanese, joglo house. This magnificent Wooden structure, sophisticatedly constructed without the use of any metallic nails or bolts, features elaborate hand carvings, and is supported by wooden pillars. A well stocked library is housed on the upper level of the salon and is complemented by Indonesian artefacts and a piano. Four steps lead down into the living and dining area with wooden floors, pendulous Javanese lanterns, ceiling fans and built in cushioned seating. A magnificent family dining table rests close to the kitchen beside a huge picture window. Folding antique doors composed of wood and glass open onto a 3.5 x 11 metre raised terrace overlooking the garden and swimming pool. This tiled verandah-style terrace, with its wooden pillars and balustrades, is an extension of the salon. Catching the cool breezes, with the added benefit of ceiling fans and sheltered from the elements by a wide roof, it doubles the living space and creates a delightful area for relaxing.

Kitchen
The large, fully equipped kitchen is cosy and rustic; typical of a French Proven<;al farmhouse kitchen with its thick walls and terracotta tiled floor. It also features antique wooden doorframes and lintels, a ceiling fan, and a chunky table for casual conversations over a cup of coffee. Outside is a small 'back kitchen' set within its own courtyard, and enclosed by a traditional half wall with a short flight of steps. On the west side of the kitchen, French doors with glass panels open out onto a garden terrace sheltered by a pergola ablaze with pink and orange bougainvillea and furnished with a weatherworn bench for quiet contemplation. .

Bedroom 1
Located on the ground floor of the two-storey side building, which is connected to the joglo building, this spacious air-conditioned bedroom features antique teak floorboards and a queen size bed hung with diaphanous drapes. The high ceiling is characterised by open beams, the windows protected by original wooden Javanese shutters, and the walls tinted with coloured cement. Antique French doors open onto a colonial style verandah overlooking the garden and pool. The floor of the verandah is tiled with traditional patterned Javanese tiles under a roof supported by wooden pillars. Another set of antique double qoors leads into the en-suite garden bathroom, fitted with a polished cement bathtub and washbasin unit. The wooden floor extends into a pebbled courtyard festooned with plants cascading over a garden wall. Built-in shelving and alcoves provide ample storage space; the toilet is tucked away in one corner behind a half wall, and the shower cubicle is accented by a carved wooden surround.

Bedroom 2
Located downstairs in the side building, this air-conditioned bedroom features a four poster canopied bed and a wide cushioned seat built into a Moghul-inspired recess. The verandah terrace follows the style of an old colonial Javanese house Wl~h 1r~qit'(;mal tiles. The remarkable en-suite bathroom is truly unique. It incorporates the hand-carved wooden structure of an antique yoglo' (Javanese house) together with the intricately carved fretwork window panels of an old Javanese mosque. In the centre of the bathroom, under a pitched wooden ceiling, is a sunken octagonal bathtub, complete with rainshower. The shape of the polished concrete tub follows the form of the bay window.

Bedroom 3
Accessed by a stone staircase bordered by thick walls, this air-conditioned bedroom features a casement windows and a queen size four poster bed with muslin drapes; a balcony offers enchanting views of the garden and rice fields. A small spare bed is available if required. The en-suite bathroom is accentuated by boldly coloured cement walls harmonised with a carved wall panel. Warm antique timber floorboards, a chunky bathtub with a wooden surround, a toilet hidden within a recess, and coloured glass windows complete the picture.

Bedroom 4
Located upstairs, this large air-conditioned bedroom is characterised by wooden shutters and casement windows together with a high roof, open beams, and an abundance of light. Furnished with a queen size bed, a cushioned bench-seat, and antique furniture, the fresh white walls are embellished with original artwork and an alcoved bookshelf. A precious feature is the wide balcony accessed by French doors. Overhanging the garden with stunning views, the balcony is bordered by a wooden balustrade, next to a brilliant flame tree. An antique daybed makes this a great spot for relaxing with a book and enjoying the fresh breezes. The en-suite bathroom is another outstanding masterpiece of interior design. The plum coloured cement walls and reproduction antique fittings and fixtures create a romantic ambience. The oversized white cement bath is a copy of a 1930s freestanding tub, and is complemented by a large '30s-style white pedestal washbasin, an oval mirror, a humorous painting, and antique floorboards. Fitted shelves provide storage space and the toilet is out of sight around a corner.

Guest Bungalow & Bedroom 5
The self-contained guest bungalow is located just a few metres from the main building and houses an air-conditioned bedroom, dressing room and garden bathroom. The colonial style bungalow is encompassed by a huge wrap-around terrace furnished with antique daybeds, an ornately carved Javanese marriage bed, lazy chairs and a hammock. The time-honoured colonial doors were taken from an old house in Java, and the wooden window shutters add to the colonial feel. The bedroom is furnished with a queen size bed, an old desk and an oriental rug upon a warm timber floor. A striking feature is the cushioned window seat resting within a Moghul-inspired alcove under a soaring pitched roof. The fresh white walls enhance some eye-catching paintings from around the world; while recessed shelving creates a neat place for displaying books or ornaments.

A dressing room, complete with coloured glass windows, is situated between the bedroom and the en-suite bathroom, and there is a separate toilet. The sunny garden bathroom boasts a freestanding tub, Palimanan stone walls, and Arabic fretwork stone windows. A shower cubicle with a lancet arched wooden surround completes the Moroccan theme. The pretty walled garden beside the bathroom is planted with hibiscus and a 'Dadap Merah'tree.

Garden & Pool Area

The 17 x 6 metre pool is 2.5 metres in depth; it is lined with green Java stone and bordered by wood. Located in front of the main living-room verandah, the pool is set against a backdrop of padi fields; its shape following the curve of the rice terraces. The area is furnished with white sunbeds, umbrellas and a hammock. At the bottom of the garden is an authentic wooden Javanese house, which was disassembled before being transported to Bali and rebuilt. Complete with toilet and washroom, it can be used as a small fitness centre and is also another lovely spot for chilling out. The garden boasts a smooth lawn and an impressive collection of mature tropical trees including kapok, fig, breadfruit, flamboyant, orchid tree, fruit trees, palms, and many other colourful flowering shrubs.

FACILITIES :

. 5 fully air-conditioned bedrooms, each with a queen size bed, en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower, and a private terrace or balcony with hammock.
. High speed Broadband Internet access
. Satellite television, Stereo, DVD player
. Safety deposit box in each room
. Private pool 17 x 6 metre
. Authentic wooden Javanese house in the garden
. Guest capacity ideally 10-12 people as couples
. Additional bedding can be arranged
. Open plan living & dining area, Main Dining Table Seats 12 people
. A car and driver are available at an additional cost
. Car parking for 4 cars.
. Complimentary Laundry Service (dry cleaning at cost)
. Babysitter on request
. Massage upon request.


STAFF :

Villa SENJA is fully serviced by :
. One full time house manager
. 2 full time cooks - fully trained in both European and Indonesian cuisines
. 3 house maids - kitchen hands, waiting service, laundry, cleaning and linen
. 2 gardeners / pool attendants, maintenance, garden, courtyard and pool.
. 3 security guard