Villa Oriole

Villa Oriole is a big, colourful family home in the private Lakewood Hills estate above Layan, looking out across the green Laguna valley to the hills beyond. Built over several levels and around 600 square metres, it is bright with tangerine, lime and violet accents against warm hardwood and stone, and it has the generous, easy-going feel of a house made for large groups. Six bedrooms sleep up to thirteen, and Bang Tao and Layan beaches are a short drive down the hill.

Outside, an eighteen-metre infinity pool stretches along a wide sun terrace lined with red loungers and umbrellas, with a shaded pavilion at one end for lazy afternoons. Covered terraces on the upper levels hold rattan armchairs, daybeds and an alfresco dining table with views over the valley, and there is a poolside drinks counter and a barbecue for long evenings outdoors. At dusk, when the lights come on around the pool and the sky turns orange over the hills, the whole house glows.

Inside, the open living room has deep sofas and a big television, the long dining table seats ten, and the modern kitchen comes with an island, double-door fridge and built-in ovens. A games room with a billiard table and a treadmill keeps everyone busy on rainy days. Breakfast is included, a chef can cook lunch and dinner at the cost of groceries, and housekeeping and security look after the villa. Airport transfers in one car are included both ways.