Once upon a time an Antique Colonial Joglo met a Rice field ....
Its hard to believe that the original Dutch Rice Joglo and the rice field have not always been an item. Guests say they look completely at one.
But like all true love stories, the road was long and winding...
But like all true love stories, the road was long and winding...
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The Original Dutch Joglo was built in Java more than 100 years ago, using large antique teak planks that were at the time already antique. You can feel the passage of countless eras, and soles of feet, across these ancient floorboards.
Craftsmen used the traditional Javanese tongue and groove method - all pieces are interlocking, meaning the building did not use modern materials like steel, or nails. Balustrade, bannisters and the balcony fretwork were hand carved into a Dutch Colonial motif that is uniquely one of a kind. In 2011 a Javanese trader dismantled the old building and moved it piece by piece to Bali, where the new owners discovered it temporarily erected on a busy street and immediately fell in love. They had a perfect rice field in mind... |
The Rice Goddess Dewi Sri was consulted and offerings were made
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Before building could commence , a Ceremony was needed to petition Dewi Sri, Goddess of the Rice Field, to leave the land and allow the Joglo to take her place here.
A long discourse involved chanting and offerings, after which Dewi Sri was escorted to reside in the temple across the way. With Sri Dewi's permission, the building could begin. The foundations were laid in preparation for the old Joglo. |
The Joglo was carried, piece by piece, to her new home
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The old Joglo was dismantled, and since our rice field has no car access, the pieces were carried individually from the main road.
When you look up at the old timber cathedral ceilings, remember how each one arrived there! |
All the restoration was done by hand
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Each original detail was preserved and showcased - the soaring, cathedral style ceilings, carved fretwork on all the balconies, the oversized antique planks forming the floors and the charming attic style door rising from the Master Suite floor.
The interior woodwork was carefully mended and sanded. A light whitewash was the only addition - a nod to the old Joglo's Dutch heritage. Glass windows were installed around the original woodwork - something the old Joglo had never seen! |
The 20th Century arrives
This handsome teak structure looked like a Hansel and Gretel House. It looked very happy to have found the Rice Field, but it needed a few modern luxuries to bring it into this Century..
Plumbing was added, and electricity was introduced. A hot water tank is heated via solar panels on the roof.
Bathrooms were added to the back of the joglo, with clever internal access to minimise disturbance to the old Joglo's woodwork.
Later years brought internet access, first by satellite and now by landline.
Plumbing was added, and electricity was introduced. A hot water tank is heated via solar panels on the roof.
Bathrooms were added to the back of the joglo, with clever internal access to minimise disturbance to the old Joglo's woodwork.
Later years brought internet access, first by satellite and now by landline.
The Lotus Suite is born
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The tall old stilts, and the sloping rice field combined to accommodate a separate Suite underneath. The downstairs Lotus Suite now looks up at the old, oversized boards and antique beams that once was the underneath of the Joglo.
Antique carved teak doors were salvaged to complement the Original Joglo's exterior, and stone floors were laid. |
The Gods must bless the building and its future
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The Joglo had found its perfect match. The rice field offered peace and tranquility, and in return the old Joglo lent its antique beauty and intricate carving to the landscape.
But before the new building could be inhabited another traditional Ceremony was held on the auspicious day of the Balinese Calendar for new ventures. Bamboo was burned and many loud "bangs!" were produced, this multitude signifying much good luck. The Gods would bless the building, staff and guests into the future Now the first guests could be welcomed. |
The beginning of something special
Since the marriage of the Joglo and the Rice Field, thanks to the appreciation and support of the local community, and the enthusiasm of our guests we have added a small collection of handmade bespoke Joglos and gladaks to bring the rice field experience to more guests.
We love to connect our guests to the beauty of the Balinese rice fields and culture from these living, breathing buildings.
We hope to welcome you here soon.
We love to connect our guests to the beauty of the Balinese rice fields and culture from these living, breathing buildings.
We hope to welcome you here soon.