Hidden beneath ancient trees and amidst lush tropical foliage, Illuketia stands majestically on a small hill overlooking the peaceful rural scene of paddy fields, tea plantations, rubber trees and temples. The four bedroom plantation house, voted one of the five best in the world by The Independent (2004), dates back to the nineteenth century with later renovations resulting in the construction of a magnificent two-tiered Balinese roof. The house is exquisitely designed with its main focus being a wraparound pillared verandah that hugs the spacious Living Room. Affording stunning views of the wildlife-filled garden, the lush scenery differs from whichever side you choose to sit. From here, the atmosphere is nostalgic, relaxed and the peaceful ambience meditatively enhanced when the chanting of monks from local temples melodiously floats in the air.

Illuketia’s ten acres of undulating lawns, meandering pathways, mature trees, aged stone statues, tropical foliage, lotus-filled ponds and colourful blooms are romantic. Displaying characteristics more of a wooded wonderland than an English country garden, it is perfect for keeping children amused playing countless games of hide and seek. Ringing with vivacious birdcall, it is also a haven for wildlife; as many as 156 bird species, 20 mammals and a variety of reptiles and frogs have been sighted here. A Pond House with a further two bedrooms (cost extra) is located a short walk from the house where a romantic double swing hangs provocatively above a verandah overlooking the watery scene.

A 25m swimming pool is blended into the end of the garden, and as the last blushes of sunlight filter through the trees, it is an excellent spot for a BBQ. Illuketia is fully staffed and the chefs are responsible for a restaurant-style menu that includes fresh seafood and an excellent curry spread, with lots of fresh produce coming from their organic garden; however, guests’ requests are welcome. Illuketia shares the same owner as Apa Villa Thalpe, a beachfront property 8km away where guests can have a dip in the ocean or enjoy dining by the sea. A villa tuk tuk is available for local trips (extra cost).

• BBQ
• Bed Linen
• Bicycles
• Car Parking
• Air-con
• Baby Cot
• Computer
• DVD Library
• Ceiling Fans
• Fax
• Hairdryers
• High Chairs
• IDD
• Internet (WiFi)
• Iron/Board
• Equipped Kitchen
• Laundry Service (Sent out)
• Book Selection
• Food Menu
• Microwave
• Oven/Hotplates
• Extra Bed (Roll away/mattress)
• Safe
• Snooker/Pool Table
• Swimming Pool (Private)
• Toiletries
• Towels
• TV (Satellite/Cable)
• Washing Machine
• Wine List
• Main Dining (20 persons)
• Driver (10 hours)
• Security
• Service Staff
• Shopper
• Manager
• Chef/Cook (All meals)
• Babysitter
• Housekeeping (Full time)

Period	Net Rates
from 24 April 2012 to 14 December 2012	$ 437
from 15 December 2012 to 10 January 2013	$ 546
from 11 January 2013 to 7 April 2013	$ 437
from 8 April 2013 to 23 April 2013	$ 546
from 24 April 2013 to 30 April 2013	$ 437

Passing the organic garden and rice paddies, Illuketia is reached up a stone staircase flanked by lush plants. As you enter, the kitchen is on your left and to your right is a magical Dutch-colonial wooden pillared Atrium, with an ornamental pool and roof open to the skies; a design which is intelligently intended to assist in cooling the house. Three of the four suites radiate from here, while a fourth is located just off the Atrium beside a wooden staircase leading to the first floor. Each suite is uniquely furnished with a double bed, antiques and paintings, having en-suite bathrooms with showers that vary in size and presentation. Two of the rooms overlook the tea hills and paddies whilst the others face the gardens. Hibiscus Suite has a fantastic terrace lined with scarlet cushions. None of the rooms have TVs; however there is a cosy TV Lounge on the first floor. Featuring a DVD/CD player and international satellite channels it has a picturesque balcony with commanding views. To the right of the Lounge is a Billiards Room whilst to the left is a Study filled with villa owner Hans Hoefer’s Guidebooks and other travel literature as well as an antique desk topped with an internet-facilitated computer and printer.

To the far side of the Atrium are steps that lead past a service kitchen to a massive Living Room, featuring nine matching carved temple doors and bamboo furniture cosseted with cushions. The raised double roof is enhanced by twin chandeliers from Bali uniquely carved from wood that provide an interesting centrepiece to the room. Antique lacquer cabinets hug walls adorned with interesting Asian artwork whilst ageing travelogues cover table tops. Entrances on three sides lead to the wide, wraparound Verandah, which is furnished with a combination of informal and formal seating atop cool tiled floors overlooking the majesty of the colourful tropical garden.

From the Verandah, the shaded gardens roll down to the Pond House. There are a further two bedrooms here which, along with the services of a personal butler, can be booked at an extra cost.

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