Looking at houses from readers (54) – sent to you

We have been visiting Thailand since 2012, because we love traveling and Thailand had a lot to offer us. With every holiday we discovered a new part of the country. My Indonesian wife also felt at home in Thai culture and cuisine. Later we took our kids, and they all agreed on one thing: when are we going back?

We usually stayed in hotels that we booked from the Netherlands. For transport within Thailand we used public transport, cars, planes and sometimes the night train to Chiang Mai. We learned quite a few Thai words and met people we still keep in touch with.

Over time, outside the touristy places, we discovered quiet places that suited us better. We saw many changes and were surprised by the speed of construction activities. The hustle and bustle was fun for a while, but real Thai life suits us better. We also made trips to Isaan and I rode my circuit motorcycle on the Buriram Circuit. I also got to know that side of Thailand. Even though I've just turned 50, I still enjoy going out. I stood out in the clubs, especially because of my height. Yet this was not the place where I wanted to stay for a longer period of time; I'm more of a beach and water person.

After years in Thailand, we were looking for a permanent place to go once or more times a year. When the house we once rented on Koh Lanta was offered for sale, after much deliberation we decided to buy it. The price was attractive because the previous owners wanted to get rid of it due to their age and after corona. With the help of a Thai lawyer, specialized in real estate, we started the purchasing process. This took six months and we completed it in October. We ignored a lot of advice, but we also took a lot to heart.

We are very happy with our holiday home. There are always obstacles, but we took on the adventure. We have a local host who has been running our house for 15 years and is co-owner of the land, together with two others from the law firm. Before the purchase, I took over the company that the previous owners founded 15 years ago. She takes care of everything: receiving guests, cleaning and maintenance.

The house has four spacious bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, suitable for eight guests, or eleven if all sleeping spaces are used. There is a private access road, parking space, spacious living room and kitchen with all necessary appliances, private water supply and an infinity swimming pool overlooking the Kantiang Bay. We enjoy the sunsets and the children have fun for hours on the beach or in the pool. We made some modernizations, but kept the Thai style.

We do experience some nuisance from monkeys, because the house is located on a mountain and borders a national park. Nuisance may be a strong word, but leaving a book outside is not convenient. It's a nice story, but difficult to explain to the librarian that a monkey stole your book.

Kantiang is a small town in the south of Koh Lanta. We know many locals who keep an eye on things. Basic facilities and many restaurants are nearby, and our villa is located next to the famous Pimalai resort. It was built in the same style by the same contractor, very solid. I have a few companies in the Netherlands and when our children are no longer dependent on us, we want to stay there longer. Until then, it serves as a base to further explore Thailand. When we are not in Thailand, we rent our house through Airbnb:abnb.me/fTy759rVrEb

Submitted by Leslie