The lush tropical gardens (designed by the original owner´s Grand Daughter) are a welcome relief to the bustling, busy city outside the gates.

The main Villa was built by the current owner’s grandparents – Khun Phra Chareon and Khun Aroon Sheanakul in 1941/2 as their private residence during World War II.

Khun Phra Chareon was born in 1895. His father was an English Engineer – Mr John Edward Austin Shea M.I.E.E. who came to Thailand during the the reign of King Rama V in 1894 to work for the Royal Siamese Electric Light Department. He married a Thai widow – Khun Ya Gee who worked in the Palace at that time.

After Khun Phra Chareon graduated from Suan Gularb secondary school he went to study in the UK at Eastbourne college, then studied civil engineering at King’s college, Durham University and was transferred to continue his studies in California, due to the outbreak of World War I. He graduated in civil engineering from University of California – Berkley.

Khun Phra Chareon was the first and the longest serving dean of the faculty of engineering at Chulalongkorn University – 27 years – until he retired at the age of 66 year old – 1929 – 1961. He was bestowed the title of Khun Phra Chareon Visawakum by King Rama VII in 1927 when he was 32 years old.

Khun Phra Chareon Visawakum was assigned by His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, father of his Majesty the King to lay the underground water main across the Chao Phrya River from Bangkok to supply water to Siriraj Hospital at Thonburi in 1925. Further, he designed the national Stadium in 1939 and the first runway of Don Muang Airport in 1949. Khun Phra Chareon Visawakum was named as the “father “ of Thai modern engineering.

The Villa/ Hotel is still owned by his family. His granddaughter Khun Pariya Sheanakul and her English husband – David Lees working on behalf of the family members were responsible in developing this heritage architecture in its best environment and spirit.