“When we started building this home, the concept was modern Asian because that was what was ‘in’ then. That was around 2017, seven years ago,” says Veridiano, the self-taught landscape artist and a close friend of the Lagdameos.  However, halfway through the construction, the owners had a change of heart and wanted to go with a Moroccan-themed abode. “They always travel, and perhaps they got their inspiration from one of their trips to Morocco. We also travelled together to India before building the house, where we got some ideas,” the artist continues. 

Amidst the construction, Veridiano had to shift gears and see how to execute the new directive. “Imagine, the structure was nearly done. The kawara [Japanese roof tiles] were already here. And then, we had to pivot.” But with his creative power, Veridiano was able to pull the new look together. The kawara was retained as it would be impractical to change the roof to tegula or Moorish terracotta tiles; instead, Veridiano heavily infused Moroccan and Indian touches in the interiors. A warm colour palette, vibrant Machuca tiles, hand-carved furniture pieces, plush lounge seats and pouffes, velvety upholstery and metalwork are seen all over the house. The spacious living area, for instance, bursts with colours and patterns reminiscent of riads in Marrakech. Pieces curated from several trips abroad are interspersed with local accents from Mindanao, where the Lagdameos are originally from. Veridiano also decked the living room ceiling with clay tiles from Vigan, Ilocos Sur, to mimic the Moorish feel of a traditional riad. “Each clay tile was carefully attached to the ceiling with a screw, but the results were worth it,” he says. A lot of guests get intrigued with the unique ceiling treatment. 

Adjacent to the living space is a jaw-dropping 20-seater dining area where the family would convene on days they’re in their holiday home. “Our family enjoys eating. I guess it is what keeps us together,” shares Linda; the huge kitchen next to the dining room is always packed with their children and grandchildren bonding together over pica-pica or while preparing food. “We love every corner of the house, especially the kitchen where all our children and their spouses cook their specialities,” she adds.

The living and dining areas are wrapped with the same ipil louvres as those at the entrance, allowing for spectacular sweeping views from all vantage points. Mountains, rivers, farmlands, roads and several barangays can be seen from anywhere in the living and dining–a truly breathtaking feature. 

On the second floor are the bedrooms designed uniquely based on the owners’ preferences. Simple and relatively straightforward, the primary bedroom echoes warmth with dark wood flooring and plush furniture pieces with Mindanaoan touches here and there. Large picture windows bathe the room with natural light during the day. 

Another conversation starter is the ceiling on this floor, made of sasag (crushed bamboo), painstakingly installed manually. Additionally, in many parts of the second floor are intricate wooden Indian screens that add oomph to the space. Like the ground floor, the upper portion of the house is wrapped with floor-to-ceiling shutters that open up to a sprawling patio with the same magnificent views of nearby towns and the endless horizon. “This space is still empty now, but how nice if it will have some outdoor seating and maybe a coffee or cocktail bar. The view here is amazing come sunrise or sunset,” Veridiano imagines while the wind blows on a sunny afternoon.

Down the basement are more rooms teeming with bits and pieces from the countries where the owners had travelled or stayed for diplomatic assignments. There is also a garden and a greenhouse where the owners can pick fresh greens at their convenience.

While the airy abode remains empty most of the week, it is a favourite hang-out of the Lagdameos on weekends and holidays. “We call it our dream home,” Linda muses, expressing her love for their family hideaway. A cosy sanctuary with splendid vistas? Anyone would fall in love, too, like Linda.

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