Cover Anchored by a bold tiger-print armchair and curated antiques, the living room at Hacienda Botánica home sets a theatrical yet welcoming tone. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
Anchored by a bold tiger-print armchair and curated antiques, the living room at Hacienda Botánica home sets a theatrical yet welcoming tone. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
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Defying regional home design conventions, Hacienda Botánica emerges as a spirited Mexican hacienda where saturated lime-wash plaster, lush conservatories, and sprawling gardens dissolve the boundaries between architecture and nature.
“If something speaks to you, follow that intuition without worry of judgment,” reflects Jirachai Rengthong, celebrated landscape architect at Bensley Design Studios. This expressive philosophy underpins Hacienda Botánica, a remarkable sanctuary in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district. Far more than a grand getaway, the estate is a deeply personal collaboration between Jirachai and world-renowned designer Bill Bensley. Together, they channeled decades of creative expertise, global travels, and shared passions into a living masterpiece.
The project began with a desire to break free from the spatial confines of Bangkok. “It took us nearly a decade to secure the right plot,” recalls Jirachai. “We envisioned a landscape defined by both river and mountain vistas—a rare combination. Once found, we had a blank canvas to build without constraints.” Set within a tranquil Chiang Mai valley, this picturesque setting allowed their imaginations to run wild.
To safeguard the pristine environment, the duo developed nine rai for the estate itself while acquiring over twenty surrounding rai of farmland as a permanent green buffer. This strategic preserve shields their views from future developments. “Chiang Mai offers a serene rhythm and fresh air that contrasts sharply with Bangkok,” Jirachai adds. “It’s our ultimate weekend refuge. Bill can paint outdoors all day in total peace—it genuinely feels like paradise.”
Read more: Home Tour: Inside Baan Arkard Yen, a mid-century sanctuary built for cool breezes and quiet leisure
Above A striking yellow archway frames tranquil views of the river and surrounding landscape. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
Above An eclectic retreat featuring rich red velvet armchairs set against gallery-worthy artworks. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
A striking yellow archway frames tranquil views of the river and surrounding landscape. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
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A cobalt-blue Mexican pavilion enveloped by architectural cacti and natural stone paths. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
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Space and function
Rather than erecting a single monolithic structure, the estate is conceived as a cluster of ten distinct pavilions distributed across nine rai.
“We felt drawn to the courtyard concept,” explains Jirachai. “Each building serves a dedicated purpose, allowing functions to remain distinct.” This spatial strategy balances architectural drama with daily utility, offering tailored settings for work, hosting, and quiet reflection.
Privacy guides the layout. Tucked furthest into the landscape is a two-storey art studio and master suite looking towards the river and mountains. Public zones—a library, culinary kitchen, reception pavilion, and dining greenhouse—occupy the outer ring. Though moving between pavilions means braving the elements occasionally, Jirachai embraces it: “It might feel unconventional to some, but we wanted an unvarnished connection to nature that never obscures the view.”
Building across flat land presented its own set of design puzzles. “Ensuring every pavilion captured the mountain backdrop required elevating the building pads,” Jirachai notes. “This raised foundation allowed us to tuck all mechanical and electrical infrastructure underneath.” By hiding air conditioning systems and wiring out of sight, the architecture retains a clean, timeless sensibility.
An atmospheric hallway defined by graphic runners, sparkling chandeliers, and classic arches. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
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Materials and craft
The estate draws inspiration from traditional Mexican architecture, celebrated through a palette of mustard yellow, terracotta red, cobalt blue, and forest green framed in crisp white. Rather than standard paint, the surfaces feature pigmented lime-wash plaster. “We wanted tactile depth,” says Jirachai. “The lime wash creates an instant patina, giving the buildings the character of an estate that has stood for decades.”
Applying this textured finish called for extraordinary craftsmanship, executed entirely by a single female artisan who hand-trowelled every wall across the estate. Lanna artisanal traditions intersect with Western forms through reclaimed teak, antique timber, handmade clay floor tiles, and custom ceramics sourced from Chiang Mai craftspeople.
Decorative flair appears throughout, including rows of grand structural columns used purely for aesthetic balance. “In truth, they don’t bear structural loads,” Jirachai smiles. “We designed them as decorative elements to showcase collected treasures and strengthen the Mexican hacienda spirit.” The result feels less like a conventional home and more like a personal design museum.
Above A serene green bedroom adorned with classic artwork and vintage treasures. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
A serene green bedroom adorned with classic artwork and vintage treasures. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
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Above Sunlit and spacious, Bill Bensley’s painting studio offers an inspiring creative sanctuary. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
Sunlit and spacious, Bill Bensley’s painting studio offers an inspiring creative sanctuary. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
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Living in harmony
Vibrant wall shades are harmonised by lush landscaping that softens the architecture. “Landscape design is paramount,” emphasizes Jirachai. “Without greenery, architecture feels sterile. Here, the garden and buildings enrich one another, drawing nature deep into the interior spaces.”
Indoor-outdoor boundaries dissolve effortlessly. The master bath features open glass walls with a freestanding tub resting amidst lush foliage, unbothered by the elements. Meanwhile, the glasshouse serves as the heart of daily life. “Stepping inside feels like entering another world,” says Jirachai. “Morning coffee accompanied by bird calls and gentle fountains creates an unforgettable ritual.”
Life at Hacienda Botánica revolves around personal passions. Bill spends uninterrupted hours painting in his mountain-facing studio, while Jirachai tends to gardens featuring fish ponds, cactus collection beds, and seasonal blooms like plumbago, lantana, and vinca—plants whose vivid petals mirror the interior colour palette.
Above An antique wooden door reveals a vibrant blue courtyard adorned with wall sculptures. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
Above A cozy mustard lounge featuring a carved console table and an intriguing collection of sculptured heads. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
An antique wooden door reveals a vibrant blue courtyard adorned with wall sculptures. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
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Above The tropical glasshouse feels like a private oasis filled with lush foliage and vibrant blooms. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
The tropical glasshouse feels like a private oasis filled with lush foliage and vibrant blooms. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
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The ultimate sanctuary
Hacienda Botánica continues to evolve as an ever-changing landscape. Though main construction took two and a half years, the owners continuously refine spaces to suit their lives.
The estate stands as a testament to creative freedom, where architecture, landscape, and handcraft unite into an authentic sanctuary—a personal paradise crafted with passion.
Above Bright bougainvillea and cacti frame a sunny yellow staircase against deep red plaster. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
Bright bougainvillea and cacti frame a sunny yellow staircase against deep red plaster. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
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Above A mustard-yellow Mexican chapel structure featuring a bell tower anchors the garden vista. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
A mustard-yellow Mexican chapel structure featuring a bell tower anchors the garden vista. (Photo: Natthawut Taeja)
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Chutima Katepongchai is an assistant editor covering design, architecture, and lifestyle. Based in Bangkok, she writes about homes, spaces, and stylish living through the lens of beauty and culture.
