The approach to the design has been one of simplicity and honesty, in an attempt to make the process as straightforward as possible for the local labour who were charged with the execution. The project has enabled strong relationships to be built concurrently with the house construction. Local labour has been used throughout. The design of the property has been based upon traditional Thai semi-outdoor living, with public spaces downstairs and private intimate lodgings above. We have utilised local and traditional materials wherever possible. Finishes have been left raw and honest to express the structure and architectural materiality, upon which my wife has overlaid the style of a New York Loft. Floor to ceiling windows providing maximum light and ventilation, walls are accented by hand made Ayutthaya brick and traditional Thai artworks. Since completion, many people have asked us to build for them, and in fact we will undertake 5 new projects on Soi 15 to start later 2017.

We discovered Sam Roi Yod in 2013 when our two boys were toddlers. We instantly fell in love with this remarkable place. The open unspoilt spaces, rich verdant vegetation, ancient weather sculpted limestone mountains, and vast open and untouched sandy beach absolutely blew our minds! We had travelled much of Thailand before we had had the children but were surprised to find such a beautiful place so close to Bangkok. Before we had even ended our first visit, we had made up our minds to build a property that would enable regular weekend breaks at this idyllic place. After 3 years of searching for a plot, we eventually found a small field close to the beach and the amenities of the town. Then, we set about building our weekend retreat that has now morphed into both a commercial offering and an investment for our children. Following the planning, designing and searching for local trades: we “cut the ground” in May 2016 and began the project that has become “Good Hope”. “Good Hope” is what we wish for the place and what we offer to anyone who may wish to stay. The name is reference to my grandfather’s house of the same name. The “Good Hope” logo is based upon his hand-carved sign.

The place is not only defined by its outstanding natural scenery but also by the genuine friendliness of the local people. Our children love the open spaces. The beach allows swimming, wave jumping, beach boarding, kite flying, fishing, jellyfish prodding, sailing and snorkelling. They love riding their bikes along cycle routes and going on day trips to the water parks or cinemas of Hua Hin. Great sea food can be had in many places, but we particularly like “Yok Sod” on Soi 33. We also like the fresh markets where the variety and quality of seafood and other local produce is second-to-none in Thailand. Occasionally we may venture to the Myanmar border (at Dan Sing Khorn) for “jungle food” and bargains on flowers, foods, and timber furniture. The kids love a day out to Kui Buri Wild Elephant reserve or the Waghor aquarium. The scenic walks around the bay or Bueng Bua (Lotus) sanctuary are fantastic. However, quiet days on the beach are welcome and usually finish with a “cold one” at one of the local beach bars and a catch up with the other like-minded locals and holiday makers. We hope you find your stay here as wonderful as we do. Best regards, The Hobbs' family