Yangshuo Secret Garden
Unique Accommodation In Restored Qing Dynasty Buildings
Our Boutique Hotel near Yangshuo
We have rented five Qing Dynasty houses and adjoining buildings in JiuXian in order to try an preserve the beautiful heart of this village.
These buildings are linked by small gardens and ancient stone pathways.
Snuggling against towering karst mountains they face lush rice paddies which are watered by underground springs and winding waterways.
We have completed the restoration of the first three houses, the gardens around them and our wetland project to treat waste.
We are currently restoring the fourth house and hope to have this completed by 2013.
These first three buildings are the Courtyard House, the Long House and Old Li's Cottage.
The Courtyard House is an imposing grey brick and wood house with beautiful detailing focusing inwards upon the small internal courtyard at its heart.
The Courtyard House contains six large guest rooms as well as generous spaces for our guests to use. The long House is built from a combination of grey and mud bricks, as well as limestone from the mountain against which the building nestles. The Long House contains our double storey family suite and art gallery. Old Li's Cottage is also a combination grey and mud brick building that is close to the village well. It contains our reception and restaurant as well as outdoor dining areas in the front courtyard and terraces behind the house against the mountain.
The Courtyard House has been renovated to retain its unique charm and continue the principles of 'feng shui' used in the original design It contains different styles of guest rooms in two buildings - the main house and courtyard wing - separated by a quiet intimate courtyard garden. The six guest rooms in these buildings each have their own special character, but all are air-conditioned and have modern western bathroom facilities.
The Main House contains four large guest rooms, each with a queen sized bed and large single bed. The house is entered through a small entrance hall that opens into the beautifully preserved double volume lobby. This bright living space is for the exclusive use of guests staying in this building. From here beautiful timber doors open onto the courtyard. A stair leads from this lobby up to a private sitting area from which the upstairs rooms are entered.
The Courtyard Wing houses two suites, each with a living room, bedroom, bathroom and dressing room. The downstairs suite opens onto a secluded area of the courtyard containing a small garden. The upstairs suite is approached by a private stair that leads onto a small balcony. The rooms have larger windows opening into the courtyard and smaller windows that give glimpses of the mountains, paddies and village beyond.
The Long House contains our double storey family suite and our art gallery. The building incorporates many ancient artifacts found around the site as well as contemporary artworks.
This Opens into a private courtyard area - the Breakfast Garden - an ideal place to enjoy the early morning sun. Beyond is views over the Qing Dynasty village roofscape. That links to The Bridge - a lightweight deck amongst the trees whose arching bamboo and bark roof echoes the structure of traditional riverboats.
The Gallery comprises two small exhibition spaces - a double volume area that merges traditional and contemporary architectural styles and materials, and a more intimate upstairs gallery with sofas for relaxation. These are linked by a sculptural stair that sweeps up to a timber mezzanine deck. The smaller upstairs gallery opens onto a series of terraces that ascend the mountain behind.
Old Li's Cottage contains our reception, which is a large double volume space, where our friendly English speaking receptionist is on hand to answer questions and suggest activities to help you make the most of your stay.
So peaceful, so charming: you will never want to leave.
