House

Serene Private "Old Bali" Estate w/pool&Staff, Tucked Away short Walk From Ubud.

Serene Private "Old Bali" Estate w/pool&Staff, Tucked Away short Walk From Ubud.

Photo gallery for Serene Private "Old Bali" Estate w/pool&Staff, Tucked Away short Walk From Ubud.

Front view of "Rumah Kartika Dharma"
Pool (very private, spring-fed, 12.5 meters X 4.5 meters)
Pool
front of house
front veranda

Overview of Serene Private "Old Bali" Estate w/pool&Staff, Tucked Away short Walk From Ubud.

Reviews
9.6 out of 10 Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Water view

Check out the area

Penestanan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
  • Popular LocationUbud Palace16 min walk
  • Popular LocationUbud Traditional Art Market17 min walk
  • Popular LocationUbud Monkey Forest4 min drive
  • AirportDenpasar (DPS-Ngurah Rai Intl.)77 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Serene Private "Old Bali" Estate w/pool&Staff, Tucked Away short Walk From Ubud.

My home is an unusual “sanctuary,” a slice of “old Bali” situated on 37 are (~ 3/4hectare, or 2+acres) of land, overlooking the Campuhan river gorge. An aerial view of the property may be found on Google Earth, co-ordinates 8 degrees 30’21.25” S and 115 degrees 15’ 19.34” E. (The home is right next to Blanco Museum, between it and the large house with L-shaped pool; we’re the house with the rectangular roof and pool below it…)

“Rumah Kartika Dharma” has an open floor plan, with a central kitchen, large verandas, and 2 enclosed A/C bedrooms , one with Queen bed, and the other with queen and twin beds, both with semi-open tropical bathrooms (shower only). Upstairs is a semi –open lounge/writing/dancing/painting area with an open half wall + bamboo screens sleeping area consisting of an antique Chinese Wedding Bed (full-sized mattress) with mosquito netting, equipped with a small chest and armoire, fan, and is sufficient for short-term visitors, children, or guests who are OK without A/C. Overall, the home can accommodate a maximum of 5-6 persons.

The rental for the home includes all taxes and the full services of my Balinese staff who have worked for me for > 25 years, and supply all upkeep, errands, laundry, childcare, and gourmet cooking (Ketut is an excellent chef and will cook up to 2 meals/day; you pay for the groceries…) Guests pay for cost of groceries

My home is unusual for Bali, with the privacy, the “space,” and the amazing jungle-like atmosphere supplied by our mellow and caring staff. It is a 5 minute walk up the (occasionally steep- ~ 15% grade; not for older folks with walking difficulties) 100 m. “village path” to small restaurants and shops, and a 10-minute walk to the outskirts of Ubud, and 20 minutes to Ubud center/Monkey Forest Road. Melodic birds, frogs and large butterflies abound, but mosquitoes and other bugs are far less than at the beach. The sounds you hear are birds, waterfalls, roosters (mostly in the mornings), and the occasional dog. Traffic noises are non-existent or very muted here. The pool is totally private&pristine with a shallow "sitting bench" perfect for holding & splashing infants, but it is down a 2-level stone path and not “secure” for small children. On the way down to the pool is a gazebo perfect for yoga, painting, meditating, etc. You will find nothing like it nowadays (it was originally built in 1980, when it was possible to get larger parcels of land, and build for open-air, Balinese-style living.) However, it is definitely not a “tourist hotel” with frequent spraying for bugs, and an “enclosed fully A/C environment" (although both downstairs bedroooms are A/C; upstairs suite has a fan...) It has a wonderful patina, artwork all around, a traditional Balinese feel, and is a little "worn around the edges..." It is older, and generally quite clean, but humidity and lack of "...marble all around" makes it not "...hotel clean..." It is probably one of the most secure locations in Bali because of its hidden nature at the end of a 100 m. village path. This is not a “Villa Complex,” but a totally private, secluded property literally just outside of Ubud. As a “Balinese property,” I cannot guarantee the absence of wildlife such as frogs, geckos, roosters, etc: it is a hidden, exquisite, private, well-cared for Balinese estate. There are not many mosquitoes in my area, but beds are protected by mosquito netting, as, although windows are screened, there are very small gaps in doorways, as my home has old style Balinese antique doors throughout, which are not airtight.

Airport or other place pickup can be arranged for an additional fee of US$35 (airport), which can be added to your rental fee. Made, the house manager, can easily secure friendly & reliable car/driver arrangements as desired for island touring...

Check-in after 2 pm; may be earlier if no outgoing guests. Check-out time by 12 noon; may be later if no incoming guests.

Please let me know if you are interested and I will send you additional info. My home is quite popular, and eventually books a large part of the year… I hope to hear from you. As you can see from the description and visitors comments, my home is a special way to become comfortably meshed within Balinese life...

Warm regards,

Michael Goodman

Property manager

Michael Goodman

Amenities

Pool
Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Water view

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Be gentle. This is a magical place, as you will see. Please respect culture and surroundings.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Ubud

Located in Ubud, this vacation home is near theme parks. The Blanco Renaissance Museum and Blanco Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Bali Safari and Marine Park and Spiritual Center Sinar Suci. Traveling with kids? Consider Aloha Ubud Swing and Jungle Swing. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Campuhan Ridge Walk - 7 min walk
  • Saraswati Temple - 15 min walk
  • Ubud Palace - 16 min walk
  • Ubud Traditional Art Market - 17 min walk
  • Ubud Monkey Forest - 4 min drive

Getting around

  • Ngurah Rai Intl. Airport (DPS) - 75 min drive

Restaurants

  • Zest Ubud Restaurant - 4 min walk
  • Alchemy - 5 min walk
  • Lazy Cats Cafe - 10 min walk
  • Cafe Lotus - 14 min walk
  • Murni's Warung - 6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Serene Private "Old Bali" Estate w/pool&Staff, Tucked Away short Walk From Ubud. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Serene Private "Old Bali" Estate w/pool&Staff, Tucked Away short Walk From Ubud. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Serene Private "Old Bali" Estate w/pool&Staff, Tucked Away short Walk From Ubud.?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Serene Private "Old Bali" Estate w/pool&Staff, Tucked Away short Walk From Ubud.?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Serene Private "Old Bali" Estate w/pool&Staff, Tucked Away short Walk From Ubud. located?

This family-friendly Ubud vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of The Blanco Renaissance Museum and Campuhan Ridge Walk. Ubud Palace and Ubud Traditional Art Market are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 10 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 10 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 10 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 10 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bruce R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden gem in Ubud
This is a quiet and serene place with excellent staff. We had a great breakfast every morning. They cater to our every need. We had an excellent driver.I feel that the location is great. We was able to walk to the Sacred monkey forest and the Ubud Market. If it was hot we took a taxi for a good price.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Michael P., Brooklyn NY USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great family stay
Beautiful house, beautiful surroundings. For a family with a small child, the pool was especially important: readily available, but hidden from the house down a flight of steps. Madeh and his wife catered to our every need, and his nephew provided taxi service at a moment's notice. The house is also very well located, easy walking distance into central Ubud.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mirjam H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
gem in transforming Ubud
We felt entirely at home. Tucked away from the hectic traffic and tourism, this house- also due to great staff- gives you some sense of old Ubud. But for how long? Major investments opposite the valley will change the scenery. We were lucky that there wasn't too much noise at the building site and that evenings were serene. The house offers private sphere for all members of the family, and the lovely well maintained garden with pool downhill is paradise. Made, always helpful and attentive is very nice to have around, Ketut is a great cook. This is a gem for travelers who definitely not prefer to stay in resorts, but love it to sense Balinese life, with its flavors, colors and sounds.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

Immediately immersed in the serenity that is Bali in this culturally sensitive hidden gem
It was as advertised. Expansive, older with a quirky but always pleasant patina, more than adequate (unless you need central A/C and all-marble and shining wood and enclosed walls...) It was always a refuge to arrive back "home" , open a cold dring, sit on the glider or huge lounge sofa and just...veg, listening to the sounds of the jungle-like enironment that this house truly is a part of. (The only modest intrusion at the moment is the muted but present building noises coming from a large new hotel being build nearby, but that shouldn't be a factor much longer. Michael's home is airy and expansive. But the best for last! We were cared for by Made Suardi and Ketut Pugiati, the sweetest and most caring, simple, Balinese husband & wife.They supply all the home & land upkeep, pool care, "sunning" the cushions (this is jungle-like, remember), doing our laundry, making arrangements (Made's son Wayan is a guide and driver who speaks colloquial English and was safe, reliable, andfun to be with), etc. And Ke tut cooks traditional, Indonesian, and Balinized versions of Western recipes. Try her fried chicken? or temppe/tofu stirfry with sweet soy sauce, or her corn or shrimp fritters. Or her banana pancakes, or her amazing curries. Or sate. Or green salads. Smoothies. OMG, this has gotten me hungry. So we liked the place. Older tropical home, tho although kept reasonably clean by staff. But don't expect a tourist villa or some recently built-for-Airbnb rental. This place has a "feel" to it that time and, loving energy that hundreds of visitors from all over the world for the past almost 40 years have given it, I am lucky to have found it.
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Warren B.

Quiet, picturesque,Balinese experience.
We loved our stay. Close to Ubud, but away from the hustle and bustle. The pool wasn't able to be used. Some maintenance needs to be attended to.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2017

About the host

Hosted by Michael Goodman

Host profile image
I am a physician and surgeon in the U.S., and have both volunteered medically and taught here, and at one time owned one of the first Balinese design & import companies, which I sold ages ago. In th U.S. I practice medicine part-time, write (3 books, one medical textbook, dozens of scholarly articles & many many essays), garden, play tennis & keep fit, and spent much time with my sweetheart & family. I used to live in Mendocino, CA; for the past 18 years live in the University community of Davis, in Northern California, and have just moved back to the country outside of Winters, CA. I have traveled to Bali at least annually since 1975, and of course have seen MANY changes. Two constants: the Balinese people & culture, and this home, frozen in time...

Why they chose this property

I designed and built this home while I was in Residence in Bali for 1 year during 1979-1980. The home was purposefully designed for "ecological living" (well- when I built it there was neither electricity nor telephone in this part of Bail.) The water system was gravity feed from a spring box higher than the home, so as to provide running water as well as "run-through" for both the pool and lily pond. Originally, there was a small 12 volt
power system brought from U.S. and assembled onsite. It was the very first solar voltaic system in Bali! Well, things have changed obviously- we now have WiFi, A/C, electricity, and the land where the spring was is being converted from sawah (rice paddies) to a luxury hotel...

The home is mindfully planned; I purchased all the land from the building site, terraced down to the river. Across the gorge, on the top, well hidden, is the local "cremation ground" a holy area. Unfortunately, a new hotel is being built below this holy place, and as it is "lower" than the holy ground, it is OK, but the Balinese are upset. My home is open and airy surrounded by "jungle," although the hotel is visible in the distance.. This home has been my sanctuary. I am here at least annually. The same family who cared for the property in 1980 still does so today. They care for and unobtrusively coddle visitors-- just like "...family!"

What makes this property unique

You are close by everything in Ubud, but in a pristine, serene, totally private "real Bali" unique environment. Nothing like it anywhere (you will see!) You are unobtrusively pampered by an unassuming, low-key, attentive, English-speaking staff. Ketut (wife of Made, the house manager) could open a gourmet restaurant. She has an amazing knack with Balinese spices, as well as an international repertoire. She will cook simple, or feast-like meals for you as part of your daily rate. Laundry, occasional childcare- all provided . Home is fine for a honeymoon, a family, or a cozy 2-some or 2 couples. We have 2 honest, safe, English-speaking drivers on retainer.
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