Architecture of the East: Inside 6 Luxury Homes in Asia

Asia is a continent of beauty, mystery, and contrasts.  

Home to 4.5 billion people, the planet’s most populous continent saw the rise of great ancient civilizations. Today, its future-forward metropolises foreshadow the design, architecture, and technologies of tomorrow. 

In this Luxury Defined collection of homes, we venture into East and Southeast Asia to explore the diverse lifestyles available to the luxury home connoisseur.  

Choose from a contemporary villa overlooking New Taipei City, a penthouse above Bangkok’s River of Kings or a sea-view villa on a palm-lined island in the Gulf of Thailand, or, perhaps a backcountry ski chalet in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. 

Whether your vista is a cityscape, forest, mountain, or beach, embrace the traditions, the lifestyle, and the promise of the East.   

1. Jim Olson Houses in New Taipei City, Taiwan 

The Jim Olson Houses offer privacy, luxury, and security in a private, gated community in the hills above New Taipei City, Taiwan. 

The development consists of five contemporary homes—Taiwan Villa, Lantern House, Sky House, House of Reflection, and Mountain House. Each has a distinctive façade enclosing minimalist interiors designed for the optimal display of art. 

Floor-to-ceiling glass bring in the light and the picturesque views of the city skyline and the Xueshan Mountains. 

Balconies and terraces on all three floors erase the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.  

Surrounding each home are lush private gardens with an infinity pool and yet another vista of both city and natural terrain. 

The city center, the airport, international schools, and attractions such as the famous Wulai Hot Springs are all within 40 minutes’ drive. 

2. The Urban Mountain III in Taipei, Taiwan 

This unique three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence is in the spectacular Urban Mountain III, a luxurious, eco-friendly development between the cities of Taipei and Zhubei.  

Urban Mountain III is the vision of Banmu Tang Environmental Integration Group, an architectural firm that advocates restoring the natural landscape in the built environment. 

The high-rise structure is an homage to the topography and ecology of Litou Mountain. Lush, high-density vertical planting on the outside of the contemporary high-rise structure forms a beautiful, natural barrier against the elements. 

The green credentials continue inside with red mud walls to absorb humidity, while wood floors and stone finishes lend to the tranquil ambience. 

Tree-lined balconies link the building with its verdant grounds, a green oasis of nature trails, wildflower gardens, and an on-site permaculture farm.  

3. The Pearl Estate at The Estates by Four Seasons, Koh Samui, Thailand 

The most exclusive villa in the Estates by Four Seasons, Koh Samui, the Pearl Estate is ensconced within a coconut grove overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.  

It comprises four separate pavilions, each with a private suite and breathtaking vista of the Gulf of Thailand. 

At the heart of the property is an infinity pool terrace with a thatched, sunken dining pavilion and another dazzling view of the coconut palms and the coastline. 

The spacious living and dining areas are enhanced with luxurious “indoor-outdoor” bathrooms and cutting-edge in-home technologies. 

Residents enjoy access to the five-star amenities of the Four Seasons Resort, including the pool, spa, yoga pavilion, beach club, and 24-hour butler service. 

Related: Explore Our Guide to Eat Like a Local in Bangkok

4. The Heritage Penthouse at the Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand 

Thailand’s majestic Chao Phraya River is the backdrop to this sky-high penthouse apartment at The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. 

Occupying floors 51 and 52 of the 146-unit residential tower, the Heritage Penthouse is a 7,642-square-foot freehold residence built to the highest specifications, with elegant interior decor and top-of-the-line fixtures and finishes. 

The reception rooms include a palatial glass-walled two-story living room, a formal dining room, and a drawing room to receive guests in grand style. 

There are four large en suite bedrooms and separate staff quarters. Each room offers unobstructed views of the building’s lush private gardens, the river, and the cityscape beyond.  

Ownership comes with exclusive access to the Mandarin Oriental hotel, including its legendary service, holistic spa, and fine restaurants, private chef catering, housekeeping, and a complimentary river boat service to the city center and Saphan Taksin Sky Train. 

5. Residence B at Soga Ridge Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan 

The island of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, is the setting for Soga Ridge Niseko.  

This exclusive boutique development of three contemporary homes is situated between the winter resorts of Niseko Village and Hirafu, renowned for their pristine, off-piste, powder slopes.  

Residence B is a four-bathroom, three-bathroom, turnkey home with unobstructed views of Mount Yotei. 

The fluid floor plan extends to more than 2,300 square feet, fully furnished and luxuriously appointed with bespoke lighting, Italian tiles, hardwood floors, and vaulted ceilings. 

The outdoor spaces include a wraparound balcony opening to landscaped gardens and spectacular mountain views. The bonus: a sheltered Jacuzzi, ideal for après-ski relaxation after a day on Niseko’s famous powder slopes.  

Related: Discover How Japandi Design Can Add Calm to Your Home

6. Rusutsu Chalets #1 in Hokkaido, Japan 

Rusutsu Chalets are luxury-serviced, four-season golf and ski homes in Hokkaido, Japan.  

Bordering the fairways of the Izumikawa Course and just steps from Rusutsu, Hokkaido’s top-ranked ski resort, these luxury chalets live up to the community’s motto: “Ten seconds to the green, 1 minute to the ski lifts.”  

Chalet #1 is a striking 3,089-square-foot home in an idyllic wooded landscape. The elegant ground-floor reception rooms include a double-height living, dining, and entertainment area with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows facing the golf course.  

Four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms are luxuriously appointed with custom fixtures and finishes. 

A gazebo with a Jacuzzi offers respite after a day on the fairways or Hokkaido’s world-class, off-piste ski slopes. Come summer, expansive decks invite alfresco entertaining.   

Beyond the wooded environs is a geological wonderland of hot springs, crystalline lakes, and dense forests.