Julie Miller discovers the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in a private guesthouse in Chiang Mai.

While browsing accommodation options in Chiang Mai, you might come across a private guesthouse called Howie's Place. Sounds like a friendly, modest place to stay, doesn't it?

Well, you would be partly right – this private guesthouse in Mae Rim, on the outskirts of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, is warm and inviting – but it is certainly not simple!

Howie's Homestay is the palatial home of Boston businessman Howard Feldman and his Thai wife Jerri, a magnificent Lanna-style property designed by Bill Bensley in 2001. Bensley is, of course, the brilliant architect who revolutionized luxury hotel design in Thailand. His distinctive, opulent style is best known for award-winning properties such as the Four Seasons Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle, the Siam Hotel in Bangkok, and the Indigo Pearl in Phuket.

Featured in Architectural Digest magazine, the Feldman House is considered Bensley's best residential project to date. It combines all the hallmarks of his style: open pavilions, water features, hidden nooks, an eclectic selection of antiques, and a modern interpretation of traditional Thai architecture. Visually, it is a delight—and at the same time, highly practical: it offers comfortable living spaces, a spacious kitchen, inviting entertainment areas, and private bedrooms.

For a couple, the property is enormous – and since Howie and Jerri are very sociable and open people, they decided almost three years ago to share their personal paradise with others and open their home to paying guests. Inspired by Richard Branson's Necker Island, they now offer exclusive accommodations and only accept one booking at a time to ensure privacy and a truly special experience for groups of up to eight people.

This luxury naturally comes at a price – but the overnight rate of 32,000 baht per double room (approx. A$1,200) includes accommodation in a one-bedroom villa or a three-bedroom guesthouse, homemade meals (prepared by Jerri), all drinks, laundry service, and airport transfer. Pure five-star standard, with all the amenities of a luxury hotel, but without the usual hustle and bustle.

You could call it a private resort – it's that dreamy. It's especially popular with honeymooners, for family reunions, or for small groups looking for a unique experience.

“This type of accommodation attracts a certain type of person,” Howie explains to me as we stroll along a path that leads past a tranquil lily pond. “The guests here appreciate the personal interaction—they want to chat, to socialize. They enjoy sharing our private home with us and becoming part of our world. It’s like having friends over—good food, good wine, great company.”

And what about the name – isn't that an unusual choice for a luxury property?

“Well, it is my home after all!” Howie laughs. “And I think if you can’t approach your business with a certain lightness, you’re doing something wrong.”

See www.howieshomestay.com