Living Large In Siargao: This Beachfront House Has The Luxury Of Space Poised For The Slow Lifestyle
One of the first few who envisioned a home in Siargao is the couple Gai Olivares and her late husband Nicolas Rambeau. Nicolas was the third foreigner who set foot in Siargao. As for Gai who has been living life in a suitcase since the 90s, slow living is nothing new for her. She has been on it long before the pandemic. She takes pride in their home as it represents the perfect marriage of luxury and relaxation. Situated at the far end of General Luna in the more quiet neighborhood of Malinao is where you will find a very distinct red door by the road that leads to a sprawling beachfront property owned by the couple. The private land is often mistaken as a resort because of its massive Javanese inspired nipa roof and the generous amount of space.
It was after they sold Dedon Resort, now known as Nay Palad, that they started to build their home in early 2010. The couple’s house took inspiration from the distinctive spaces that they have traveled to. Nicolas thought about the structures and spaces while Gai made sure to add a touch of cordiality in each corner. It took them 6 years to completely build the whole property. Siargao, at that time, was very remote and building materials were very limited, more so than it is now. Shipping would take a lot of time before it can reach the island, so it’s no surprise that this huge property took years to be completed. “My genius husband” as Gai would call him, started the trend to use locally sourced nipa as roofing while everybody else on the island was using cogon. He also believed in the capabilities of the local Siarganons so much that he tapped on the local woodcarvers to make elaborately detailed wooden doors for them instead of sourcing imported ones.
The property can be divided into 3 major spaces, the front lawn, the main house, and the beachfront. The thoroughly grassed front lawn, where Nicolas’ 6-hole golf course used to be, now serves as the entrance that leads to the main house. Leave your shoes and your worries by the door. This is barefoot living. Upon entering the house, you will be greeted by the huge Ganesh and the gloriously high nipa ceiling that lets the house breathe with natural light. “I want people to feel at home and relaxed when they enter our home,” Gai said.
For an in-depth description and closer photos of this spacious beachfront home, click on the link to BluPrint’s e-mag anniversary vol. 3 issue.
Photos by Summer Puertollano
