Eclectic Soul
Hong Kong Tatler|February 2020
Designer Bill Bensley and his partner Jirachai Rengthong’s whimsical flair is on display in their Bangkok home, which is festooned with treasures culled from the couple’s far-flung travels.
Michael Paul
Eclectic Soul

“Beware—you are now entering the maximalist world of Baan Botanica.” This tongue-in-cheek warning etched on the entrance sets the tone for any guest arriving at the zany tropical home of two of Asia’s most vibrant and passionate characters—landscape and hotel designer Bill Bensley and his partner, horticulturist Jirachai Rengthong. The property is a full-on, high temple to exotica—an idiosyncratic abode that the couple share with five mischievous Jack Russells. Dubbed ‘Baan Botanica’ in homage to the hundreds of different tropical plant species nurtured in the gardens, this is their sanctuary—where Bill and Jirachai escape the craziness of whirlwind work and travel schedules. Located on the outskirts of Bangkok, the house is a cocktail of colour and texture where fun and frivolity mingle with serious antiques and precious art in a joyous, curated clash of cultures.

This story is from the February 2020 edition of Hong Kong Tatler.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 2020 edition of Hong Kong Tatler.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HONG KONG TATLERView All
THE LAST WORD
Tatler Hong Kong

THE LAST WORD

Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Takashi Murakami

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
GOING WITH THE FLOW
Tatler Hong Kong

GOING WITH THE FLOW

How does one approach the ancient philosophy of feng shui in a modern way? Three leading Hong Kong-based designers share their thoughts on this revered art of placement and how to introduce its principles into our spaces

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
SCENE MAKER
Tatler Hong Kong

SCENE MAKER

Italian architect Antonio Citterio reflects on his enduring collaboration with Maxalto and how far the furniture brand has come since its early beginnings

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
MODERN FAMILY
Tatler Hong Kong

MODERN FAMILY

Kourtney Kardashian's California sanctuary by famed designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, is where elegance meets comfort

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
A TO Z COSMETIC TREATMENTS
Tatler Hong Kong

A TO Z COSMETIC TREATMENTS

From Botox to glass skin facials, here are the most talked-about cosmetic treatments to know

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2024
CHANGING THE GAME
Tatler Hong Kong

CHANGING THE GAME

Our world is ever-changing, and so is the way we experience it. Tatler explores how the travel industry is adapting to the needs and values of a new generation

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
ACTS OF SERVICE
Tatler Hong Kong

ACTS OF SERVICE

Go on, then. Ask Vea and Wing's chef-owner Vicky Cheng what his love language is

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
Tatler Hong Kong

THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT

More women are taking back their birthing experience and their power by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 2024
THE RIGHT INGRDIENTS
Tatler Hong Kong

THE RIGHT INGRDIENTS

Oscar nominee Tran Anh Hung, who won Best Director at Cannes last year, evolves the language of cinema to present the simple beauty of Vietnam

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2024
THIRST TRAP
Tatler Hong Kong

THIRST TRAP

Marilyn Minter takes an exclusive self-portrait for Tatler and reminds the world why raw, honest, non-conforming beauty is the most compelling kind

time-read
8 mins  |
March 2024