We cannot talk about 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok without referencing the group’s original 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, situated along the Ping River and a stone’s throw away from the vibrant three-storey Warorot Market.
Originally a teakwood house, 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai derives its moniker from the number of pillars supporting it, symbolising the wealth and importance of its owners. Once the headquarters of the East Borneo Company, this house has a captivating history spanning nearly 200 years.
The house served as the Borneo Company manager’s residence until 1927 and remained its headquarters until World War II. After the war, fate led Borneo House into the hands of William Bain, the final managing director of the company.
Following his tenure, the house found its new purpose. In 2005, it was purchased by the Wongphanlert family who envisioned it as a private sanctuary away from bustling Bangkok. And though the house had succumbed to neglect and overgrowth, Panida Wongphanlert, the driving force behind the family’s holiday home project, recognised its dormant potential and breathed new life into the forgotten abode in the form of 137 Pillars Chiang Mai.
To the south, 700km away, in the heart of Bangkok’s Little Japan, the same eternal charm can be seen throughout 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok.
The exterior facade boasts a harmonious fusion of architectural influences, combining intricate detailing, large-format white tiles, and stately columns.
As you step inside, you are greeted by a warm, cavernous interior that exudes refined luxury. The soaring ceilings and walls adorned with mahogany wood panels are a further show of extravagance. A massive piece of wall art, Auspicious Path by Panya Vijinthanasarn, further adds to the atmosphere of regality and splendour.
This story is from the August 2023 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
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This story is from the August 2023 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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