Among the hundreds of "villas" that have popped up on rental sites over the past years, "Rumah Kartika Dharma" (aka "Dr. Michael's House") stands out. An historical property, it is one of first "Western " properties to be developed in the Ubud area. Built in 1979/80 on a large tract of land, it was the first development on the old tract of land owned by the Prince of the area, whose palace was at what now is the Campuhan Hotel.
The home, an amalgam of Balinese and contemporary California styling, featured the first solar voltaic system in Bali. Built on several levels on ~ 2.5 acres (~ 0.75 hectares) of land overlooking the Campuhan River Gorge cut by the River Oos. it is a huge property by Balinese standards, and features a main house, a "Bale Begong" (open-air yoga-pavilion,) a small pool shelter, and a 3.5X13 meter long totally private swimming pool. There are paths and steps to the different levels, and even a small level space suitable for a contained soccer/football game for the children... A caretaker ("Made") lives in a separate discrete structure elsewhere of the land and provides security, house- and pool-care, laundry and (occasional) childcare services, and guidance and history on all things Bali. His wife ("Ketut") provides gourmet cooking (no extra charge-- she will prepare up to 2 meals/day for your family-- you just reimburse for the cost of food...), will help with childcare, and makes all of the necessary daily offerings to the Balinese Gods...
The home is an older open-air 2-story structure, with a partially open kitchen, 2 enclosed A/C bedrooms, 2 "tropical" bathrooms (1 "en-suite;" the other attached to bedroom # 2, but open for use of occupants of the upstairs suite, if needed,) and a partially "open" upstairs common area which contains a sitting area, a massage table, and a small "suite" with ornate carved Maduranese Chinese Wedding bed, sitting area, amoire, TV, and fan. We have an amazing massage therapist who will come to the house when asked; she also does manicures & pedicures...
The property is secluded, quiet and serene, yet steps away (< 5-minute walk) from one of the most popular, bustling, new area of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues in the Ubud area. You are also only a 5 minute walk from Blanco Museum, 10 minutes from the Campuhan Ridge trail, and a 20 minute walk from Monkey Forest Road.
Made Suardi, your house manager, is an unobtrusive fountain of knowledge,w and can help with any arrangements (including car & driver).My home is older, and a bit "warn around the edges, but it is clean and expansive with a loving "patina" with splendid artwork & carving all around, and has a loving staff and amazing privacy for Bali. It is "one-of-a-kind."