On the serene coastline of the Seto Inland Sea, an extraordinary architectural pilgrimage awaits those seeking a profound connection with high design. Simose Art Garden Villa is an immersive environment where the boundaries between nature, curation, and hospitality dissolve entirely.
For discerning travellers, this exclusive sanctuary offers a rare chance to inhabit a living masterpiece.
The visionary force behind this coastal retreat is Shigeru Ban, a laureate of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. Renowned globally for his innovative approach to materials and his deep commitment to sustainability, Ban has crafted a total work of art in Hiroshima.
Every detail of the sprawling property reflects his philosophy of harmony and openness, creating an atmosphere that feels entirely bespoke and intimately connected to the surrounding landscape.
Guests can reside in an elite collection of villas divided into distinct environments, each presenting a unique architectural language. In the forest sanctuary, the structures challenge traditional boundaries.
One notable dwelling utilises columns of recycled paper tubes to create an open, breezy haven, whilst another features sliding glass barriers that vanish completely into the structure, allowing the woodland canopy to become the bedroom wall.
Along the waterfront, the dwellings showcase cutting edge timber engineering from Austria alongside traditional Japanese elements, complete with fragrant cypress baths that overlook the water.
The crown jewel of the complex is the Simose Art Museum, a structure celebrated internationally for its breathtaking innovation. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant islands scattered across the Setouchi region, Ban conceived a series of colourful exhibition rooms that float atop a calm water basin.
In a brilliant nod to the shipbuilding heritage of Hiroshima, these galleries are engineered to move, altering the configuration of the museum to suit different exhibitions. Within these floating blocks, visitors encounter an extraordinary collection ranging from delicate Art Nouveau glassware to masterpieces by twentieth century titans.
What elevates a stay here into a once in a lifetime experience is the unparalleled level of access. Villa guests enjoy the privilege of private, after hours entry to the museum, viewing world class art in absolute silence. The sensory journey extends to the grounds, where a botanical garden features the exact seasonal flora that inspired the glassware on display, and culminates in a restaurant serving regional French cuisine against the backdrop of the illuminated, floating galleries.
With only ten villas nestled within the expansive property, Simose provides a level of privacy and artistic immersion that remains unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Image credit: Simose Art Garden Villa
