The Vanderbilt Estate Brings Members-Only Luxury To Thailand

Photo Credit: The Vanderbilt Estate

The Vanderbilt Estate is the first and only authentic English Georgian estate in all of Asia. This ultra-exclusive estate in Phuket is situated atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and verdant landscapes. The property, featuring a Georgian mansion crafted by a celebrated English architect, is located in the heart of Phuket, just a 7-minute drive from top-rated restaurants and beaches. Although it is close to everything, it feels like a world away, in total seclusion.

Spanning more than 12 acres, the estate includes multiple exquisite gardens, such as a 2,500-square-meter grand lawn, an English flower garden, a formal garden, an amphitheater, an English park with a lake, a Japanese koi garden, a Buddha garden, a kitchen garden, waterfalls, and a massive 250,000-liter swimming pool made from natural molten lava tiles.

Mohan Murjani, Chairman of the Murjani Group and creator of The Vanderbilt Estate, spoke with Haute Living about the property’s offerings and his vision for the future. 

Haute Living: Why did you choose Thailand, specifically Phuket, for the Vanderbilt Estate?

Mohan Murjani: Honestly, it was the people. They are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. When I came here and was deciding where I wanted to stay, I fell in love with Phuket. It wasn’t just Thailand; Phuket has a unique charm. It has a great ex-pat community, cozy, and not too large. The weather is wonderful all year round, and it’s almost pollution-free.

HL: What was your architectural vision when you decided to build the estate?

MM: I love Georgian architecture because it’s so comfortable and has been around for over 250 years. I was familiar with it, as my previous home in London was also Georgian. Georgian homes are generally square, which means no long hallways or corridors. Everything operates off the main entrance hall, the “heart” of the home, where one door leads to the kitchen, another to the dining room, living room, library, powder room, and stairs.

Photo Credit: The Vanderbilt Estate

Another important aspect for me was the gardens. I love English gardens—large lawns, lakes, flower gardens. The architect I worked with understood me well since we had worked together before, but building an English home in Thailand was much harder than in England. Thai contractors had never built a Georgian-style home before, so it was a learning process. It was a very satisfying journey, requiring much patience and perseverance.

HL: This is going to be a members-only property. Can you tell us more about how that will work? 

MM: Yes, we are thrilled to have just launched the members-only club, the only one of its kind in Asia. It’s truly iconic. I wanted to offer a unique experience that was very different from normal villa rentals. Here, not only do you have exclusive use of the entire estate, but everything is included; there are no extra charges for meals, drinks, private activities, and much more. Our goal is to have everyone feel truly “at home.”

To ensure absolute privacy and an unparalleled experience, our Estate is only available for a single booking at a time, regardless of how many rooms will be occupied. Whether you occupy one bedroom or more, the entire property is yours alone. We do not offer individual rooms to separate guests, ensuring complete seclusion and uninterrupted personal space throughout your stay.

HL: Where do you see the estate in 5 or 10 years? What is the vision for the future?

MM: We have 12 acres of land, and there’s the possibility of acquiring more, so this could grow into more than just a single mansion property. We envision turning it into a high-end boutique hotel with more rooms and villas. Phuket only has a few standout properties, like Amanpuri, which was built 30 years ago and remains a premier property. There’s a great need for another luxury property, and hopefully, we can fill that void.

HL: Do you see expansion into other areas of Asia, or will you focus on Phuket?

MM: Right now, we are staying in Phuket. The Vanderbilt project evolved naturally – it wasn’t something we originally planned. In life, we make plans, but things often turn out quite differently. I feel very fortunate that this property, which started as just my home, has turned into something much more: the premier property for exclusive weddings and events in Asia. I can’t take credit for that—it was more of a divine intervention. It’s the perfect spot for people who live a privileged lifestyle and travel to Asia. At The Vanderbilt Estate, they can have an experience that is truly unique; there is no other property like this in the region.

Photo Credit: The Vanderbilt Estate