There’s something deeply powerful about choosing to build a life slowly, intentionally, and rooted in purpose. This project isn’t just about building a house — it’s about creating a future, a sanctuary, and a space for healing, rest, and meaning.
Today, I’m beginning the journey of building my dream home in Tubao, La Union, a quiet province surrounded by mountains, forests, and nature. This will be a minimalist, Bali-inspired villa designed to reflect slow living, simplicity, and intentional design — blending modern structure with natural Filipino elements.
Why Tubao, La Union?
Tubao is peaceful, grounded, and beautifully raw. It offers:
- Mountain views
- Cool provincial air
- Forest surroundings
- Proximity to Baguio
- Access to La Union beaches
- A balance between nature and accessibility
This location gives me the best of both worlds — mountain energy and ocean access — making it the perfect place for a future retreat space, forest home, and long-term sanctuary.
The Vision: More Than a House
This isn’t just a build — it’s a long-term vision.
This home represents:
- A future retirement home
- A healing space
- A forest sanctuary
- A slow-living retreat
- A possible rental property
- A yoga and wellness retreat space
- A nature-based lifestyle
It’s a space where people can rest, disconnect, breathe, and return to themselves.
Design Inspiration
The design concept is minimalist + Bali-inspired villa + modern Filipino architecture.
Core design elements:
- Cement walls
- Wood finishes
- Rattan textures
- Natural materials
- Earth tones
- Open-air concepts
- Clean minimalist lines
- Tropical design principles
The goal is to create a home that feels grounded, breathable, peaceful, and timeless — not trendy.
Layout Concept
Planned features:
Main Structure:
- 2–3 bedrooms
- Loft-style second floor
- A-frame architectural design
- Master bedroom on the loft level
- High ceilings
- Open floor plan
- Large glass windows
- Natural light in every space
Kitchen Design:
- Indoor kitchen with island
- Outdoor kitchen for gatherings
- Open cooking space connected to nature
Future Addition:
- Elevated plunge pool overlooking the mountains (planned for future phase)
The pool will not be prioritized during the initial build — the focus is structure, foundation, and functionality first.
Budget & Planning Reality
This project is being built intentionally and realistically.
Right now, I’m working with my current savings, which means:
- Prioritizing the house structure first
- Building in phases
- Planning future expansions
- Designing with scalability in mind
- Making cost-efficient decisions
I’ll be consulting with engineers and contractors to understand:
- Construction costs
- Material pricing
- Structural feasibility
- Budget alignment
- Phased building options
This is not about rushing — it’s about building correctly.
Long-Term Purpose
This home is part of a bigger vision:
- A retreat house in the forest
- A healing sanctuary
- A wellness destination
- A creative space
- A yoga retreat home
- A tourist rental
- A slow-living escape
- A sustainable income property
A place where people can experience local life, nature, simplicity, and peace — away from noise, pressure, and chaos.
Why I’m Sharing This Journey
I’m sharing this journey because building a home in the province isn’t always easy — but it’s deeply meaningful.
This is for:
- Filipinos dreaming of returning home
- Overseas Filipinos planning retirement
- People seeking slow living
- Nature lovers
- Wellness seekers
- Investors looking for meaningful projects
- People who want more than city life
This is for those who believe that success doesn’t always look like skyscrapers — sometimes it looks like trees, silence, mountains, and peace.
The Beginning of Something Beautiful
This is just the beginning.
Blueprints will change.
Plans will evolve.
Budgets will shift.
Designs will refine.
But the intention stays the same:
To build a home that feels like peace.
To create a space that feels like healing.
To design a life that feels aligned.
Join the Journey
If you have suggestions on:
- Cost-efficient building
- Sustainable materials
- Smart design ideas
- Budget planning
- Province construction tips
- Space optimization
- Passive cooling design
- Tropical architecture solutions
I would love to hear from you.
Follow this journey as I document the full process — from land to blueprint to build — in Tubao, La Union, Philippines.
This isn’t just a house project.
It’s a life project.
And this is only the beginning. 🤍
Day in the life of a Filipina Nurse Practitioner 
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