All Longtime Lakesiders will have at some stage passed by the big, cream, wrought iron gates that stand tall and strong at the curve of the L -shaped Street 91. Many will have passed through them and some will have even scaled them. Living behind them are some of the luckiest people in the Boeng Kak Lakeside area.
On the other side of these impressive gates are several houses inhabited by expats and locals alike. One house amongst them is of particular interest. It's one of the nicest places in the area - a complete removal from the chaos of Phnom Penh.
It's unlike anything else Lakeside had to offer. It's a private home with a strong history in the expat community. It was first known as Chakra House, then it became The Good Weather Bar but most commonly it's known to all as The House.
Situated in a beautiful, spacious garden, this large, single storied house is currently home to four fantastic expats, one chilled-out Cambodian, a schizophrenic cat, a more-than-spoilt-for-attention dog, a pond-full of fish and a vicious mango tree.
The house sees a variety of visitors dropping by every day to relax on the porch and enjoy the cool of the garden and the cool of the above mentioned company. The garden is the main feature of the house and provides a sanctuary for weary foreigners.
However, there are a few hazards in this botanical oasis. Firstly, mosquitoes. If you ever find yourself in the haven, be sure to bring a litre's worth of DEET to fend of these miniature vampires.
Secondly, the unlikeliest threat; mangoes. There is a tremendous tree laden with large, ripe mangoes that it seems to deliberately aim at passersby.
When the place was known as Chakra House, it went by the tag-line of "a private house with the occasional public event." It was the host of yoga retreats, movie screenings in the garden and the odd big bash. As The Good Weather Bar, it was open every night for drinks and good times.
Now it has sporadic parties, often fancy dress, and is available for private events.
Inside there are five bedrooms, all with their own bathroom, a living room, a kitchen and a very sociable porch area. Right at the moment, one of these rooms is vacant. If you're interested in becoming a housemate, contact Eliza Mealy on 092 315 448.