House Tour: In Yogyakarta, this rustic villa combines luxury with elements of the great outdoors

Both soil and sand relate to nature. Hence, the name Soil and Sand for this villa in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is apt, given its rustic quality and manifold natural elements. 

“Soil speaks to grounding, stillness and the origins of life. Sand represents resilience and the ability to adapt and move with change. Together, they reflect a balance between rooted tradition and the ever-evolving nature of life,” says Aghnia Marsha, the founder of interior design firm Lettero. 

In the primary bedroom, large teak slabs designed by Marsha and made by Balinese craftsmen fill an entire wall. “The carvings of an orangutan and trees were added as a subtle nod to the brand’s dedication to conservation and reforestation,” she says. (Photo: Kung Photography)

The owner of AVO Innovation Technology, an Indonesian-based company known for its eco-conscious and cruelty-free beauty brands, engaged Marsha to create a villa that serves as an extended brand experience. The building itself was designed by Indonesian architecture firm Axial Studio.

It is the company’s first hospitality venture, founded in 2014 by CEO Augrah Pakerti, who runs it with two other co-founders, COO Ahmad Ramahhan and CIO Aris Nurul Huda.

“The owners are thoughtful and visionary, strongly inclined toward holistic well-being. They envisioned a space that felt intimate yet refined, blending quiet luxury with an appreciation for the natural world,” Marsha explains. 

Bringing nature indoors

Marsha comments on her approach, “The intention was not only to provide a space for rest and renewal, but also to translate their brand philosophy into spatial form where guests can engage with the sensibilities of the brand through design, atmosphere and materiality.” 

Her inspiration was Mediterranean living, but to create a sense of place, Marsha employed locally sourced stone, marble, and wood.

On the first storey is an open living and dining area that opens to a kitchen island counter embellished with lava stone tiles from the nearby volcano, Mount Merapi. “It felt meaningful to include something that connects directly with the local landscape,” says Marsha. 

The palette is mainly made of beiges, browns, and greys, and she uses the materials in their raw, unembellished states to give the interior a tranquil atmosphere. It was key to let the materials speak for themselves.

Marsha has a personal affinity to textures and finishes that “aren’t overly defined as those little imperfections that make the space feel relaxed and lived-in”. She believes that with time, they’ll add more character and depth to the home. 

Personalised art from Indonesian artists

Decorative elements follow a similar approach. In the living area, Indonesian artist Fiber Motel contributed an artwork made with organic cotton rope and fellow local artist I Made Widya Diputra created a hanging piece made from recycled rice sacks. 

“For the smaller details, I sourced vintage items from antique shops, such as hand-thrown pottery, old books, and traditional games like congklak. These touches help create a space that feels more personal, timeless, and full of soul,” says Marsha. 

She worked closely with artisans and suppliers across Java and Bali for the handcrafted pieces that feel “honest, tactile, and rooted in tradition”. These were chosen or customised with care and thought.

“I really wanted them to reflect a deep appreciation for local techniques and materials, as well as speak to the brand’s values,” says Marsha.  

There is one bedroom downstairs and two above. Marsha made each one distinct, with unique craft pieces and furniture. One bedroom is distinguished by a wall art made from dried palm leaves, contrasting with the limewashed walls.

Another uses tenun fabric, developed by Balinese weavers. “It’s naturally dyed using plant-based methods and woven with traditional techniques,” highlights Marsha. 

Going vintage

Most of the furniture was sourced from local craftsmen or small-scale producers. Marsha chose them rather than relying on international luxury brands, blending these creative pieces with the overall space using a modest budget. 

“Sustainability was central to both the owner and design, so we used reclaimed wood and natural biodegradable materials whenever possible. This approach also influenced the decision to create custom pieces to promote local production while further enhancing the villa’s personality and charm,” Marsha remarks.

Buying off the shelf would have been easier, as handcrafted pieces pose challenges of unpredictable timelines, production delays and occasional inconsistencies in quality, Marsha points out.

“But in the end, the process was rewarding. Each piece helped shape an atmosphere that feels considered and one-of-a-kind — something that mass-produced items often lack.” 

The villa is not yet officially open to the public for rental, but when it does, the company would not have to worry about demand. It ticks all the boxes for mindful experiences that have become a new benchmark for travellers today. 

Marsha reflects, “I do think the villa will resonate with travellers who are looking to unwind and step away from the fast pace of everyday life. It’s the kind of place that will likely appeal to those who value simplicity, enjoy quiet moments, and are drawn to spaces that have a story behind them.”