The New York Times: Great Homes and Destinations

Justin Mott for The New York Times

Darryl Collins, an Australian art historian, bought a majestic 1915 house on a remote island in Cambodia, moved it to Siem Reap, where he planned to retire, and renovated it. Inside, an intricately carved arch casts a stunning shadow on the exposed-beam roof when Mr. Collins lights the Chinese glass lanterns hanging behind it.

Justin Mott for The New York Times

Mr. Collins’s Buddhist altar is framed by cuttings from his garden, like pandanus leaves and bird-of-paradise flowers, in old vases.

 

Justin Mott for The New York Times

Two dozen 30-foot columns lift Mr. Collins’s home nine feet off the ground, creating a breezy space underneath. The house's original location was nearly 200 miles away.

 

Justin Mott for The New York Times

The house is furnished with pieces Mr. Collins bought in antiques shops and local markets, like the Art Deco-inspired dining table made of Cambodian hardwood.

 

Justin Mott for The New York Times

Mr. Collins sits beneath a spiritual painting by Leang Seckon, one of Cambodia’s emerging artists. Modern work in the traditional house “acts as a foil,” he said.

 

Justin Mott for The New York Times

More than five types of Cambodian hardwood were used to build the home. “This house is good for another 100 years,” Mr. Collins said.

 

Justin Mott for The New York Times

Two staircases made of a teak-like Cambodian wood called koki were added to the house. Mr. Collins made lamps out of semihemispherical, bamboo chicken cages like the one sitting on the floor.