Natural attraction

A workout room and spa treatments are also offered.

Kids movies and games are available in the video room, and there's also a playground.

"The most gratifying thing about being an innkeeper is the chance to meet and interact with people from all over the world," Spear says.

Now, Spear enjoys his full-time life in Beigou village with his wife, Liang Tang.

Meanwhile, Spear is working on three bespoke residences for clients and the master plan and architectural design for a village near the Three Gorges Dam in Hubei province.

"My life is pretty idyllic, close to nature, and yet still part of our village community," he says.

A typical day for him starts before the sun rises when he makes himself a large cup of very strong Yunnan coffee and checks email.

"Later I spend an hour or two working, mostly planning and designing projects for clients, because my mind is freshest at dawn," he says.

Later in the day he visits construction sites, spends some time in his studio at The Schoolhouse and returns to Brickyard Retreat to meet with colleagues and greet guests before enjoying the sauna and a massage