Thompson was deeply captivated by the nostalgic charm of old, and more simple Bangkok. The enchanting aspects of life along the klong or waterways, fascinated him. Wooden houses, some in the traditional Thai style, in the cool shade of trees lining the river banks, their branches arching over across the klong. The daily traffic - boats plying up and down the waterway selling their wares.

Thompson had had his eye on this piece of land by Klong Maha Nag and just across from the weaving village of Ban Krua that he visited every morning. It was a piece of land that had once been part of the vast compound of a summer palace.