Do these village homes have the best view in China?

Kate Springer, CNN and Serenitie Wang, CNN
5 minute read
Updated 9:39 PM EST, Sun November 20, 2016
Stone Forest was originally an abandoned three-room hut. It has since been transformed into a romantic getaway complete with an outdoor shower, private courtyard, stained glass panels, and an outdoor terrace with views of the Great Wall.
Stone Forest, Beigou Village —
Stone Forest was originally an abandoned three-room hut. It has since been transformed into a romantic getaway complete with an outdoor shower, private courtyard, stained glass panels, and an outdoor terrace with views of the Great Wall.
Robert Mcleod
Grandma's Place was once the property of a Qing Dynasty official. The house and grounds have been updated for the urban set with modern comforts, quiet courtyards, a sunny terrace, and salvaged wood beams.
Grandma's Place, Beigou Village —
Grandma's Place was once the property of a Qing Dynasty official. The house and grounds have been updated for the urban set with modern comforts, quiet courtyards, a sunny terrace, and salvaged wood beams.
Robert Mcleod
Designed by Jim Spear, Apricot Lane retains the original building's character, but has been updated with large windows, new masonry and an open floor plan.
Apricot Lane, Beijing —
Designed by Jim Spear, Apricot Lane retains the original building's character, but has been updated with large windows, new masonry and an open floor plan.
Emily Tang Spear
For the Apricot Lane residence, Jim Spear designed a courtyard with manicured gardens, outdoor seating and a sense of privacy.
Apricot Lane, Beijing —
For the Apricot Lane residence, Jim Spear designed a courtyard with manicured gardens, outdoor seating and a sense of privacy.
Emily Tang Spear
One of the largest projects that Spear has worked on, Eagle's Rest 2 spans a massive plot of land, privately tucked away in the mountain side below The Great Wall.
Eagle's Rest 2, Beijing —
One of the largest projects that Spear has worked on, Eagle's Rest 2 spans a massive plot of land, privately tucked away in the mountain side below The Great Wall.
Emily Tang Spear
One of the first projects in Beigou Village by Jim Spear and wife Liang Tang, Brickyard Retreat started as a community project that aimed to elevate the local economy with new jobs and opportunities.
Brickyard Retreat, Mutianyu —
One of the first projects in Beigou Village by Jim Spear and wife Liang Tang, Brickyard Retreat started as a community project that aimed to elevate the local economy with new jobs and opportunities.
Robert Mcleod
Brickyard Retreat was once an abandoned tile factory. To preserve the history, all the buildings were kept in tact, but given modern amenities. Each room at the boutique hotel features energy-efficient lighting, hand-crafted furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase the Great Wall.
Brickyard Retreat, Mutianyu —
Brickyard Retreat was once an abandoned tile factory. To preserve the history, all the buildings were kept in tact, but given modern amenities. Each room at the boutique hotel features energy-efficient lighting, hand-crafted furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase the Great Wall.
Emily Tang Spear
Spear works with local villagers to lease out their homes and provide jobs to the community.
Village Home, Beigou Village —
Spear works with local villagers to lease out their homes and provide jobs to the community.
Robert Mcleod
Many of the original homes have been left in a state of disrepair, due to long-term poverty in the village.
Village Home, Beigou Village —
Many of the original homes have been left in a state of disrepair, due to long-term poverty in the village.
Robert Mcleod