So - a pretty tall order, but hoping some folks that have been around Chiang Mai for a while will be able to help out with a hiden gem somewhere.

Obviously, I might not get everything on my "wish list" but the ideal place would be:

• No more than 30 - 45 minutes from Chaing Mai by motorcycle (so - Hang Dong, Sutthep, Doi Sakket, Mae Jo, Mae Rim, Sarapee, Samung...)
• In a rural, quiet setting - preferably scenic but I'll take what I can get as long as it's quiet!
• Free from tourists / backpackers (preferably focused on Thais as their primary market)
• no more than 750 baht per night

I've been in Thailand for 6 years, speak Thai fluently, and will be travelling with my northern Thai girlfriend. We've no problem staying in a place with no English speaking staff that's light on amenities (cold showers, no AC, no internet, etc.) We just want a place where we can be away from everything and just enjoy some peace and quiet a few weekends a month, hear ourselves think, catch up on some reading and generally "detox" from the city life.

Cheers!

This place is pretty secluded. And not that far out of town. Not sure of the rates though. And you will need your own transport.

http://nugentwaterside.com

These 2 properties are in Doi Saket area.

Ban Chunsongsang ticks all the boxes, specially your budget & location (15km from Chiang Mai city) They do a discount for "more than 3 nights" -- you can try to negotiate a package rate for long stays.

http://banchunsongsang.com

You might consider Romyen Garden too. Their monthly rates are attractive.

http://www.romyengardenresort.com/index.html

Howie's Homestay in Mae Rim is great but a little over your budget.

Romyen Garden has something else going for it (besides being little patronised by tourists) A short walk to the end of the soi is Fiore Rosa, a very decent Italian eatery. Roberto runs it out of his own home so there's an easy-going vibe. It faces a man-made pond, pleasant to chill out in the evenings with a glass of wine.

Their Saturday lunch buffets are excellent value for money. Even then you won't be over-run by crowds. But if you really want peace and quiet, then just go at other times.

Howie's Homestay in Mae Rim is great but a little over your budget.

Wow, so Howard finally opened a homestay in his walled hacienda.