The loft living concept isn’t one that is popular in Dubai – mainly because there isn’t the demand for converted spaces when so many apartments have been built for purpose over the past decade.
Loft living does have its fans, though, and for those who love the idea of a cavernous, double-height central space then a property in Business Bay is on the market at a reasonable price.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit has been reduced in price this month to Dh3.75 million from the initial Dh4.1m.
It is on the top floor of Dubai Properties’ Executive Towers and is, according to sales agent Brigitte Tenbergen, one of the few decent examples of loft living available in Dubai.
The unit, which is on the 50th floor, was handed over by the developer as shell and core space but its owner, who has held the property for five years, was keen to ensure it retained the loft “feel” by retaining a double-height, central living space.
“A loft means there is no separation – it is one big room,” says Ms Tenbergen. “There’s not a lot of lofts in Dubai, the only lofts you have really are in JBR and Executive Towers.”
The large windows also mean there is a lot of natural light that floods into the main dining and living space, although automatic shades means this can be blocked out when required.
Walls have been kept bare and dark stone floors are used throughout to add to the contemporary theme. There is a closed kitchen and a separate laundry room, as well as a nearby bathroom with shower and guest bedroom.
A staircase then leads onto a mezzanine level with its own open space, a main bedroom, a walk-in closet and a bathroom. The tower is one of 12 that makes up Executive Towers and comes with regular community features including a gym and communal pool area.
The building also has its own reception service, and the apartment comes with two allocated parking spaces.
Q&A:
Brigitte Tenbergen, a luxury sales specialist with estate agency Luxhabitat, explains the appeal of this high-rise space:
What would you describe as the main selling point of this property?
It is the quality – the upgrades that have been done, plus the location within Executive Towers. It is in the first tower, so you have a complete, full Sheikh Zayed Road view and a sea view. This allows views to Burj Al Arab on a good day, and The World islands. You have a good-sized balcony facing the sea and the view is fantastic.
Tell me more about the upgrade.
It’s high-end. The lofts were shell and core when the units were delivered but the current owner has put in the air-conditioning, the piping … everything. Alongside that, she has used materials from Italy and France for features such as the lighting and the flooring. It’s very contemporary. There are lots of options with the lighting – depending on the mood, you can make it exactly how you want.
Who would live in a house like this?
It’s ideal for a single guy, a single woman or for a young couple, I would say. Executive Towers is close to downtown, so it’s location is very good. There are lots of things around. It is officially part of Business Bay, and there is a lot going on in the area. There are a lot of hotels and restaurants nearby.
Executive Towers consists of several towers and is a self-contained community. You have a lot of shops below – everything you need.
mfahy@thenational.ae
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