Jumeirah Golf Estates is fast becoming the destination it always wanted to be. The financial crisis had a rather humbling effect on its huge plans for four championship golf courses, designed by Greg Norman, a bespoke Range rover for each villa.
However, last month it hosted the world’s top golfers in the last event of the European Tour, The Race To Dubai, now an annual staple of the Dubai social calendar, much like rugby sevens but without the fancy dress. The four golf courses are now two, Fire and Earth. But the plans for Water and Wind have not evaporated. In fact, with just 370 hectares of the originally planned 1100 developed, it is safe to assume more development is on the way.
The properties around the fairways that have been completed, however, are luxurious. This newly built Tarragona style, six-bedroom villa in Lime Tree Valley, from the UAE-based developer CHI, has everything to be expected from a course-side mansion. Priced at Dh17 million, it is a relative bargain compared to the off-plan asking price back in 2007. Prices for the villas back then rose to Dh3,000 per square foot which would have valued this mansion at Dh36,351,000.
The villa features 12,117 sq ft of space, with a large pool and pergola. On the ground floor there are three large reception rooms, a fully fitted kitchen with Neff appliances, a breakfast room, a utility area and a study. There is also a guest bedroom and driver/maid rooms, which can be accessed externally.
The first floor includes five large bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, terrace areas leading off some of the bedrooms and another family room. Facilities within the community include the Earth and Fire golf courses, tennis and squash courts and a new club house with a restaurant, a gym and a spa. The green fees have been kept to a reasonable level, unlike some of Dubai’s courses, which encourages a lively club with a thriving community and a variety in the calibre of players.
The size and majesty of the home makes this seem an opportunity, but Jumeirah Golf Estates is still a long way from completion and a host of other golf developments are on course in the emirate.
ascott@thenational.ae
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