There aren’t many homes on sale in the Emirates Hills community for under Dh7.5 million, and fewer still that are as attractive as this recently upgraded three-bedroom town house on the doorstep of the district’s Colin Montgomerie-designed golf course.
This is the first townhouse in Dubai to benefit from the attentions of Rick Guy – an Englishman who has been spending the past couple of years redeveloping apartments in The Old Town community in the Downtown Dubai district.
Mr Guy has bought and converted three Old Town apartments to date. He chose the Old Town, he said, because the apartments are in a great location and the buildings remain in good condition, but the interiors started to look dated with lots of dark wood and enclosed kitchens.
“I always try to do two things. First, lighten the property. Second, I try to modernise them to add a more European style of finish,” said Mr Guy.
The same formula is being applied to 17 Montgomerie Maisonettes, the first property he is converting in Emirates Hills.
This is a three-bed town house, which has two bedrooms and a shared bathroom at the entrance and a large, under stairs storage area.
There is a split staircase leading to a sitting area and a redeveloped open-plan kitchen fitted with new appliances and a marble back splash.
Externally, two doors lead out to a pool, surrounded by a large, terraced seating area.
A third level also provides access to a terrace that overlooks the golf course and the city’s skyline beyond. Mr Guy said that bespoke joinery has been used for kitchens, TV consoles doors and cupboards.
Furnishings including sofas, curtains and even pillows have also been styled to suit this home. So although there were only 25 of the Montgomerie town houses in Emirates Hills to begin with, he argues that his redevelopment makes it truly unique.
“The townhouse gives you the best postal address in Dubai, Emirates Hills, without the price tag,” he said.
Q&A: All about the green
Lisa Murphy, luxury sales specialist, Luxhabitat
Who would live in a property like this?
It would suit almost anyone — executives, couples, or families with young children who wish to live close to the city while enjoying the lush, green surroundings that Emirates Hills offers. It has been completely upgraded, styled internally and externally to suit modern living. The outdoor swimming pool with walk down steps and a stunning third floor terrace area, which could accommodate a Jacuzzi and large, lazy-style cabana couches, offer amazing views of the city skyline.
How have other Montgomeriey town houses performed in terms of sales, and what is different about this particular unit?
So far this year there have been at least three town houses sold, with another under offer. One side offers full golf course views, while the other side offers partial golf and city skyline views. The quality of the finishing, furniture and the south-west facing garden are all huge selling points.
What can you tell me about the surrounding area?
Emirates Hills is one of the most prestigious areas in Dubai, and to live on the grounds of such a complex appeals to almost all buyers in the market. The town houses are beside The Address Montgomerie Hotel, with steps leading directly to the hotel door. You also have access to the golf course and driving range. With only a few town houses along this two-sided street, there is a lovely, community feel. Within a few minutes’ drive, you have The Meadows shopping centre, schools, dining outlets and easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road.
mfahy@thenational.ae
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“This is one of the finest moments of my golf career, no hang on, this is the greatest moment of my golf career.” -
Colin Montgomerie, after winning the 2010 Ryder Cup
Top 5 features that home buyers want
1/ Man caves and smart homes
2/Vast closets
3/Home offices
4/Hardwood floors
5/Urban homes with amenities
Source: Zillow
