The UAE is home to some spectacular properties, from penthouse apartments to plush villas with sprawling gardens and incredible pools.
Each week, The National is showcasing some of the best homes and real estate on offer with its Property of the Week …
The key details
The villa is located in Sector HT of the exclusive Emirates Hills neighbourhood. It has eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and is spread across a built-up area of 24,500 sq ft. Also, it has been reduced in price from Dh100 million to Dh65m.
What's the story?
A stark-white identikit new-build this is not, so if you're seeking a blank canvas with a plain interior that can be moulded like Playdough, you've come to the wrong place.
But just a glance at the exterior, which resembles a rich slice of honey cake, gives more than a hint of the taste on the inside.
The inspiration is French-Moroccan architecture, and while it is undoubtedly an acquired taste, it is a treat for the eyeballs with its intricacy of detail and broad palate.
Chandeliers aplenty and a dining room set for a squad of aristocrats set the mood. An added throne would surely put it in the "royal palace" category.
The three kitchens can handle the dinner parties, while the quiet evenings can be spent in the cinema room where the bright pink walls will keep you awake during even the most tedious of films.
Outdoors, a variety of tall trees offer privacy around the swimming pool and manicured lawn, and, just to add to the setting, there's the sought-after view of the Dubai skyline (with no French-Moroccan architecture in sight).
The brokers say...
What type of buyer will this attract?
This house will definitely be ideal for a GCC, Saudi or Russian buyer, as the design details that were done with this house were from all the famous French furniture & interior designers specialising in aristocratic French interiors, with furnishings from Pozzoli and Provasi, with bespoke lighting designed by Delisle.
Is Moroccan-French rather unique for Dubai?
Yes, the owner hired his architect, Albert Benchetrit, to create a bespoke designed house. As you enter inside the main entrance there is a grand ceiling with an incredible hand-carved wooden ceiling that allows for loads of natural light and warmth. Materials used were all imported from Turkey & Europe, with all the marble and wood being custom procured for the villa.
How does it compare to other Dh60m properties in the city?
A USP of the house is that there is the opportunity to buy the land next door to create more space and build a tennis court and small building for a majlis with a private gym, which would then create one of the largest homes in Emirates Hills, sitting in the best location for views.
It comes furnished – so the buyer will have to like the style…
Yes, it is sure to capture the attention of an astute buyer with its colourful ceilings, rich french fabrics, and walls done with the best in craftsmanship. There is the most incredible dining table in the villa with custom chandeliers that adorn the main dining room. This table is one of a kind and is an art piece in its own right. The house will also come with full Hermes dining sets, and serving dishes complete with cutlery and settings.
Has it been on the market for long?
It has not been on the market long and has been owned by one family since built. They are now motivated and committed to a sale, so we have reduced the price to be in line with what the market is transacting at. It was built about 14 years ago, much like almost every other home in Emirates Hills. It will be vacant on transfer.
Leigh Williamson, sales director at Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
