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SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine DECEMBER 2018

Complimentary copy

The magazine of Betterhomes

HOME RENO

Creating an underthe-stairs playroom

12

NEW LOOK

NEW FEATURES

FESTIVE DECOR IDEAS

ESCAPE TO A WILD GARDEN MOVE-IN READY HOMES WITH DREAMY POOLS 20 | bhomes.com

Daring designs

At home with a self-confessed maximalist

At the heart of Roman is the desire to be the best. It is Roman's vision to lead innovate in the Showering industry.

Bathroom, Kitchens, Building Products, Plumbing & Drainage

Dubai: +971 4 266 1291 Abu Dhabi: +971 2 674 1171 Al Ain: +971 3 721 1219

E: info@macuae.ae W: www.algurg.com

When you need to be cared for in a special way

Bathroom, Kitchens, Building Products, Plumbing & Drainage

Dubai: +971 4 266 1291 Abu Dhabi: +971 2 674 1171 Al Ain: +971 3 721 1219

E: info@macuae.ae W: www.algurg.com

SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine

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Editor’s letter | CONTENTS

SHOP 16-26

New finds, homeware news, a must-shop store focus and vacuum cleaners we rate

INSPIRE 27-62

A clever renovation, home and garden tours with stylish residents, how to incorporate the latest trends into your home and bathroom tile inspiration

Managing Director Victoria Thatcher Editorial Director John Thatcher Managing Editor Faye Bartle Editor Lucy Land Art Director Kerri Bennett

MOVE 64-72

Things to know before you buy, a guide to Jumeirah Golf Estates with advice from the agent and the local’s view of the area, plus mustsee properties with pools on the market

Senior Designer Hiral Kapadia Production Manager Muthu Kumar Advertising Group Manager Sukaina Hussein +971 50 515 9691 To contact any of the above people, email firstname@hotmediapublishing.com

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited. HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in Better Living magazine.

Tel: +971 4 364 2876 Fax: +971 4 369 7494

Thank you to Irony Home, Al-Futtaim Ace and The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen for supplying the festive goodies for these pages

bhomes.com

facebook.com/betterhomesuae @betterhomesuae @betterhomesuae linkedin.com/company/better-homes-llc

bhomes.com | 15

UPDATES | December wish list itor

Lucy La

nd ,

Ed

Editor’s picks Five finds on my radar…

1 If, like me, you’re looking to bring local influences into your home, then check out this chandelier featuring agaals, the woven headbands used to secure the traditional headdress worn by Emirati men. Price on request, FORMA collection for Arte Veneziana, arteveneziana.com 2 Inspired by a cross section of a piece of wood, this Ambra bath mat is super soft under foot. Dhs885, Abyss & Habidecor, available from Amara, amara.com 3 This set of handmade bowls will go with pretty much anything else in the kitchen so is a foolproof gift idea for homebodies. Set of four ceramic ’70s bowls, Dhs150, HKliving at Urban Nest, urbannest.ae 4 With its black textured leather, this statement chair will add glamour to any space. Dhs12,000, ANCA, anca-1985.com 5 Classic Swiss brand Vitra now has a home at department store Le BHV Marais Dubai and I’m coveting George Nelson’s timeless clock designs.

Ball clock, Dhs1,599, Vitra, available from Le BHV Marais Dubai, lebhvmarais.ae

16 | bhomes.com

This month’s

Pinboard

Our round-up of the latest in homeware news, design and interiors trends

Dinnertime THIS WALL CLOCK, MADE FROM MOULDED METAL, IS PERFECT FOR A CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN. WE LOVE ITS AFFORDABLE PRICE TAG, TOO. Gino kitchen wall clock, Dhs79, Home Centre.

Boxed in

Don’t have space for a festive tree or just looking for a fun alternative?

A wall tree installation could be your answer. Simply put a tiny tree into a display box and let matching frames create a graphic feel.

Barkhyttan display box, Dhs79, IKEA.

LIVING TRADITIONS Tiger & Arcadia (tigerandarcadia.com) was among the independent projects spotted at this year’s Downtown Design. Commited to conserving craft techniques around the world, founder Andrea de Rossetto has a unique story for every piece. In Mexico, for example, each Ocumicho mask (pictured, left) is created as a trophy at the end of an obstacle race.

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Trending | UPDATES

SMART SPACE SAVER Those of us living in apartments and small spaces can now have a barbecue at home thanks to the award-winning Space Grill (Dhs3,799, ae.spacegrill.com), which has recently arrived in the Middle East. It’s the only indoor-approved, fold-away barbecue and it only takes 10 seconds to set up.

Splurge

Save

TAKE TWO CRYSTAL SCULPTURES

SAVE

Agate sculpture, Dhs99, Home Centre

SPLURGE

Agate sprout, Dhs945 (GBP200), 5MM Design

On our radar

SAY GOODBYE to an ugly extractor hood: the cooktop extractor of the BORA Classic (price on request) draws vapour directly away from where it is created.

Style star

If you’re looking for some help to revamp a room or your entire home, we recommend calling on the help of interior designer Alexandra Conti. She offers a simple approach and a flat fee styling service through her newly launched platform (ayi-designer.com), and if you want to see more of her style, be sure to check out next month’s issue of Better Living.

Intelligent designs for cleaner air and minimal fuss

NEUTRALISE negative energy with a mini humidifier that has mood lighting ability. Quartz Aroma Diffuser, Dhs189, Made By Zen. Available from Lifestyle.

SAVE COUNTLESS trips to the hardware store with LG Signature Air Purifier (Dhs5,249). Its filter system can be removed, washed and used again for up to 10 years.

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SHOP | Must-shop

WHAT’S IN STORE

COMPTOIR 102 THE STORY SO FAR: Launched in 2012 by Parisian Emmanuelle Sawko, Comptoir 102 shines a light on craft and design. Its carefully curated furniture collection includes finds from around the globe, as well as limited edition collaborations with artists and designers – it’s a haven for one-of-akind pieces.

THE LOOK: Unconventional, bohemian and full of soul.

WHAT’S NEW? Comptoir 102’s own home décor line, available exclusively in store, has grown to include pretty cushion covers, simple brass pieces and a kooky tableware collection featuring the label’s cute bubble motif.

GOOD TO KNOW: The store’s interiors get a monthly refresh. If you need some help recreating the look, resident stylist and designer Mathilde is on hand to help style your purchases in your own home (upon request).

DELIVERY DETAILS: If you’re loading up on buys, take advantage of the free local delivery service.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Check out the edgy fashion, artisan jewellery and clean beauty collections before sipping an organic superfood smoothie (complete with homemade nut milk) in the healthy café.

102 Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai 04 385 4555, comptoir102.com

WHY WE RATE IT

It’s great for one-off fabric designs, traditional handcrafted pieces and items by renowned names. Plus, the designs by the in-house team are available exclusively in the store.

FAVOURITE FINDS

Stool with interchangeable legs, Dhs950 Cactus vase, Dhs310

Orange throw, Dhs500, zebra throw, Dhs600, Collection 102

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Look out for the Better Living loves sign in store, which points you towards our top buys

DuraSquare: Now with the new bathroom furniture series XSquare.

The exact and precise edges of the DuraSquare bathroom series blends perfectly with the latest furniture collection XSquare designed by Kurt Merki Jr. Handle-free fronts, striking chrome profiles and 28 furniture finishes enable an individual bathroom design. Co-ordinating mirrors feature a touch-free control panel for demisting and light or dimming functions. Duravit Middle East SAL (Off-Shore), info@lb.duravit.com, Duravit Middle East SAL Off Shore UAE Rep Office info@ae.duravit.com, Duravit Saudi Arabia LLC, info@sa.duravit.com. www.duravit.com

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Better buys | SHOP

VACUUM CLEANERS

THE WASH AND GO

Say goodbye to laborious scrubbing. This clever machine has two rotating microfibre rollers, which are continuously moistened with a detergent solution, while the vacuumed liquid is drawn into a separate tank that can be emptied after cleaning. Hard Floor Cleaner FC 5, Dhs1,100, Kärcher, karcher.com

Whether you’ve got dust or doggy hair to deal with, we’ve found the perfect machine for you

THE CORDLESS WONDER

It boasts the most powerful suction power of any cord-free vacuum. Plus, it’s instant-release trigger means the battery power is only used while it’s cleaning.

Dyson Cyclone V10, Dhs2,939, Dyson, dyson.ae

THE SENSITIVE ONE

This one’s good for those with allergies due to its HEPA hygienic filter. It’s also really light, easy to operate and is compact, too. Bagless vacuum cleaner with sensor control, Dhs576.45, Bosch, bosch.ae

THE TECHIE WHIZZ

With its onboard cameras to analyse your home, map its path and efficiently clean your space, you can leave it to get on with the job. Robotic vacuum cleaner, Dhs2,414, LG, lg.com

BEST BUDGET BUY

With its strong performance and extra long cable, this sturdy number is the most cost-effective in our selection. Synchropower bag & bagless vacuum cleaner, Dhs471.45, Siemens. Available from Better Life, betterlifeuae.com

BEFORE YOU BUY...

BEST FOR TILE FLOORS? Most of us have tile or vinyl flooring with rugs in the UAE so look for a vacuum cleaner that has a good filtration system as tile flooring accumulates more electrostatic dust. Also, consider a machine that vacuums and steams at the same time, since tile flooring is resistant to high temperatures and can be easily sanitised.

bhomes.com | 25

Hacker Kitchens Studio Dubai, Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road +971 (0) 4 3990425

hacker.ae innerspaceME.com info@innerspaceME.com

Trends | INSPIRATION

Into the blue Riviera Collection, Lelievere Middle East

From dark and dreamy to pale and interesting, there’s a blue hue for everyone

bhomes.com | 27

Statement shades

Mas Paints

Choose a rich, royal blue for a statement piece, such as a sofa, and surround it with a toned-down palette. An intense, vibrant blue adds a summery feeling to your interiors, while a complementary mix of milky whites, dusky pinks and greys or pastels are pretty and easy to live with.

“Create a relaxed luxe feel with different shades and texture, such as deep blue velvet seating, soft throws and accents of brass throughout the room,� says Nisrine El Lababidi Moghraby, design director at Harf Noon Design Studio.

TIP

Clockwise from left: Almandine armchair, Dhs23,200; Jean-Louis Deniot at Iconic Home; Bullseye side table, Dhs1,389.15, Indigo Living; Blue and white throw, Dhs599, Zara Home

28 | bhomes.com

Trends | INSPIRATION

Calm bedrooms

JYSK

Set the tone for a place to unwind with some serene shades. Blue hues transport us to gorgeous landscapes and seascapes. Combine blue with white for a classic Santoriniinspired coastal colour scheme for a relaxed holiday vibe.

TIP

From Top: Classic navy lattice rug, from Dhs960, From Jaipur With Love; Galley grade striped pillowcase, Dhs78, Joules at Amara; Candle, Dhs129, Zara Home,

The secret to a tranquil vibe in the bedroom is in layering and if you prefer to move away from a Mediterranean scheme, combine blue with grey for a cosy, moody style. bhomes.com | 29

INSPIRATION | Trends

The Alchemy of Colour collection, Zoffany

Walls that wow If you want to transform a blank wall, there are an abundance of solutions beyond just painting it. A wallpaper with an unexpected motif will liven up a space in an instant, while tiles can be used for a fresh, bold look and artworks add a touch of vibrancy.

Blue has the unique quality of being simultaneously dynamic and calming.

“A feature wall gives a room a more adventurous vibe,� says Linda Dekkers, interior stylist and founder of Live Loud Girl.

TIP

From Left: Close to Heaven wallpaper, Dhs208.95, Mr Perswall at D.Tales; Enchanted Wood wallpaper, Dhs282.74 (GBP59.95), Hibou Home; Albert design tile, Ferruccio Laviani for Bisazza, Jungle Blues printed canvas with colour gel, Dhs499, Home Centre

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Festive trimmings Dress up your home for the holidays with our sparkling ideas

IF YOU HAVE LITTLE ONES AT HOME, CREATE A COSY SETTING WITH WARM JEWEL TONES AND FESTIVE CHARACTERS THAT ADD A PLAYFUL VIBE, LIKE THESE DECORATIONS FROM AL-FUTTAIM ACE. WHEN STRIVING FOR A CHILD-FRIENDLY SCHEME, NOT EVERYTHING NEEDS TO MATCH, SO GET EVERYONE INVOLVED IN HANGING THE BAUBLES.

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Festive touches | INSPIRATION

2

For a modern take on poinsettia, opt for some luxurious, longlasting red roses instead. This Forever Rose London Vintage Hat Box can be filled with your choice of fresh florals. From Dhs750, myforeverrose.com

Style some candles to create an instantly inviting and cosy atmosphere. “When it comes to the grouping, arrange them at least two inches apart for proper air flow that allows them to burn evenly,” advises Carol Sukkar of concept store Home & Soul (homeandsouldubai.com). “It’s easy to achieve a harmonious look with different shapes and sizes by arranging them asymmetrically.”

Cushion covers (far left and left), Dhs59 each, H&M Home

Mini novelty santa cushion, Dhs75, Marks & Spencer

AN EASY WAY TO GIVE YOUR LIVING ROOM A MERRY MAKEOVER IS TO SWAP YOUR USUAL SOFT FURNISHINGS FOR THOSE WITH A FESTIVE TOUCH. SEASONAL CUSHIONS AND THROWS ARE A SMALL WAY TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

There’s nothing like a festive wreath on your f ront door to mark the holiday season. It’s the first thing your guests will see,and you can’t go wrong with a simple,lush evergreen wreath decorated with pine cones and mistletoe.

Wreath, Dhs185, John Lewis Home Festive collection available exclusively at Robinsons, Dubai Festival City Mall

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Marks & Spencer

“I LOVE AN ICY-WHITE COLOUR SCHEME – IT REFINES A SPACE” BETTER LIVING EDITOR LUCY LAND

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“It’s easy to create a festive mood with lights. Fairy lights are beautiful on the tree, wrapped over the stair banisters or draped across the balcony,” says Medy Navani, CEO of Design Haus Medy.

IF ONLY A REAL TREE WILL DO, AL-FUTTAIM ACE, DUBAI PLANT SOUQ (WARSAN PLANT NURSERIES), SPINNEYS AND DUBAI GARDEN CENTRE ARE AMONG THE PLACES TO GET YOUR HANDS ON THE REAL DEAL. WATER IT EVERY DAY TO KEEP IT LOOKING PLUMP AND FULL.

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If you have more baubles than you need for the tree, get creative by filling glass vases or decorative bowls to create eye-catching decorative features to place around the home. Or, group them together with ribbon and hang around the house, such as from the banister.

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Festive touches | INSPIRATION Festive collection, Dhs165, John Lewis at Robinsons Dove ornament, Dhs123, Wedgwood

Winter Bakery Delight Heart bowl, Dhs355, Villeroy & Boch

“Bring nature into the home with an imaginative tablescape featuring silver and white accent pieces layered with white fine bone china, accentuated with fresh midwinter foliage,” says Richard Delaney, design director for Wedgwood.

days it of the holi ir p s ly g g u n s has a Get into the n Emirates a P . e c la p re fi Parlour can t c with a faux e rf e p Im e é, on, while T h den appliqu o o w good selecti y tt re p ne featuring 1,150). make you o (f rom Dhs t in a p lk a h c painted with

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Festive Treats, The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen, Dhs12, available from Spinneys

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Wedgwood Winter White collection

FILL YOUR HOME WITH YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY SCENTS. WHETHER YOU LIGHT A SPICE-SCENTED CANDLE, BAKE SOME FRESH GINGERBREAD OR STRING A GARLAND OF DRIED ORANGE SLICES, YOU CAN’T BEAT SOME COSY, WINTERY AROMAS. bhomes.com | 35

Emma Hutton at home in Jumeirah 3

INSPIRATION | home renovation

36 | bhomes.com

Ask the designer | INSPIRATION

Ask the

DESIGNER Interior designer Emma Hutton reveals how to create a welcoming entrance

As your entryway is the first thing that guests see of your home, it should give some idea of the style that the rest of your home has to offer. I like to start a scheme with something that I love, such as a piece of art that I have found on my travels or something I have been given and is close to my heart. I think it is important to have a little bit of your own personality in each room, and there should be a natural progression of style, starting from the entrance area, to tell the story of your life that reveals your personality. In our warm climate, we are mostly very lucky to have rooms filled with natural light. Add a little punch of colour outside, like a citrus yellow or bright pink flowers. Inside, keep it fresh with greenery – orchids and lilies are my favourite, while a beautiful scented burning candle can give a lovely feel to any space, day or night. It can be difficult to keep an entrance clutter-free, particularly if you have lots of visitors and for anyone who has children and dogs, like me. I have areas and baskets for everything, from dog leads to

school bags. It’s a great way to store things and they look stylish even if they do have everything shoved into them.

Greet guests with a statement piece as a point of interest. Go with either a bold rug or a piece of art. For even more of a wow factor, choose both if they work well together, while a mirror placed above a console table is always a winner. Symmetry works really well, too – two lamps placed either side of the mirror on the console looks smart. Depending on how much space you have, a chair or a bench is a great addition for creating a sense of warmth. Add texture with either a cushion placed on a bench or an upholstered chair – it is also an easy way to add colour, especially if you don’t have any window treatments.

For reflecting the light beautifully, I love an old-style chandelier, although this option depends on your style. There are some beautiful modern chandeliers available for more contemporary homes.

Use flattering, warm white bulbs and a dimmer. Some ceilings are just not tall enough for a hanging light. In this case, go to town on some magnificent lamps.

TIP

Create flow by using the same colour scheme inside your entrance as is used directly outside your home. Motifs of nature work well on wallpaper and soft furnishings, too. bhomes.com | 37

INSPIRATION | At home with

Interior stylist Ash Young’s Damac Hills family villa shows her effortless approach to maximalism

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bhomes.com | 39

“I love a space that grabs your attention and draws your eye around the room.

Interiors are such a passion of mine so I have a lot of fun with them,” enthuses interior stylist Ash Young, whose family villa in Damac Hills epitomises her style. “I enjoy mixing materials and styles, and I like glamour, detail, metallic and greenery.” A self-confessed maximalist, Ash’s secret to creating a tough-luxe, edgy-elegant look is keeping to a restrained colour palette. “I generally use three main colours, with two accents.”

40 | bhomes.com

At home with | INSPIRATION

“Consider any existing

pieces you already have, choose a colour scheme and stick to a theme while browsing for additional pieces”

Most of the artworks in her home comprise inexpensive prints, from the likes of Society6, Rockett St George, Etsy and Drawdeck. “I check out Pinterest, Instagram and magazines for inspiration.” bhomes.com | 41

INSPIRATION | At home with

As a global nomad (Ash was born in the UAE to English and Irish parents, moved to the UK aged nine and moved to Dubai with her family four years ago), Ash places a lot of importance on her home, which provides a source of stability. It also means that she gets her husband, Chris, and children, 10-year-old Lucas, eight-year-old Allegra and sixyear-old Scarlett involved with the home decorating decisions. The kids’ bedrooms, in particular, reflect their personalities. Scarlett chose her lively Extinct wallpaper by Emma J Shipley for Clarke & Clarke and her Boss print artwork; Allegra asked for the rebellious, graffitied portrait artwork (from Rockett St George; rockettstgeorge.co.uk) that was originally in her parents’ bedroom; and once both daughters saw Lucas’ Rock On print by Nickie Kelly, they wanted their own hand gestures (Peace Out and Hope). Ash’s rock ‘n’ roll sense of style is clearly contagious.

GIVING IT A NEW LEASE OF LIFE, THIS IKEA SOFA HAS BEEN REUPHOLSTERED IN PINK VELVET

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At home with | INSPIRATION

THE PLAYHOUSE

Handmade by an Englishman for his daughters, this playhouse was located in a huge villa in Sharjah. “When the family was planning to return to the UK, the father posted an advert in a mums’ group online.

Two handymen, my brother-in-law and I drove to Sharjah to disassemble it – we had to mark each piece so we’d know how to put it back together. It’s a little bit worse for wear after its third move from our previous home in The Springs but we still love it.”

THE RUG IS BY LOCAL BRAND FROM JAIPUR WITH LOVE, WHICH SUPPORTS TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP bhomes.com | 43

THE KITCHEN:

Ash worked closely with designer Tarek Dawood at Kaiser to create her dream kitchen. The doors have a gorgeous textured finish in Putty Concrete for an urban feel, contrasting perfectly with the grey oak grain worktop in a cut timber effect. The unusual Franke Belfast sink and Miele appliances complete the look. “Tarek had the idea for the L-shaped breakfast bar, which is genius – it has seating for five of us and it has totally changed the way we use this space.”

THE JUNGLE LIFE WALL CHART FROM URBAN NEST CLEVERLY COVERS LIGHT SWITCHES AND THE A/C CONTROL PANEL

“ The finishing

touches give a space personality and depth”

Palm Jungle by Cole & Son; Pineapple Royale

by Sanderson; 101 Spots by Paper Pop; Dark Floral by Mr Perswall; Extinct wallpaper by Emma J Shipley for Clarke & Clarke

44 | bhomes.com

At home with | INSPIRATION

Premier Hanoi lantern, Dhs200, Namshi

“I wanted the guest bedroom

to have a calm, welcoming and friendly vibe”

Monstera plant and vase, Dhs450, Urban Nest

Misty bowl in pink, Dhs33, THE One

GET THE LOOK

HAVING A PENDANT HANGING FROM A HIGH CEILING BREAKS UP THE SPACE AND DRAWS THE EYE UP SLIGHTLY

Pouffe, Dhs699, Zara Home

Love chair in natural, Dhs895, White Moss

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INSPIRATION | home renovation

Nuture a little bit of

NATURE How a garden in Umm Suqeim 2 blossomed into a sanctuary for wildlife

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a

Outdoor space | INSPIRATION

s soon as we saw the bougainvillea that covers the bay windows and the greenery climbing the garden wall, we decided we wanted this villa,” reveals Shana Sebban Mannarini. She moved in with her family a month later but by that time the garden was dry and void of greenery. Eight years on and it is filled with mature flowering trees and plants, including an arbor of bougainvillea that connects the area originally constructed as a carport to the bougainvillea that first caught Shana’s eye, as well as frangipani, laurier rose (“this can be toxic to children and animals so be vigilant,” Shana warns), an Eastern redbud tree that Shana and her husband Gil planted in celebration of their five-year-old son Ari’s birth and another tree planted a year ago when their daughter Ari was born.

“We’re animal lovers so we wanted to create a safe haven for wildlife in the garden, which is why we grew lots of trees and shrubs, and hung bird feeding stations.” The couple run children’s edutainment concept Pearls of the Emirates (pearlsoftheemirates.com), with the aim of educating children about environment protection and animal welfare and their passion is evident throughout their outside space. There’s a cattery for their rescued street cats, while the air is filled with birdsong.

“Indian parakeets love the Indian nuts we put out for them, while ground-feeding hoopoes feed off the fallen scraps,” Shana enthuses.

Other visiting birds include hummingbirds, common mynas, Indian rollers and doves, while the couple also often spot lizards, butterflies and dragonflies. “The wildlife-filled garden takes us away from the bustle of Dubai.” bhomes.com | 47

INSPIRATION | Outdoor space

The desert landscapes of the UAE inspire the mixed media artworks by Gil and add character to their garden

“Ensure you place feeders out of the reach of cats,” says Shana. “I buy seeds from the pet shop, Indian nuts from Carrefour and hang up cuttlefish found on the shoreline for a calciumrich dietary supplement”

“It’s important to have an inspiring view when I paint.” Shana likes to paint in the early mornings with the birds’ dawn chorus.

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“As we’re both French, it was important for us to create a European atmosphere with lots of trees. Plant new trees at the end of summer so they’ve got time to get established”

bhomes.com | 49

Out on the tiles Ramp up your bathroom space with some vibrant floors and walls

Bisazza

Tiles are one of the first things we notice in a bathroom so when it comes to a renovation, consider your options carefully. There are myriad colours, sizes and materials to choose from, while the versatility of the material makes it easily customisable. Use colour and pattern to create a statement but choose no more than three different tiles to ensure a cohesive look.

50 | bhomes.com

Bisazza

Villeroy & Boch

Upgrade your space to spalevel luxury with beautiful mosaic, which is the perfect choice for a feature wall. Go for clear glass shower doors so you don’t obscure them and keep the grout lines slim to reduce the painstaking task of scrubbing them clean.

Bisazza

Pretty patterns

Fantini mosaici

Bathrooms | INSPIRATION

SERENE TOUCHES Clockwise from left: Small skittle hanging pot, Dhs40, Present Time at Namshi; Memphis print vase, Dhs35, Sass & Belle at Namshi; Black oudh fragrance sticks, Dhs255, Rituals, The Ritual of Ayurveda scented candle, Dhs125, Rituals bhomes.com | 51

INSPIRATION | Bathrooms

Bold floors

Mosaico

Statement bathroom floors are not for the faint-hearted, but they are definitely worth the risk. Combine with a timeless herringbone patterned wall for a smart look. For suppliers, we rate Mosaico (pictured, mosaico.ae), which handmakes cement tiles in Ras Al-Khaimah; Graniti (granitibuildingmaterials.com), known for kitting out plenty of local high-end villas in porcelain tiles; and RAK Ceramics (rakceramics.com), one of the biggest ceramics’ brands in the world.

Tip

LARGE-SCALE TILES CAN HELP SMALLER ROOMS APPEAR MORE SPACIOUS

Monsaraz tile, Mosaico

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Supernova tile, Mosaico

Modern monochrome Don’t be afraid to go dark. Team black and white for a moody, masculine look that gives a lasting impact.

“A monochrome palette ensures a classic look, so you can go all out in your choice of patterns,” says interior designer Alexandra Conti.

IT WON’T GO OUT OF STYLE

IT’S VERSATILE Because of its timeless quality, you can choose different patterns and sizes, from geometric shapes to stripes, chevrons and subway tiles.

It’s easy to mix with playful patterns and colours, such as florals and spots, too.

IT’S AN AFFORDABLE OPTION Plain white or black tiles tend to be cheaper than coloured or patterned options, plus you’re likely to be halfway there already as the starting point is usually a white bathroom suite.

GROUT COLOURS A SANDYTONED GROUT PAIRS WELL WITH DARK OR NEUTRAL TILES

Tip

The Hayon Collection, Bisazza Bagno. Photo by Anson Smart

Black and white is a timeless combination that won’t date, which means you won’t need to update it in a few seasons when colour trends change or when you want to resell your property.

CHOOSE ELEGANT SHAPES, SUCH AS THESE, FOR A GLAMOROUS LOOK

Grohe

A LIGHT GREY WORKS WELL FOR WHITE TILES

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INSPIRATION | home renovation

More room to play Carving out an under-the-stairs nook at this family home in Mira created an extra five square metres of play space

W

hen the Prexus family, from Denmark, moved into their brand-new home in Mira in Dubailand two years ago, finding clever ways to build in more storage was at the top of the agenda.

“While we loved our new home, the layout and design of the property meant there wasn’t a huge amount of space to stash our belongings. Plus, it lacked a dedicated play room for our daughter Emily,” says Emmett Prexus, a software engineer who has lived in Dubai with his family for five years. “It’s common for houses to have under-the-stairs storage and, although ours was blocked off, I wondered if it would be possible to excavate it.”

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Emmett called upon Bjorn Fagerlind, co-owner of Handy Scandy (+971 52 167 5464, handyscandy.com) who, after assessing the internal structure of the property, confirmed that he was onto something.

“At first I thought it was a crazy idea,” jokes Bjorn. “But after looking at the CAD drawings, I realised that we could happily go ahead. The process was fairly straightforward: we drew an opening in the wall and used a hi-tech saw with a built-in HEPA filter that sucks up dust as it goes, to start digging it out. The only unknown to the project was what we’d find on the other side. We had predicted that we’d get sufficient usable space,

but there was a danger that there’d be something inside blocking the way. When we broke through, however, we were pleasantly surprised by what we found.”

Underneath the stairs was five square metres of floor space, cluttered only by some stacks of breeze blocks, which were easily removed.

“Once the space was cleared, we set about wiring in an electrical socket, tiling the floor, plastering the walls and giving them a lick of paint,” says Bjorn. “It was then ready to be styled as Emmett and his wife Esmée wished. We’ve since had lots of enquiries from homeowners in Mira. The project seems to have sparked a trend for under-the-stairs storage.”

Home renovation | INSPIRATION

TIME TAKEN: 5 DAYS FINISHING TOUCHES The walls were painted with the washable Valspar Ultra Interior Paint (to guard against scuffs and marks) in Weathervane for a touch of drama

THE VERDICT “We’re so pleased with the end result. It’s bigger than we thought – we can even stand up in it. Emily is delighted with her play nook and spends a few hours a day in there. We’ve even used the space as a cosy guest bedroom” – the Prexus family

Turn the page to read our tops tips on planning a similar renovation in your home ➤ bhomes.com | 55

INSPIRATION | Home renovation

A handy how-to

Want your very own under-stairs cubby? Handy Scandy’s Bjorn Fagerlind has these top tips

“Make sure you plan your electrical sockets in advance, as it would be a pain (and an additional expense) to add them afterwards”

STYLING THE SPACE Esmée Prexus, a photographer, took charge of styling the space, drawing on some easy and affordable fixes to transform it into a cosy nook…

1 The shelving is from IKEA (ikea. com). Flisat wall storage, Dhs69, and Flisat doll’s house/wall shelf, Dhs125.

MAKE A PLAN: When planning a renovation project, it helps to compile a mini dossier that details what you are hoping to achieve, to hand to your contractor. Pinterest pictures or sketches are always helpful in communicating your vision.

CHECK YOUR CONTRACTOR’S CREDENTIALS: Before employing a contractor, you should always check out their previous work and whether they’ve carried out any similar projects. It’s important that they have the correct licence to carry out the work – if in doubt, ask to see their trade licence.

Any reputable contractor will be happy to show you. This will also confirm that they have the required insurance in the event that anyone is injured on the job.

ENSURE YOU HAVE PERMISSION: In the planning stages, you’ll need to check with your developer if a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required. Removing internal walls is usually straightforward, as long as the surrounding area affected is structurally sound.

CHECK THE PROJECT PLAN: This should detail the timeline and

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payment terms so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

COMMUNICATE: Start a WhatsApp group between you and your contractor so you can easily stay up to speed on what’s happening, as well as flag and respond to issues quickly and easily.

NAIL THE FLOORING: For many residences in Dubai, you can request the details for the exact floor tiles that have been used throughout simply by contacting your developer. It should be mentioned in the homeowner’s handbook. In more established developments, like Arabian Ranches, you may find that the standard tiles used have been discontinued. If this is the case, ask your contractor for advice on finding something similar – RAK Ceramics (rakceramics.com) is your best bet – or simply opt for a different shade for a point of difference.

INVEST IN GOOD MATERIALS: Further to the above, it’s important to buy the best materials your budget will allow. We have refused to work with materials that are substandard before as it can significantly affect the end result.

2 The stylish grey ball pit is from Scandinavian brand Misioo, brought over from Denmark. You can find a similar style at Mumzworld (mumzworld.com): the Meow Ball Pit in bright pink, Dhs341.25 3 The play kitchen was also bought from IKEA and fitted with wireless LED lights to help illuminate the space.

IKEA Duktig play kitchen, Dhs395.

.

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INSPIRATION | home renovation

A cute kids’ party set-up by Party Camel

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Family life | INSPIRATION

Hip hip hooray!

Make sure your kids’ birthday party goes with a bang with our top tips on organising a fun and stress-free at-home bash…

W

hile we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to kids’ party venues in Dubai, staging a party at home adds a personal touch. Plus, it’s easier than you may think.

Whether your child has a guest list as long as your arm and you want to keep your budget in check, you need to cater to a variety of age groups, or simply want to make happy memories on home turf, staging the celebration at home offers you the flexibility you need to make it work. We spoke to some of the UAE’s leading kids’ party experts for some top tips on throwing the gettogether of your little one’s dreams…

CHOOSE A THEME So you have a date in the diary, the invites are out and the RSVPs are rolling in – the first thing to decide upon is the theme.

“Hosting your child’s birthday party at home is a great way for them to have fun with their friends in their element and choosing a theme for the party automatically makes the planning process so much easier,” says Fatima Hamou, co-owner and operations director of event management company The Big Moo Events (+971 4 341 9935, thebigmoouae. com). “For younger kids, having a

unicorn theme is hugely popular at the moment while, for tweens and teens, glo (glow-in-the-dark) discos with neon decorations and glow sticks are becoming increasingly popular.”

If you’ve quizzed your child for ideas and are still none the wiser, think about the size of your group.

“If you’re only inviting a few close friends, for instance, hone in on something that’s suited to smaller gatherings, such as a teddy bear’s picnic,” says Fatima. “With that in mind, we find that kids can become overwhelmed when parties are too over the top. So although we have so many options at our fingertips, which makes it tempting to organise a big celebration, try to avoid getting carried away.”

ROLL OUT THE ENTERTAINMENT Next comes the activities and the entertainment. “If your budget is limited, entertainment and activities are the biggest areas to focus on, as kids will get the most enjoyment from them,” says Fatima.

Of course, what you choose will depend on the time of year, the size of your group and the space you have available.

“For smaller apartments and villas, select activities that are more ‘on bhomes.com | 59

Family life | INSPIRATION

the spot’ and require less moving around, such as dance competitions, circle-based games and stationed activities, such as a face painting or having a glam station,” says Natalie Goodson of Kiducation Parties (+971 56 138 5357, kiducationparties.com).

The most popular party entertainers in Dubai can get booked up quickly, so be sure to make contact with those at the top of your list at least four weeks in advance.

“Arrange an activity that engages kids one by one as soon as they arrive, then select something else that encourages all the guests to come together mid-party,’” says Natalie.

“For the former, a balloon artist, face painter or arts and crafts station will do the trick nicely, distracting the kids for just enough time for parents to catch up with each other.

For the mid-party show, aim for a high-energy entertainer, with a lot of interaction. For kids who are shy, a comedy magic show is often a hit as they can watch a series of tricks, with lots of laughs along the way.”

If you have a garden, a bouncy castle or slip and slide never fails to impress. Among the places you can hire them is Tumble Time (+971 4 348 8542, tumbletimedubai. com), which has everything from a fire engine themed bouncy house to a baby bug slide for little ones.

“The most important thing to consider when booking a bouncy castle or slide is to ask if it holds a safety certificate,” says Nory Ann, senior events coordinator, Tumble Time (+971 4 348 8542, tumbletimedubai. com). “European-made inflatables should hold the PIPA Safety Certificate.

The material is strong, and it can cope with the force of air from the British-made Gibbons fans. This means that it does not collapse with the weight of a lot of children jumping at the same time. All our inflatables hold the PIPA certification.”

If you have different age groups at your party, consider hiring separate bouncers, or only allowing similar age groups on at one time.

“Having 12-year-olds and threeyear-olds bouncing at the same time is not a good idea,” says Nory. “Plus, in the Dubai climate, bouncy castles can get hot so always book one with a sun cover.

“Turn the largest area in your home into the dining area” Safety is common sense but make sure you follow any additional guidelines given to you by the hire company.”

Got a swimming pool? Splash n Bounce (+971 4 813 5785, splashnbounce. com) is known for its cool pool parties has a great selection of inflatables, such as the Shark Attached Slide (from Dhs750 for two hours, to the Aqua Slide with Pool, Dhs1,650). If you’re nervous about having too many kids in the pool, you can even hire a qualified lifeguard through them.

FEEDING THE MASSES If you want to keep costs down, there’s

nothing like a spread of home-cooked nibbles to please a crowd. There are lots of blogs that offer suggestions, as well as plenty of ideas on Pinterest and you can cut down on prep time by picking up some pre-made fresh fruit and vegetable platters offered by supermarkets such as Spinneys.

If you need some extra support, we rate The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen (+971 4 325 6325, thelimetreecafe. com), which offers curated kids’ party menus featuring tasty little nibbles such as crumbed mac ‘n’ cheese bites, New Zealand beef sausage rolls and miniature pineapple and strawberry fruit skewers. Plus, they don’t shy away from last-minute orders. You can order online up until 6pm the night before simply click and collect.

SETTING THE SCENE On the big day, making sure your guests have enough space to enjoy themselves may require a bit of creative thinking. “Turn the largest area in your home into the dining area,” advises Natalie. “For most people, the living room works best, so you may need to consider shuffling some

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INSPIRATION | Family life

furniture around in order to make space.” Easytruck’s mobile storage pods (+971 4 321 8532, easytruck.ae) are ideal if you need to make large pieces of furniture disappear for just a short time. Of course, if you have valuable art, or sentimental ornaments, then best move them somewhere safe to avoid any damage.

“If you haven’t the space for a sitdown meal, go buffet style and set up one large table for food with stacked plates and cutlery so people can simply help themselves,” says Natalie.

Alternatively, there are many companies that rent children’s furniture and dress it up to suit your chosen theme. Polka Dot Party Hire’s (+971 55 437 4000, polkadotpartyhire.com) cute furniture, for instance, costs from Dhs10 per table or stool. Parents of older children will like their dreamy canopy tent beds for sleepovers. From Dhs900 for four beds (requiring self set-up).

If you’re decorating yourself, we rate Party Camel (+971 4 321 5156, partycamel.com), for its extensive range of party goodies, from balloons and bunting to tablewear, party bags and favours.

When setting up activity stations, you can draw upon some handy strategies to help direct the flow of guests. Place a colouring station just outside the garden doors to encourage children outside, for instance, and stack gifts at the bottom of the stairs to discourage little ones from scampering up. Close doors to any rooms that aren’t part of the party space. Lastly, set up a seperate drinks station to avoid a bottleneck around the food station.

THE BIG CLEAR UP If the party has drained you of all your energy, there are lots of cleaning companies out there that can do a postparty sweep and restore your home to its former glory. Spectrum Services (+971 4 431 0113, spectrumservices.ae) offers a before and after party cleaning services, including making sure the kitchen is spotless, all dishes and glasses are put away, the rubbish is taken out and the furniture is back in order. Freshly Maids (+971 4 368 1199, freshlymaids.ae) has a similar, dedicated service so you can steal a few moments of calm to enjoy a well-earned second helping of cake.

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Bake off

Blow out the candles on these beauties…

From the bakery Magnolia Bakery has a delicious range of birthday cakes starting from Dhs134. Available at Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall; Dubai Festival City Mall; and The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, magnoliabakery.com

Off the shelf Marks & Spencer’s Colin the Caterpillar cake has arrived in Dubai! The popular chocolate sponge roll is a guaranteed crowd pleaser (if it’s good enough for David Beckham’s 41st birthday…). Dhs79, marksandspencerme.com Bespoke bake House of Cakes can whip you up an on-trend design, from a vibrant unicorn sponge to an Angry Birds or Paw Patrol themed delight. Prices start at Dhs200 for an eight-portion cake, while more elaborate designs cost from Dhs25-35 per person/portion. It’s best to place your order at least four to five days in advance. +971 4 420 6973, houseofcakesdubai.com

UNCOVER EVEN MORE FUN AND THRILLS! Add more rides with more time spent in the water, subtract waiting in line and multiply it all by the perfect location. Now that’s what we call the ultimate formula for fun! Hurry and come out to Wild Wadi for a day of unbeatable fun with family and friends. *Terms and conditions apply.

Buy your ticket online today on wildwadi.com or call us on +971 4 348 4444

Why not buy?

Here for the long haul? Then perhaps it’s time to put down some Dubai roots

N

o-one likes to throw money away on rent, but switching from tenant to homeowner is a big step and a major financial consideration.

Betterhomes has been on the ground helping Dubai residents for over 30 years, and we think it’s a great place to invest. Let’s start with some facts...

A high achiever in every respect it’s not often that Dubai wants to drop its global rankings, but in the Mercer 2018 Cost of Living survey, which compares cities around the world, the emirate was ranked 26th in the region (down from 19th place in 2017).

Dubai also bagged 18th spot in a Deutsche Bank quality of life index of 50 top global cities and was also recently named the second safest city in the world.

Residents spend at least 40% of their income on paying rent. If you’re a ‘Dubai lifer’, do the maths!

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Moving in | PROPERTY

COST IT OUT

ASK THE INSIDER

Richard Waind, Director of Brokerage, Betterhomes IS IT A GOOD TIME TO INVEST? We are seeing more and more expats choosing to own rather than rent. There are great opportunities for residents to buy a home in Dubai and prices have come down considerably since the 2014 peak. There is now real value to be found in the secondary market, in particular.

Lower prices and low interest rates mean that for many people monthly mortgage payments would be lower than their rent on a comparable property.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER BENEFITS? The main benefit of owning is that, upon selling, you will have some equity in the property through mortgage repayment, and hopefully some capital growth. While not all property

investments see capital returns, buyers in today’s market might be more positive about prices in the next five years than the last five years. Even if prices remain flat or slightly soften further, a buyer who bought today and paid down their mortgage is likely to have a nice amount of equity in five years. Anybody renting a property over the same time will likely have paid out more on a monthly/yearly basis and will have nothing to show for it.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE THE 25% DOWN PAYMENT? For those who can afford the 25% deposit, buying makes a lot of financial sense. For those who don’t have the 25%, the off-plan market has some fantastic offers and deals from developers.

BEFORE YOU BUY

A hefty down payment isn’t the only financial outlay, with a number of up-front fees and related home purchase costs to build into your budget. These add up to around 7% of the total purchase price and include: 4% Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee (based on total property purchase price) 0.25% DLD mortgage registration fee (% of total agreed home loan) + Dhs290 admin fee Dhs2,000-4,000 property registration fee (dependent on value of property)

Grab a clean sheet of paper, sharpen a pencil and ask yourself the following questions:

Dhs2,500-3,000 property valuation fee

HOW LONG DO I PLAN ON STAYING HERE? If it’s only a couple of years or there’s a strong possibility that your company might relocate you, and the thought of renting your home out down the line sounds like too much hassle, stick to renting.

Bank mortgage set-up fee (could be zero, or anywhere up to 1% of total loan amount)

CAN I REALLY AFFORD IT? How stable is your job? If you have a regular income and your company is doing well, it’s potentially less risky. Word of warning: your mortgage is linked to your residency, so if you do end up having to leave Dubai, your mortgage will either need to be paid off (cash or house sale) or you’ll need to renegotiate the terms with the bank (if you want to rent it out, for example).

2% real estate broker fee, plus 5% VAT for agency fees

CAN I AFFORD THE DOWN PAYMENT? The first hurdle is the average 25% up-front down payment (a significant amount for any investor in any market) as well as the mortgage repayments.

It’s worth noting, however, that personal loans cannot be used to finance down payments for property investments in the UAE.

Plus, once you’ve bought, there are annual community service/maintenance fees to consider, too

4% Oqood fee for off-plan sales only

MAKE ME AN OFFER

Home loans are capped at 75%, which means that your monthly mortgage payment covers 75% of the property value plus interest.

Valid for a period of up to 25 years, fixed rate mortgage products, which usually run for a maximum of five years before switching to a variable interest rate), currently range from 3-4%.

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VILLAS WITH POOLS

Six of the best Dive into this pick of our dreamiest homes for sale and rent this month

FOR SALE

Beds: 4 Bath: 5.5 Parking: 2

AED8.7 million

1

PA L M J U M E I R A H

This stunning Garden Homes villa – which stands on Frond A and faces Atlantis The Palm, Dubai – has recently had its price reduced from

AED9 million and is mortgage free, making any prospective purchase a relatively straightforward process. Privacy is a standout feature of this

villa, with the private pool and garden area not overlooked by neighbours.

Another factor in its favour is that it’s only ever been occupied by its owner, who has maintained the property to a high standard. All of the villa’s four bedrooms are en-suite, with a maid’s room offering additional space.

For further details call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI326206, RERA Permit No. 1429138081. Nearby school and nursery: GEMS Wellington; Asya’s Nursery.

FOR RENT

Beds: 5 Bath: 6 Parking: 2

AED265k annually

2

THE VILLA

This custom-built villa features five spacious bedrooms, and a

separate study that’s fitted with wooden bookshelves. One of the

en-suite bedrooms is on the ground floor, with the rest an elevator-ride away on the villa’s first floor, which is also home to a dedicated family room and

small pantry. Back on the ground floor, the fully-fitted kitchen leads out to a

landscaped garden in which the large pool has been beautifully upgraded.

For further details call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI348173, RERA Permit

No. 0488215564. Nearby school and nursery: GEMS FirstPoint School; Kids Zone Nursery.

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View more listings at bhomes.com

FOR RENT

AED300k annually

3

THE VILLA

This unique property has been fully upgraded and features numerous examples of bespoke wall finishes throughout, many of which are a

mix of stone and wood imported from the Far East. All five bedrooms are ensuite and, in some cases, feature large balconies that have been enclosed in glass to serve as an extension of the bedroom – good to use as walk-in wardrobe, gym, or games room. The pool area is secluded and shaded

thanks to ample foliage, while some of the villa’s current furniture is included.

For further details call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI333300, RERA Permit

No. 1931352169. Nearby school and nursery: Repton School Dubai; Chubby Beds: 5 Bath: 5.5 Parking: 2

Cheeks Nursery.

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SHOP | Betterhomes Magazine

FOR SALE

AED49 million

4

Beds: 6 Bath: 8 Parking: 4

PA L M J U M E I R A H

Situated right on the beach, this luxurious villa offers stunning

views that include Atlantis The Palm,

Dubai. Located on a plot size of more

than 13,000 sq. ft., it features six en-suite bedrooms on the upper floor, with the

master bedroom boasting a Jacuzzi. The

ground floor, meanwhile, is an entertainer’s dream – the smart kitchen extends to the breakfast area and private dining room,

while the living room opens out onto the entertainment area with a swimming

pool and the landscaped gardens lending a tropical feel in keeping with the beautiful surroundings.

For further details call 04 409 0998

and quote REF: VI349311, RERA Permit No. 1778036270. Nearby school and nursery: Dubai College; Babilou Palm Jumeirah.

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View more listings at bhomes.com

Beds: 5 Bath: 4.5 Parking: 2

FOR SALE

AED4.499 million

5

ARABIAN RANCHES

This spacious five-bedroom, independent villa in Saheel is located on a plot

size of approximately 10,000 sq. ft., providing ample room for its stylish pool and

gazebo. This desirable outdoor space, in which mature planting is a feature, is the

highlight of a well-maintained home that has one of its bedrooms downstairs, along with the living/dining area, kitchen and a maid’s room. The other four bedrooms are upstairs, where you’ll also find a TV room.

For further details call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI359106, RERA Permit No. 0109507575.

Nearby school and nursery: Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS); Building Blocks Nursery.

Beds: 5 Bath: 5.5 Parking: 2

FOR RENT

AED290k annually

6

J U M E I R A H G O L F E S TAT E S

This Tuscan type villa in Orange Lakes overlooks the golf course and boasts five bedrooms, one of which is housed on the ground floor and is en-suite,

making it perfect for visiting family. The top floor, which can be accessed by an

internal elevator, houses the master and three other bedrooms. The kitchen and

laundry area come with in-built Miele appliances, while tenants also benefit from having membership of JGE’s country club.

For further details call 04 409 0998 and quote REF: VI357387, RERA Permit No. 0607769500.

Nearby school and nursery: Victory Heights Primary School; The Wonder Years Nursery.

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THE PLACE TO MOVE TO

Jumeirah Golf Estates

This peaceful golf community may have been developed around two 18hole golf courses, but it has much to offer non-players, too WHY MOVE THERE?

Jumeirah Golf Estates, or JGE in its slimmer form, has its own distinctive character, with abundant greenery, swooping parakeets, and actual gradients – the villas are plotted at different levels, making for an attractive landscape. If you like the idea of being woken by birdsong instead of car horns, this is the place for you.

THE COMMUNITY

A country club, which all property owners have to be paid-up members of, is home to a pool, gym, and daily

exercise classes, while communal events are fairly common and well attended. The lively Sports Bar here trumps the main clubhouse restaurant, Flame Tree Restaurant & Grill, and there are multiple active Facebook groups devoted to residents and a recently introduced community concierge service – a first for a community in Dubai. Enhancements to the development as a whole are made on an on-going basis.

TRANSPORT

With quick and easy access to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road or the E44 (Al Khail Road), JGE is well connected, if you drive. If not, you’ll have to wait for the opening of the planned metro station.

Meet the neighbours

SCHOOLS

There is no school within the development, but in the adjacent Victory Heights you’ll find Victory Heights Primary School, while a 10-minute drive away (if you time it just right) is Nord Anglia International School, which caters for foundation through to secondary.

SHOPPING

Within the community itself is The Fairways, home to a decent little Choithrams supermarket and handy services like a tailor, pharmacy, dry cleaning and both men and women’s hair and beauty salons.

A five-minute drive away is City Centre Me’aisem, which is anchored by a large Carrefour.

Elisha Tyler and family rent a villa in Whispering Pines We moved to Jumeirah Golf Estates four years ago, originally to a large villa in Sienna Lakes, but after a couple of years there we decided to downsize a little to free up some more disposable income.

We initially considered Silicon Oasis which would have been closer to our kids’ schools, but opted to stay in Jumeirah Golf Estates as we loved the community so much – it suits us perfectly. It’s safe for our 12-year-old son to cycle to other communities within JGE to meet his friends, and my husband and I enjoy a great social life with our neighbours and make full use of the country club facilities.

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Area guide | PROPERTY

Ask the Agent

Omar Mohammed is the resident JGE expert at Betterhomes.

If you’d like to contact him to arrange a showing or to learn of any ‘open house’ dates in the JGE development, call +971 58 206 4911 Launched in 2005, Jumeirah Golf Estates has 15 different communities in total, five of which are under construction. Jumeirah Golf Estates is the ‘master’ developer and they have designed five of the communities: Flame Tree Ridge, Redwood Park, Redwood Avenue, Whispering Pines, Olive Point, and Alandalus. The others each have a different developer.

Owners of Whispering Pines properties in particular will tell you of their superior build quality.

Golf buggies are given to owners of properties within three of the communities: Flame Tree Ridge, Redwood Park, and Whispering Pines.

The size of the properties range from 1BR-4BR apartments; 2BR-4BR townhouses; and 4BR-7BR villas.

The prices of properties are wide ranging, with Alandalus apartments starting at Dhs749,000, townhouses from Dhs3 million, and villas in the wider community going all the way up to Dhs24 million.

There has been a lot of demand in the rental market, where prices have remained steady over the past 12 months.

Sales transactions have been slower as the entry price for villas is still higher than in neighbouring communities, such as Victory Heights.

There has been a lot of interest recently from people who currently live in Al Barari and Emirates Hills but are are looking to move to Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Small families and couples who want to live in JGE should take a look at the apartments and townhouses in the soon-to-be-completed Alandalus development, or the already complete townhouses at Redwood Park.

OFF-PLAN PROPERTY FOCUS EMAAR Expo Golf Villas

3

The number of communities within JGE where homeowners are given their own golf buggies

PROPERTIES IN JGE

WHAT ARE THEY?

As the city gears up for Expo 2020 Dubai, more and more projects are being announced, with this just the latest. Expo Golf Villas – so named because they will encircle a new 18hole golf course – are available with three or four bedrooms.

WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?

In Emaar South, a huge underconstruction development that’s close to the Expo 2020 site and Al Maktoum international Airport. It will eventually comprise over 20,000 houses and a further 15,000 apartments, dotted throughout a proposed 25 parks.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?

Greenery is a key driver of Emaar’s Expo Golf Villas, with the promise of two landscaped parks to go along with that aforementioned golf course and all its necessary foliage. Aimed very much at families, an on-site community centre will house an outdoor pool and dedicated children’s play area, plus a gym. Furthermore, a clubhouse at the golf course and separate hotel will boast additional facilities, complementing the many retail and F&B outlets planned for Emaar South boulevard.

WHAT IS THE STARTING PRICE OF THE VILLAS?

The three-bedroom villas begin at AED999,888.

WHAT’S THE EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE FOR EXPO GOLF VILLAS?

August 2021.

IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE?

For Sale AED9,400,000 Wildflower, 5-bed, furnished

For Rent AED210,000 per year Redwood Park, 4-bed

There is. Spread over five years, payments are scheduled as follows: 5% down payment; 5% within 30 days of booking; 1.25% per month for 60 months; 15% final instalment.

RERA Permit No. 0783285709 For further information, call Betterhomes 800 52 2233

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