Natural delights

When the wife of the current owner of this picturesque property first laid eyes on the villa she declared: “Get that house!” He willingly acquiesced. And it’s understandable; this covetable home in Saar is utterly unique.  

Tucked away on a cul-de-sac just off Saar Avenue it enjoys a peaceful and secluded location. Trees line each side of the road and bougainvillea blooms from neighbouring walled gardens. It is as bucolic as Bahrain gets.

Behind a pair of elegant wrought iron gates a large courtyard leads to a striking single-storey hacienda-style villa.

There are no fewer than five garages set on either side of the courtyard as well as a self-contained staff quarters.

Vast floor to ceiling studded doors welcome the awed visitor and open onto a magnificent 24 metre-long octagonal atrium.

The property totals 1,724 sqm, and the wide hall, which stretches from one end of the building to the other, is an impressive spectacle.

A skylight that is so high you have to crane your neck at a 45 degree angle to view it, allows natural light to flood the hall. Further on, a vaulted ceiling with stained glass windows provides another striking space.

Built in 2001, the property has been painstakingly refurbished by the current owner who recruited a top Scottish interior designer to create a contemporary, stylish space.

“It took six months work, ripping up the floors and reworking things,” he explained, “but it was worth it.”           

Palestinian marble and walnut flooring, bespoke cabinetry, state-of-the-art audio systems, swiveling plasma TVs and lighting, were shipped in or sourced from local retailers.  

Names like Rolf Benz, Bang & Olufsen and Natuzzi jostle with the impeccable designs of local craftsmen.

Local celebrated artist Jessica Watson-Thorpe’s paintings line the walls.

A chic but comfortable kitchen, made by German designers Siematic is the heart of the property. Polished granite floors, wooden units and granite work-tops make up a well-designed family-friendly kitchen. Floor to ceiling windows and French doors open onto the garden terrace which is perfect for barbeques.

“Everyone seems to gravitate to the kitchen,” says the owner, “People always seem to end up here during parties.”

For entertaining, this villa is ideal. The dining room, sitting room and raised bar area are open plan, allowing seamless interaction between the spaces. Walnut floors are matched by crisp-edged walnut paneling in the sitting room.

These spaces are modern, muted and uncluttered without being remotely austere.

Each room is designed to maximise outside views, making the property feel particularly light and airy.

Outside, the shaded terrace area is spacious enough to house large comfortable sofas and armchairs, as well as a big table for al fresco dining.

A good size pool with built-in stools dominates the garden. 

“The kids love it. They spend all day in the pool,” explained the owner. “And it’s completely private. I have never seen another house in Bahrain with 100 per cent privacy.”

The property also has five bedrooms – although one is currently used as a playroom. The stylish master bedroom suite has a dressing area with enough closet space to house a boutique, a large bathroom with double shower and Jacuzzi bath and French windows that open onto the terrace.   

The remaining four bedrooms are all elegantly appointed and spacious providing plenty of room for family and guests.

An architectural gem which is completely private, where spaces flow gracefully into one another, this is the kind of house that rarely surfaces in Bahrain … for good reason. If it was yours you wouldn’t want to let it go.