WHEN renting a property there are a few key factors that a family person looks out for that simply screams out "home" to them.
Location is very important, followed quickly by a peaceful, safe and sound environment.
Upon entering this luxurious compound in Saar, these factors were quickly ticked off the check list. Securely surrounded by a long, high white wall, the automatic manned gates open onto a community of its own.
New and beautifully designed, this compound includes 10 elegant villas, a large clubhouse with swimming pool and a very welcoming family friendly atmosphere.
The clubhouse is open to all residents of the compound and also features a hall and indoor gym. With around-the-clock surveillance and maintenance (be it indoor or outdoor) you can rest assure that all your residential needs will be met.
Each villa is surrounded by its own wall as well to ensure a touch of privacy often lost on the older compounds in the kingdom.
The entrance of the one I visited is enclosed by a lovely patch of greenery, including a palm tree, creating a striking contrast to the Arabesque construction.
The entire house is tiled with superior quality flooring that adds an elegant touch to the interior of the villa. Although each tiled room may come in a different shade, it still somehow maintains a sense of unity throughout.
The main door opens into a spacious and well lit reception foyer that leads to the impressive formal sitting/dining room area.
The large, full length windows exemplify a great amount of light within the room that adds to the feeling of spaciousness and serenity.
The design of each window throughout the house is quite unique as it is embellished by tiny balconies, which might be a perfect place to add those potted plants you brought with you from your former home.
The sitting/dining room also comes equipped with rich, warm-toned curtains and stunning decorative chandeliers.
Mind you this regal theme is maintained in every room throughout the villa. To the left is a roomy guest bedroom complete with a guest bathroom, standing shower, and a built-in closet and dresser. The guest bedroom overlooks the front yard, providing enough natural light to create an inviting feel.
The high-tech kitchen, which is also located on the ground floor, is customised to suit your every whim. Although modern in design, it still sustains a homey and cosy ambience.
The beauty of the kitchen is that everything blends in together. A mixture of wood and steel, the refrigerator is neatly hidden behind a cabinet door, while the stove top and oven are separated, creating more room for the food enthusiast to cook.
The granite countertops are aplenty, and the best part of all is that you have a beautiful view while you prepare your family meals or quick snacks. The kitchen is also connected to a reasonably-sized pantry, so get ready to stock it up with the treats and spoils your family deserves!
Another guest bathroom is strategically placed by the staircase right across from the sitting/dining area. The long vanity set is a great addition and is spacious enough to lay out some fancy embroidered hand towels and scents for your guests. It will make them feel very welcomed.
A wooden staircase snakes up to the top two storeys of the house. The first floor consists of three comfortably capacious bedrooms that open up to a snug family area.
Each bedroom is elegantly accessorised with chandeliers, vibrant curtains, ensuite bathrooms and dazzling tiled flooring.
The master bedroom, however, stands out from the rest, as it is larger, brighter and the bathroom has a lovely white tub as well as a standing shower and a more lavish vanity set.
Having a kitchenette available on the first floor is a blessing for those that don't feel up for that walk downstairs every time they require a snack or some refreshments, plus you know it's safer when the kids are around.
A sizeable storage space can be found at the far end of the kitchenette in case more room is required such as for cleaning goods.
The villa is fully equipped with the latest in technology such as an intercom connecting every floor, satellite feed, and central air-conditioning throughout.
Making your way to the second floor you will find a homely maid's quarter, another bathroom with a standing shower, and a kitchenette in which you will already find a state of the art washer and dryer ready for use.
The roof top can be accessed from the second floor, presenting the residents with an attractive view, be it day or night.
When residents get bored of being indoors and are eagerly looking for that cool breeze, hot sun, or just some good old fresh air, step out to a huge garden area that leaves plenty of room for the kiddies to play and enough space for adults to lounge.
There is also a servant's quarter and bathroom located in the back of the villa that leads to the double car garage, but it is not connected directly to the backyard.
This semi-furnished villa is a mere couple of minutes away from the highway leading to Hamad Town from Burgerland Roundabout in Budaiya, leaving all roads open and easily accessed when needed.