By Mai Al Khatib-Camille
Located in Hamala, a couple of minutes away from the highway and numerous facilities, the four Mannai Villas majestically stand side by side, beautifully laid out and well designed.
It was obvious that these homes were built with luxury and comfort in mind.
Fully secured outside and in, each villa comes equipped with the latest in high-tech security systems, while the walls surrounding the villas offer further privacy.
Pulling up at one of the villas we could not stop 'oohing' and 'ahahing' at the properties impressive proportions.
The walls surrounding it boast wrought iron designs and a lovely decorative gate. But as the gates were flung open, we began to really appreciate this property.
A brick pathway leading to the grand entrance separates the two flourishing green gardens in front, adding to the villa's aesthetic.
The pool area to the left side of the house is charming with a good-sized pool and a pretty fountain that shoots out jets of water.
Tiled earth-toned lounge seating faces the pool, adding an intimate place to relax and enjoy warm days and evenings after plenty of splashing around.
A cosy glow is added by the tiled wall art-deco and warm spotlights around the lounging area, and a matching counter which could be used for grilling needs.
The area is shaded by a wooden shelter with a glass roof top that is also slightly parted to help ease in that cool breeze. With the beautiful weather that lies ahead, everything is ready for entertaining outside.
Walking towards the sandy-coloured brick house, I could not wait to open up the large decorative doors set between two pillars that gave the entrance a feeling grandeur.
The reception area is gorgeous. There are elegant and well proportioned, spacious living room and dining rooms and polished marble flooring adds to the grace of the rooms.
The spacious living area is located on the left and the huge windows display a view of the pool.
On the way to the formal dining area there was a guest bathroom by the staircase with an ivory vanity set - very classy and chic.
Both the living and dining area are the only rooms within the house that had central air-conditioning while the other rooms are set up with split air-conditioning.
The guest bedroom was also located on the ground floor with parquet flooring, a great view, and a wooden closet with slide-in glass doors ... every woman's dream come true. The bathroom was equipped with top notch amenities, such as a heated towel rack and a hair dryer.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a state-of-the-art dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator with an ice machine that dispenses both cubed and crushed ice, plus a stove and oven. The marble countertops and steel racks create plenty of cooking space to whip up extravagant meals.
The kitchen is also in close range of the dining area which will make matters run smoothly during dinner parties which any owner is sure to contemplate in a villa like this. Despite the grandeur and the size of the villa, the property has a very inviting, homely atmosphere. Prepare yourself for a lot of family and friends stopping by!
Under the staircase is a little surprise waiting to be discovered. A central vacuum cleaner was tucked away ready to rid the new homeowners of any dirt after moving-in day. It's definitely a tool worth having.
Walking up the staircase I couldn't help but admire the flowery-designed iron railing that embellished the quietly ornate and elegant fell of the house.
In contrast, the chandeliers and ceiling lamps, have a sleek-silver look, bringing hints of stylish modernity to this family home.
Once at the top of the stairs you face a sizable family room that features a delightful sky light that is sure to brighten your mornings as you step out of any one of the numerous rooms on that floor.
The first floor consists of four bedrooms with built-in closets and ensuite bathrooms and a study-cum-home office. The master bedroom has a beautiful view which you can enjoy on an extended balcony that connects both windows.
The bathroom features a double Jacuzzi with head rests on both sides and a standing shower, unlike the other bathrooms in which two have tubs and one is fitted with a standing shower. And, although the other rooms do not match in comparison to the master bedroom's size, they still remain spacious and elegant.
The study is located right beside the master bedroom and has parquet flooring.
The second floor consists of a storage space that comes equipped with a shelving unit, which will definitely come in handy, and an exit onto the roof which is simple and can be useful, with the help of a little imagination.
For your own convenience, you can find each floor with an intercom including the kitchen.
A satellite and wireless feed is also present throughout the villa, adding to that new age experience of lots of smart gadgetry.
Outside, the back of the house is completely laid out with a brick path way leading to the double car garage. Also outside is another fully-equipped kitchen with a washer and dryer, a maid's quarter with built in closet and a bathroom, another storage room, and a changing room for the pool.
Altogether a peaceful, picturesque and comfortable property in a desirable location.