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I am still undecided about what to do tonight, though. Two choices
seem to dominate my thoughts: Do I spend a quiet evening in the
comfort of my sofa in front of my large plasma TV, or should I just
stay rooted in this deckchair and ask the chef to cook up something
light but sumptuous, like the meal she presented me with two nights
ago?
If owners of 'The Residence' ever decided on keeping a diary, then
this would be a daily entry. In a luxury residential estate such
as this, one expects days to be as deliciously lazy but filled with
one's interests and wishes of things that were not allowed to experience
to their fullest because of lack of time.
The concept of The Residence in Bangtao area belongs to the Richmond
group, a Hong-Kong based company that has been offering asset management
services -and profitable ones at that- for over twelve years. The
Richmond Group is responsible not only for the concept but also
for the day to day operations of a total of 21 luxury villas that
will be constructed on an estate covering 16000 sq.m. of land. Two,
three and four bedroom villas ranging from 311 to 866 square metres
will be set amongst lush, tropical gardens in this exclusive gated
estate, offering contemporary details infused with Asian style.
Fredo Taffin of Espace, whose other acclaimed creations include
the chic Kudeta and Downtown Apartments in Bali, is the architect
behind the villas that are built of entirely local materials. Maka
wood, a material emulating natural warmth while accentuating luxury
by adding texture to the surrounding, decorates the floors of the
entire villa. Sydney aluminum windows open to discreet outdoor gardens,
whether it be in the bedrooms or in the en-suite bathrooms. The
rooms are spacious, fitted with large beds and all the amenities
required, just as the bathrooms all contain vanities that only few
could resist. The living room becomes one with the pool through
large ceiling to floor windows, while lights in the pool area are
well positioned to adorn the place with subtle illumination which
adds to the feeling of beauty the villa emanates. A sala strategically
placed on the top floor not only provides an area of get away, but
is an exceptional spot for parties and BBQs!
The Residence villas are designed to cater to every individual's
needs and owners get to choose what amenities they would like to
have installed in their private paradises. Thus, a room that some
might use as a guest bedroom can for others be converted into an
office space. Wireless broadband Internet access is inclusive in
all the villas. The same room could be transformed into a sound-proof
multimedia room fitted with a home theatre and communication centre,
surround sound, indoor and outdoor speakers and a 42 inch wall mounted
plasma TV controlled by touch screen remote control. Coupled with
the latest security technology, which could optionally allow owners
to view live any interior or exterior space of their villas from
anywhere in the world, The Residence is undoubtably equipped to
provide the highest comfort.
A spa and fitness studio, conference room and administration office
will also be part of The Residence to complete and compliment the
services provided to its prestigious residents. Needless to say,
property management will be carried out by the Richmond Group, making
sure that residents have more time to enjoy their private space
and less to worry about maintenance and paying bills.
A tour of the showroom villa is bound to convince the prospective
buyer of the sense it makes to invest in a property, which can yield
8 -9% returns in the first year and increase in value as the years
go by. Mr. Murphy, General Manager of the Richmond Group, informs
me that most buyers see The Residence primarily as an investment
cum retirement home. Their perception is justified considering the
fact that Phuket is becoming more and more popular, not in the least
because of the facilities one can enjoy here, such as international
hospitals and schools.
The Residence is phase one of a two-phase development on this more
than spacious piece of land. Phase 2 of the development will comprise
20 ultra chic luxury townhouses, The Villas, each with its own private
swimming pool. Residents of The Villas will be sharing the spa facilities
of The Residence, making them all the more desirable to prospective
buyers.
With the seasoned and solid reputation of a company such as the
Richmond Group, investing in The Residence is definitely a sound
plan for anyone interested in property in Phuket. After all, all
one can ask for is their personal, private corner in which to enjoy
and relax. The Residence offers just that!
Another day is slowly winding down, as the sun sets around me. I
must admit, my days here are not been very busy, but this is the
reason I decided on being here in the first place. This morning
I spent a couple of hours golfing with some people I met the other
day on the golf course. After lunch with them, I returned home to
log onto the internet, just so that I don't completely lose track
of the world out there!
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