Real estate Penang

Ideal homes have recreation facilities, amenities and access roads to work all within a short distance. That is, if one is not working from home or retired already.

A modern home nowadays, include all these and more. The trend now is towards going back to nature, without sacrificing the creature comfort that we all are well used to. A properly built home pays attention to the well-being of its occupants, such as incorporating soothing water features and also being eco-friendly by minimizing the usage of excessive power resources. Not only aesthetically pleasant, all features have certain functions as well. For example, you may think that a wooden louver looks good in the courtyard but actually it functions as a natural heat exchanger instead of using an electric compressor of an air-conditioning for the purpose. Clever, isn't it?

These are what affluent home-owners are looking for. Rising property value makes investing in homes that guarantees good return over time, a prudent step.

"The Sanctuary" at Batu Uban, Penang is all of the above, and more. Being the owner of one of the units clearly shows that you "have arrived". The location was a former military quarters for high-ranking officials. It was a natural bivouac overlooking the sea. Actually, very few people even noticed of its existence because the entrance to the base was just a small nondescript lane going uphill guarded by a metal barrier and a small sentry post.

However, now, the location is clearly signposted. That does not mean that it has become easily accessible because there is a security post with automatic barrier with an electronic pass key system for the residents. To view the showhouses, one has to make an appointment with the real estate agent.

We were lucky to have Mr. E.B Yeoh, our agent, who made prior arrangement for us to view one of the show houses. Upon entering the enclave, after the gate, we were treated to an expansive view of the sea, Jerejak island and the Penang bridge. A few short turns and we arrived at a unit called "Vogue".

The showhouse we visited is a three storey bungalow, complete with a garage, maid quarters, a guest room, a study, formal dining and living areas and three spacious bedrooms. Clever use of the terrain made it interesting because it gave the two uppermost levels un-obstructive view of the sea. It is a typical contemporary, minimalist design by a renowned Australian architect, John Colliere.

Looking at the specifications and indoor decor, one could not help but think that the building itself was really well designed and constructed. I particularly, did pay attention to details and was very delighted with the teak flooring, imported high quality fittings and finishes throughout the house. These long-lasting features definitely would add good value for investment to discerning buyers.

Overall, the house was full of natural light. High ceiling of up to 13 feet are provided in selected areas and 8 feet high main entrance door gave off a luxurious feeling. In order to get to the main entrance, visitors had to go up a few steps on the side of the building which led straight to the formal living and dining room.

At the current selling price of RM2.69 million, I would say that you would not get a better deal in Penang for this kind of property.

Unfortunately, we did not have the time to view all types of homes being offered. The other three types being "Magnifique", "Glamourette" (both also designed by John Colliere) and semi-detached town villas. However, we have here some photos and specifications of the other types of homes.

Good to mention also that the Sanctuary, being located in Batu Uban is a stone's throw away from Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Penang bridge. Penang International airport is less than 15 minutes away and during low traffic, you may get to Georgetown in 10 minutes using the new coastal highway.

The International School, the golf course at Bukit Jambul Country Club, the Equatorial Hotel and the private hospital Pantai Medical Center are also within 15 minutes drive. The Queensbay Mall, is less ten minutes away, where you can get daily provisions, beauty parlors, designer goods, restaurants, banks and the post office all under one roof.

If you happen to have an office at the Free Industrial Zone, it is also about 15 minutes drive from Batu Uban. Once all your daily necessities are secured, you may go home to the Sanctuary.

Enquire about real estate Penang and in particular the Sanctuary property by filling up your particular here. There's no place better to start you enquiries about real estate in Penang.

Enquire about the Sanctuary property by filling up your particular here.

More details about The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary, as the name implies is a a gated hillside enclave of limited editions three-storey houses and double-storey town villas. As you enter the property, the rest of the hectic world seems to melt away and instead you are presented with a tranquil view of Penang that very few have the privilege to enjoy.

Phase I of the development is now completed and being occupied (as of April 2008). It comprises of 21 detached bungalows and 11 semi-detached houses. Phase 2, the final addition to the development, is being launched and will provide only another 35 limited-edition three-storey bungalows: Vogue, Glamourette and Magnifique.

The car porches are designed to accommodate space for up to five cars. The guest room can double as a SOHO (Small-Office/Home-Office). The built-up area ranges from 390 square meters to 575 square meters (4200 to 6200 square feet). All homes have built-in security system with CCTV monitors and also electronic gates for the resident's safety and also peace of mind.

The Magnifique is tall and thin with a facade that reminds one to a Spanish Hacienda. Separate maid's entrance and quarters give extra privacy for the rest of the family. The master bedroom has an indoor garden that adjoins to its en suite bathroom.

The Glamourette is eclectic and modern with a tropical outlook. Enough outdoor space was provided which you can either use as a barbecue/picnic area or an extra parking space. The master bedroom suite is very special with its own rooftop garden and a generous space layout encompassing 137 square meters (1480 square feet).

The semi-detached town villas are also two storey buildings, with architecture similar to the other three types mentioned before. There are outdoor areas which include the porch, front yard and the backyard. Bedrooms/study on the top floor and there is a maid's room next to the kitchen

You should be rest assured that the materials used to built the homes at the Sanctuary are of the best quality. For example, clay bricks are used throughout. Natural stone facade was built on selected units (like for Vogue). Imported granite tiles grace the entrance portico.

Indoors, Burmese teak flooring was chosen in living areas and bedrooms and the flooring has underlay timber batten to ensure evenness and increases its durability. 2 feet by 2 feet polished homogenous tiles are laid
throughout the dry kitchen and also the guest room.

For the bathrooms, homogenous wall tiles are laid up to the ceiling so that you can minimize maintenance in terms of the needs of repainting. Granite vanity tops were imported especially for the homes and master bedroom en suite has double wash basins. All sanitary wares and tap fittings were imported from Europe and Japan. The list: TOTO brand (Japanese) for WC and wash basins, Kaldewei brand (German) for the long baths and Remer (Italian) and Grohe (German) brands for the tap fittings.

Concealed air-conditioning piping are pre-installed discretely. Galvanised iron (GI) anti crack netting was used between the mortar to minimize cracks. GI angle beads are installed at corners to prevent chipping due to accidental knocks. Roof truss are also made of GI as it is lighter, long lasting, needs little maintenance and rust proof.

As for added security, all homes has automatic gates, home security system, motion detector, smoke detector and outdoor siren. Durable and reliable parasol locksets were imported from Australia and are used for the main doors and the bedrooms.

If all these features are not enough to convince you that the Sanctuary offers privacy, safety and great value for money, please come and see the place yourself. Make an appointment with our real estate agent. He would be pleased to show you around.

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