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When we explored this villa in Al Marsa Floating City, an area of Amwaj Islands off the coast of Muharraq, the sun was setting and a cool breeze whipped across the island from the Gulf.
A family enjoyed a drink by the canal on their private jetty and a small boat puttered along the network of waterways that meander through this section of the 30 million sq ft development.
From the back garden we watched a couple walk a dog along the beach, a little boy ride along the pavement on a bike and two children bounce up and down on a trampoline.
Unlike many residential areas of Bahrain, Al Marsa's residents appear to have perfected outdoor living. And although the development has yet to be completed there is already a real sense of community.
Cars fill garages, jet skis and boats are moored at the end of the gardens, and people of varying ages can be seen enjoying what is undoubtedly becoming a scenic community.
This villa, set over 647 sqm, enjoys a prime position. Located at the end of a row of villas, it is just a stone's throw from the sea and built directly on the canal.
While the house looks typical from the exterior - a modern design with hints of classical Arab architecture and arabesque windows - the interior is full of surprises.
From the front of the property there is a large covered driveway, a staff quarters and a pretty entrance trellis that leads to the front door.
The ground floor of the property is cleverly designed and split into three open-plan reception rooms, with floor to ceiling French doors and windows that bathe the property in light and look over the canal and the sea to the east.
The main reception room is large and would make a stylish and contemporary sitting room. To the left is a raised area, located next to the large fitted kitchen which makes an ideal dining room with views of the sea.
To the right of the sitting room is another reception space which overlooks the property's private swimming pool set on the side of the canal.
Upstairs there are four bedrooms on the first floor, two of which have en suite bathrooms and a family bathroom. The bathrooms are modern and tasteful integrating ceramic and wood.
Three of the bedrooms have French doors that lead to a terrace with views of the canal and the Gulf.
Up another flight of stairs is a mezzanine level with a beautiful fifth bedroom complete with an en-suite bathroom.
One of the highlights of the property is the magnificent 20 ft by 20 ft terrace on this level of the building
It is high enough to catch a cool coastal breeze and it would make an idyllic roof garden and a perfect spot for sunbathing and entertaining.
Another surprise is an anteroom that opens up from the terrace. This room would make a perfect gymnasium or a peaceful work studio, separate from the rest of the house.
But the property doesn't stop there. Up yet another level, there is a final L-shaped room that could be used as another bedroom, a cosy den or a study.
The house has been impeccably designed both aesthetically and practically. The property is filled with natural light and there is plenty of useful storage space. It is elegant and modern while still being family-friendly.
Its location is idyllic and the property's outside areas are stunning. The swimming pool is illuminated at night by a lamppost and the lights from the villas opposite dance on the calm waters of the canal, while beyond are the beaches and the sea.
