Riffa Views aims to provide suburban living combining serene landscapes and greenery, state-of-the-art homes and international facilities.
It will be one of the first major residential developments in Bahrain and will comprise three signature estates.
The focus at Riffa Views is on creating a picturesque setting where people can live life to the full in a sporting and healthy environment.
On course for completion in November are an 18-hole PGA championship Colin Montgomerie-designed golf course and a nine-hole executive golf course. A country club, a tennis facility in association with Boris Becker, plus a shopping mall are also planned alongside the newly-opened international school, all surrounded by pleasant walkways and parklands.
The Lagoons, one of the three residential estates, is set in a tropical environment of sparkling blue waters and lush green plants. This estate offers two and three bedroom townhouses and three styles of villa. Villas built in the Lagoons are in a contemporary style with simple exteriors giving each home a sleek look and feel while the interiors are spacious and inviting.
Simon Harding-Roots, chief operating officer at Treasury Holdings China Limited, bought two villas at the Lagoons hoping to make one his family home while renting out the other.
He said: 'I purchased the deluxe four bedroom show villa in the Lagoons Estate at Riffa Views soon after it was completed about 18 months ago.
'I was very taken with the location, which is unique. It has wonderful long views out across green landscaping and up to the Riffa Fort. I particularly didn't want views on to the actual championship golf course so there was no disruption from players.
'I also liked the proximity to the Country Club as it is literally a five minute walk! In fact my wife and I liked it so much that we actually decided to also buy the larger five bedroom premier show villa next door with the intention of living there with our two children. We would then rent the other one as an investment.'
However, Simon was later offered a job in Shanghai and relocated with his family. He said: 'While the job offer was very exciting, it was slightly disappointing as we would not be able to move in to our new dream home! We had lived in Bahrain for two-and-a-half years and loved it. We still miss it.
'I was in the property development business while I was there and so also had a bit of an insight into the construction of the villas - if I was prepared to buy there the quality had to be good!
'So, it is with some sadness that we have decided to face reality in that it's unlikely we will be moving back to Bahrain, at least for some time, and, therefore, it is logical for us to sell the properties rather than manage both as rentals from such a long way away.
'I am sure whoever moves in will have a wonderful time there. I am jealous of them having access to a golf course right on their doorstep!'
The five bedroom show villa consists of a two-car garage, beautiful landscaping and shaded back garden.
The ground floor boasts a spacious living room, a dining room, family room with washroom, a laundry room and an open-plan kitchen and outdoor kitchen. There is also a storage room under the staircase, a guest bathroom with shower and a guest bedroom with built-in wardrobe. The maid's quarters and en-suite bathroom can also be found on the ground floor.
The first floor consists of four bedrooms and a sizable family room. The master bedroom features a dressing area, an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower and a long terrace. The next bedroom features a dressing area, en-suite bathroom and a terrace. The second bedroom consists of a built-in wardrobe, an en-suite bathroom and a larger terrace which can accommodate patio furniture. The third bedroom also features a built-in wardrobe and en-suite shower room. Central cooling runs throughout the entire villa.
The four bedroom villa is just as lavish with a shaded back garden and garage, lovely landscaping and wide open spaces. The ground floor has a grand majlis, dining room and family room. There is also a fully-fitted kitchen, outdoor kitchen and a laundry room. The guest bedroom, which could be used as an office, is also on the ground floor and features a built-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom with a storage room under the staircase.
The first floor consists of a family room and three bedrooms.
The master bedroom features a dressing area, en-suite bathroom and a balcony. The other two bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and share a bathroom with a shower.
According to Simon: 'They both are a great buy because as well as the unique location, the gardens are fully planted and now quite mature whereas the other villas do not have this included in the price. The stylish furniture that Riffa fitted them out with is also available by separate negotiation.'
A selling point for Simon was that the international school within Riffa Views is only about 10 minutes' walk away. He said: 'I think another great thing about Riffa is that you are just 20 minutes' drive from Manama yet on a secure, gated development and part of the first championship golf course facility in the country.
'You can walk to the shops, school and country club. From an investment perspective I considered it had very strong potential for rental due to the lack of quality accommodation available for families to rent. It is also very well situated for families where the husband is working in Saudi and commuting across the Causeway, which is 10 minutes' drive away.'
