bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

SCMP Reporter

IT was only 10 am, but already the heat shimmered over Hongkong as the temperature edged up to the promised 30-degree mark.

  Standing outside on the terrace of this Kotewall Road apartment, the benefits of living up high were apparent as a cooling breeze kept the temperature down.

  Also apparent, were the joys to be had from owning a large home with an enormous terrace.

  The living area of this Villa Veneto apartment is about 2,600 square feet.

  But the piece de resistance must be the 2,000-square-foot terrace with views looking over trees, across the city and out on to the harbour; and another 1,000 square feet of courtyard on the other side of the house.

  Here, there is room to move. Room to live. Plenty of space to party. And the current owner has made sure that the terrace was put to good use in that respect with outdoor seating and tables for 24 guests.

  At one end of the stone-tiled terrace is a built-up barbecue area suitable for catered parties.

  Landscaped gardens, planted trees, potted plants, rocks and a small fountain create the atmosphere of a Mediterranean garden.

  The highrises make for an impressive sight, but they are far enough away not to impose on the views of the busy Victoria Harbour.

  And they are far enough away not to impede those delightful breezes.

 If you can drag yourself away from this peaceful garden scene, step inside the apartment itself, some of that restful mood will follow you.

  Here is a home which has been loved for eight years and the current owners have certainly left their stamp.

  Statues lend an exotic touch.

  Carved wooden frames around mirrors and paintings, wall hangings and other imported decorations increase the feeling of being somewhere far away from Hongkong.

  On entering the apartment, a door on the left opens on to a large room which would serve as a private dining room or a guest room. It has a pleasant aspect, looking over the miniature jungle on the terrace.

  On the right, is the guest's bathroom which has double hand basins and a shower bath.

  The unit is centred on a large living room with sliding glass doors on to the terrace. This room is furnished in pinks and greys with a couple of settees and a chintz-covered chaise lounge.

  Small spotlights add a touch of Hollywood to the home.

  The open area flows off to a casual dining and entertaining area. Off this is the kitchen and adjoining serving area, which is currently being used as a children's dining room.

  The kitchen is small and has scope for modernisation. But it is perfectly usable and could easily be expanded to take in the serving area.

  At the end of the room is a large storage room which would be ideal for a really enormous pantry.

   Also adjoining the kitchen is a maid's quarters with shower and bath.

  Further along the hallway is the main bedroom and, opposite, the children's room.

  The main bedroom is a generous area. A wall has been knocked down to convert two rooms into one.

  At one end is a mirrored wall. To the right is a walk-in closet with hanging space along two walls.

  The en suite bathroom is identical in design to the guest bathroom.

  Across the hallway is the children's bedroom. This is a bright, sunny room which has been enhanced by the construction of an annex.

  The annex is, in effect, a children's play area. But it could easily be used as another bedroom or remodelled to become a nursery.

  From here, the view is of the outside courtyard and its surroundings of lush foliage and trees.

  Around the back is a second sleeping area for a maid. There is also a large outdoor shower and laundry room.

  One of the notable features of this home is that there is a view from almost every room. The front has the terrace and views of the city. To the back, there is the shaded, cool courtyard.

  Add a table and chairs and it is the perfect spot for afternoon tea or a breakfast for two.

  Or perhaps it is the place to sit and read after a few lengths in the good-sized swimming pool, which serves the residents in the villa.

  For the children, there is a play area with swings and playground equipment.

  This unit is a real gem. There is scope here to give the interior decor a pick-me-up treatment.

  The home has central air-conditioning and is protected by a Chubb alarm system.

  It also has two covered parking bays.

  Interested parties should contact Ranee Singh at Lindsay and Associates.

FACT FILE ADDRESS: Villa Veneto Apartments, Kotewall Rd.

SIZE: 2,600 square feet.

PRICE: $12.5 million.

FEATURES: 2,000-square-foot terrace with views of Central, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, children's play area, two maid's quarters, courtyard, living room, small reception area.

AGENT: Lindsay and Associates.



Shining gem in ideal setting