The Residence is the Richmond Group?s initial outing into the pool villa market. The company already has other hotels located around Phuket, but for luxury private villas and townhouses, Richmond chose the booming Bangtao area. Located within five minutes of the beach and five minutes from Tesco Lotus, the location is as beautifully scenic as it is convenient. Nathanial Bibby, Richmond?s sales and marketing coordinator, is confident in the future of the region.

?Over the last few years, land prices have risen 300 percent,? he says. Surin and Bangtao are not as developed as other parts of Phuket, but they do appear to be very sought after areas. Just look at the many developments in the early stages to confirm that a lot of investment and property transactions are taking place at the moment.

The Richmond Group plans to ?not only build a brand in Phuket, but also build a reputation,? Bibby adds. To that end, the Residence has just completed phase two of an intended four, which amounts to 43 of 89 total units. Only six plots remain, as investors and lifestyle buyers alike are quickly realizing the potential and very real possibility that The Residence villas could be of the highest quality not only in Phuket but also Asia.

There are two types of property at the resort; private detached pool villas and town house style villas. They both contain a private swimming pool, if the five-minute walk to the beach seems just too strenuous on a hot day. The pool villas are exceptionally private; there is a surrounding wall around each property, which can only be accessed through a locked door. This is the only way to gain access into the magnificent garden and swimming pool area. Sun loungers, water features, statues and palm trees surround the pool, but there is never a feeling of clutter. Space is not a problem with these properties, and every attempt has been made to utilize the abundant space in the best way possible.

French architect Fredo Taffin, who was also responsible for designing pool villas and town houses in Bali, has created a wonderfully high standard for these Bangtao villas. They have succeeded in ?blending the internals into the external area so that guests can enjoy the unique atmosphere of Thailand,? Bibby adds. Prospective buyers can choose from a set list of design options, but with Taffin?s excellent designs, many buyers just leave it to the professionals.

Stepping through the front door into the wide and open expanse of the living room, space is again not an option for concern. There are lovely dark wooden floors and cabinets and also lots of wicker furniture throughout, creating an earthy and natural atmosphere that complements the beautiful green surrounding within which The Residence is set. The master bedroom also has access to the swimming pool via patio doors. The vibrancy of the living room continues into the master bedroom where light and warm colours lead you into the large en-suite bath complete with his and her sinks. Each villa also has a telephone with direct access to the reception desk and the many services that it offers. These include arranging spa treatments or housekeeping, or room service. The second bedroom, which is almost as large, also contains an en-suite bath.

Both inside and outside, the villa has been designed with an incredible attention to detail. The top of the villa is also exquisitely well thought out. That?s right: There is access to the roof, where barbecues, sunbathing or just the great views can be enjoyed.
The town villa style of property is set out over two floors but contains similar specifications and design. One of the only differences is that there is not as much space for a dining room table as there is in the pool villa, so countertop eating is the standard here ? or eating al fresco of course! Every villa comes fully furnished and has wifi capabilities.

There is also an impressive luxury spa and fitness centre on site. It is easy to agree with Bibby when he states that The Residence has ?over invested in design and quality?.

The Residence
A collection of luxury pool villas and town homes in a five-star resort with a spa, fitness centre, beach club, and management services

Location
80 metres from Bangtao Beach, Cherng Talay

PRICING
7.5-30 million baht

CONTACT
Nathanial Bibby
08-1084-4114
sales@richmondth.com
www.richmondth.com