A Passion For Paradise
The people behind The Lotus Terraces project are aiming to make their vision of paradise on Samui one that can be shared by you.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
When you meet property developers there are certain traits and characteristics that are usually obvious: experience, professionalism, knowledge of the market, or their architectural style of choice. With Manfred and Carol McDermott from The Lotus Terraces, their overwhelming desire to get everything just right for them, their customers and the island is what’s immediately evident.
Unlike many larger development companies, this is not just another money-making investment project to add to a reputation-building portfolio. The Lotus Terraces is a one-off project specifically designed to create an environment that will enable them, and anyone who buys on the development, to maximise their enjoyment of the island.
Manfred and Carol first came to Samui in 1999 and have been regular visitors ever since. Originally they planned to buy some beachfront land and build five simple houses; one for them and one each for their four daughters. However, once they started looking into things the plans were revised, a business partner was introduced, and the exciting result is The Lotus Terraces.
A small and exclusive development of luxury homes in a truly spectacular location, The Lotus Terraces has been carefully thought-out to ensure that every home can benefit from the beauty of the area and the available sea views.
Manfred and Carol have extensive hospitality experience, having owned a successful spa and a luxury property rental business in Canada. Michael Nagel, their friend and business partner, is the General Manager for a prestigious international hotel group and also has vast knowledge of working within Asia.
The reason that The Lotus Terraces is a one-off is that the developers in this instance are not only planning to own property on the project, but they plan to live there. So, that’s why so much effort is being made to create the perfect environment for them to personally enjoy the island lifestyle.
By employing leading professionals in all areas of the project, the build quality, finish and overall appeal of the homes is not in any doubt. But, you don’t have to rely on 3D images and artists’ impressions to see the finished product, as three of the homes are already finished and ready to be viewed; the others are under construction and a visit to the site will enable you to see how quickly things are coming together.
Having developers with such a personal interest can only be positive for anyone considering buying property here; especially when those developers are so passionate about hospitality, and about Samui itself. If you’re looking for a luxurious home near the beach then you can expect an intimate and friendly community in a serene yet convenient location. Or if you’re considering a rental investment then the positioning, style and professional rental management program make The Lotus Terraces a must-view project.
Set back from the ring-road, the project is on a plot that gently slopes down to a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach. At the top of the property are town-houses all looking out across a shared pool, between the villas, and out to the ocean. Incorporated in this area is a fully-equipped air-conditioned gym and underground car parking for the whole development.
A waterfall feature cascades from the pool to the central pathway that leads down the middle of the project through the villas and all the way to the large lotus pond feature, communal gardens and incredible swimming pool that runs parallel to the beach. Decking and steps lead from the poolside directly onto the soft sand.
Each of the villas has a private pool or plunge pool and all are finished to a very high standard. Included in the price is a top-end furniture package that literally provides everything you could possibly need to live or rent the property. No corners have been cut here, with speakers wired into every room, flat screen, wall-mounted TVs, top branded appliances and stylish good quality furniture and soft furnishings all provided. Cutlery, glassware, linen and everything else is included; all you have to bring is your suitcase.
The homes here offer a mix of contemporary and traditional styling with the focus being heavily on design and style. And all of the homes are furnished and finished to the same standard, regardless of size or price.
Every detail has been carefully considered and catered for and a viewing will confirm the high standard of construction and finish. Everything about the homes on The Lotus Terraces exudes luxury and style: floating wooden staircases with glass banisters; external spiral staircases; white kitchen surfaces, with backlit blue glass mosaic tiles; terrazzo sink units; the quality on show is unquestionable. When you add that to the breathtaking location you have the ingredients of a dream home, or ideal investment property.
Even the homes at the top of the project are only a few seconds’ walk along the tropically landscaped pathway to the quiet beach, passing lotus ponds, the children’s pool and lap pool on the way.
Bang Por is an attractive area of the island with great beaches and a good choice of local restaurants, and it’s only a short drive from the busier more built-up areas around the ring-road. But being set back from this main route, and set on a slight gradient, any potential road noise is completely eliminated and therefore the peace and tranquillity of the project is preserved.
And preservation and conservation are things that are very important to Carol. In fact, environmental issues are another passion that’s prominent on this development. Original trees have remained; responsible water collection and underground drainage systems employed; large opening windows allowing maximum natural light and also allowing the interiors to be cooled by the pleasant natural breezes; and all energy-saving electrical appliances have been installed to make these homes as environmentally-friendly as possible.
All in all, The Lotus Terraces is an idyllic project, designed, planned and brought to life by people with a genuine love of the island and a desire to create the home of their dreams. Fortunately, by making other exceptional homes available for purchase, they’re allowing others to be a part of that dream, too
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