IF THE OLD real estate maxim, location, location, location needed to be adapted for Phuket, it would translate to Surin Surin, Surin.
The place has everything. It's quality, quality, quality. Among the latest additions to an elegant patch that already includes names such as Amanpuri and The Chedi is the Chava.
From the street, the 800 million baht development sits happily beside the trendy Twin Palms and a soon-to-be rebranded Marriott Courtyard resort.
The pleasant ambience of Surin ebbs and flows all around. This is Phuket at its unpretentious best.
Opposite is the grassy public space that was once a royal golf course, and the beach, which ranks among the best on the island, remains about a seven iron away.
Inside the Chava, 300 workers swarm over the unfinished site as the finishing touches are being provided. A showcase apartment is finished and looks very attractive.
The 45 condominiums extend through three buildings, across three rai. Phuketwan prodded and poked around and can confirm that the project is indeed being built to the highest international standards.
We liked what we saw. Sales Manager Paul Martin said a wide choice of floor plans were on offer, with two to four bedrooms and bathrooms.
The development includes penthouses and garden apartments with plunge pools and a range of outlooks, including mountain views and sea views to Surin and Bangtao.
Airy and elegant were the words that sprang to mind. And Chava is apparently being crafted with care.
After building had begun, it was decided, for example, that the plunge pools should really be a bit deeper, so up to the armpits they became.
The attention to detail was made plain from the start with the commissioning of architect Branko Pahor, whose work on the island includes Andara at Kamala and Surin Plaza, and who can take credit for Hong Kong's prestigious Lan Kwai Fong entertainment zone.
There's a pleasant sweep now at the Chava from the outside to the inside, from the living area to the bedrooms, and from the bedrooms to the good-sized bathrooms.
It's unobtrusive, yet clearly going to quickly become part of the Surin scene. Some early buyers plan to live here, others have bought for investment. Prices are competitive and across a broad range from 16 million baht and up.
''The anticipated completion date is April 2008,'' Mr Martin said. ''Anyone buying now can come to our fully-furnished display apartment and see exactly what they are getting. They don't have to look at a block of dirt.''
As well as the delights of Surin, The Chava will have its own resort-style pool area including jacuzzi and children's pool, a lobby and office area, gated security and underground car parking for 47 cars.
What style is the project? ''Contemporary Tropical,'' says Mr Martin, ''with all the modern conveniences and technology.'' Plus Surin.
Inquiries: 076 274 968 or 089586 2959
E-mail paul@phuketonerealestate.com
Property Hot Seat
Phuketwan puts the heat on Chava Sales Manager Paul Martin:
Do you think the property business on Phuket will get better or slow down?
The Phuket property market has been robust despite the uncertain political landscape. Land and property prices have been increasing steadily without reaching unsustainable levels. This makes Phuket a very attractive prospect and I think the market will gather momentum over the coming years.
What do you see as the big advantages of Phuket property?
Whether people are buying for investment or more for personal use, Phuket is still one the best 'lifestyle' locations. Most of the buyers are Asia-based expats or Europeans and they love the sunny weather and great beaches. Another big attraction is that Phuket enjoys a very good infrastructure.
The Chava is only 20 minutes from the airport and most projects are no more than an hour. There are also a number of world-class shopping centres, hospitals and medical facilities, cinemas schools and golf courses which make Phuket an attractive proposition. Phuket offers a wide variety of properties and caters for most budgets.
Are there many other projects near yours? What are they?
The Chava is the only apartment project of its kind on Surin Beach Road but there are other projects in the greater Surin and Bangtao area.
What do you see as the major issues facing the property industry right now?
There are a number of issues that are affecting the industry at the moment. The coup and uncertain political outlook, particularly with regard to the way the Foreign Business Act will affect property ownership, have undoubtedly had an effect. The pending elections will resolve a lot of the issues and restore buyer confidence.
The Chava hasn't been too badly affected because it will be registered as a condominium. This means we have been able to offer legitimate freehold title as well as a secure long term lease.
Is there any particular project on the island you think is setting the pace in real estate right now?
There are obviously a number of very good projects but one that I have been most impressed with is Andara in Kamala. This is a high end villa development which has sold very quickly. It was also built to a very high standard ????????????? one of the reasons we employed the services of their architect/project management team.
The place has everything. It's quality, quality, quality. Among the latest additions to an elegant patch that already includes names such as Amanpuri and The Chedi is the Chava.
From the street, the 800 million baht development sits happily beside the trendy Twin Palms and a soon-to-be rebranded Marriott Courtyard resort.
The pleasant ambience of Surin ebbs and flows all around. This is Phuket at its unpretentious best.
Opposite is the grassy public space that was once a royal golf course, and the beach, which ranks among the best on the island, remains about a seven iron away.
Inside the Chava, 300 workers swarm over the unfinished site as the finishing touches are being provided. A showcase apartment is finished and looks very attractive.
The 45 condominiums extend through three buildings, across three rai. Phuketwan prodded and poked around and can confirm that the project is indeed being built to the highest international standards.
We liked what we saw. Sales Manager Paul Martin said a wide choice of floor plans were on offer, with two to four bedrooms and bathrooms.
The development includes penthouses and garden apartments with plunge pools and a range of outlooks, including mountain views and sea views to Surin and Bangtao.
Airy and elegant were the words that sprang to mind. And Chava is apparently being crafted with care.
After building had begun, it was decided, for example, that the plunge pools should really be a bit deeper, so up to the armpits they became.
The attention to detail was made plain from the start with the commissioning of architect Branko Pahor, whose work on the island includes Andara at Kamala and Surin Plaza, and who can take credit for Hong Kong's prestigious Lan Kwai Fong entertainment zone.
There's a pleasant sweep now at the Chava from the outside to the inside, from the living area to the bedrooms, and from the bedrooms to the good-sized bathrooms.
It's unobtrusive, yet clearly going to quickly become part of the Surin scene. Some early buyers plan to live here, others have bought for investment. Prices are competitive and across a broad range from 16 million baht and up.
''The anticipated completion date is April 2008,'' Mr Martin said. ''Anyone buying now can come to our fully-furnished display apartment and see exactly what they are getting. They don't have to look at a block of dirt.''
As well as the delights of Surin, The Chava will have its own resort-style pool area including jacuzzi and children's pool, a lobby and office area, gated security and underground car parking for 47 cars.
What style is the project? ''Contemporary Tropical,'' says Mr Martin, ''with all the modern conveniences and technology.'' Plus Surin.
Inquiries: 076 274 968 or 089586 2959
E-mail paul@phuketonerealestate.com
Property Hot Seat
Phuketwan puts the heat on Chava Sales Manager Paul Martin:
Do you think the property business on Phuket will get better or slow down?
The Phuket property market has been robust despite the uncertain political landscape. Land and property prices have been increasing steadily without reaching unsustainable levels. This makes Phuket a very attractive prospect and I think the market will gather momentum over the coming years.
What do you see as the big advantages of Phuket property?
Whether people are buying for investment or more for personal use, Phuket is still one the best 'lifestyle' locations. Most of the buyers are Asia-based expats or Europeans and they love the sunny weather and great beaches. Another big attraction is that Phuket enjoys a very good infrastructure.
The Chava is only 20 minutes from the airport and most projects are no more than an hour. There are also a number of world-class shopping centres, hospitals and medical facilities, cinemas schools and golf courses which make Phuket an attractive proposition. Phuket offers a wide variety of properties and caters for most budgets.
Are there many other projects near yours? What are they?
The Chava is the only apartment project of its kind on Surin Beach Road but there are other projects in the greater Surin and Bangtao area.
What do you see as the major issues facing the property industry right now?
There are a number of issues that are affecting the industry at the moment. The coup and uncertain political outlook, particularly with regard to the way the Foreign Business Act will affect property ownership, have undoubtedly had an effect. The pending elections will resolve a lot of the issues and restore buyer confidence.
The Chava hasn't been too badly affected because it will be registered as a condominium. This means we have been able to offer legitimate freehold title as well as a secure long term lease.
Is there any particular project on the island you think is setting the pace in real estate right now?
There are obviously a number of very good projects but one that I have been most impressed with is Andara in Kamala. This is a high end villa development which has sold very quickly. It was also built to a very high standard ????????????? one of the reasons we employed the services of their architect/project management team.