Property Malaysia

A friend of our once joked that in order to ensure a new project sold well, all the developer had to do was to add the word ‘Damansara’ to the development name. That’s not entirely untrue, we now have launches in Kepong and Sg. Buloh calling themselves ‘Damansara’ (even though the survey map may disagree)

But Damansara Heights is a whole different kettle of fish. It’s synonymous with elegant bungalows for politicians, wealthy businessmen, directors, and top civil servants. Through the years it has managed to maintain its ‘old money’ image by limiting the development of the lush greenery and hilly terrain (as opposed to the tacky/gaudy kind of new-money rich of, say Sg. Besi). But slowly, the office blocks and new developments are slowly inching into the domain of the rich and famous.

But one new development that tries and manages to blend into the surrounding is the cleverly named Idamansara (‘idaman’ means dream or aspiration). Set on oddly shaped 13acre land between older bungalows, there are 82 semi-D units and 8 detached (bungalow) units, nestled neatly on 4 streets. Access is off Jalan Semantan. It’s a gated community, enclosed on all sides by existing homes. No clubhouse, no parks, no playgrounds, no landscaped gardens. Just the old shady trees and rich neighbours.

But wait, the homes come lavishly laid out, with a pool (‘water court’) and large timber deck for every unit. Every unit is basically the same with 3 storeys (yes, THREE, not 2 ½) and spacious 5+1 rooms, all with attached bathrooms. Everything here reeks of luxury and space, from the finishes, timber & concrete façade, fittings, timber door, sanitaryware, etc. (a far cry from the tight, stuffy linkhouses we’re used to here in Property Malaysia.)

The living and dining is deck in full height glass doors to enable you to view the water court and garden, and also for the rooms on the higher floors. Solid brickwalls between units gives privacy to your home. We must also must mention the double volume dining for some of the units. Very nice. Plus, some of the detached units have their own lap pool.

Understandably, 2 parking lots are definitely not enough for most families, so the developer has thoughtfully provided recessed kerbs for roadside parking. The entrance to the development is an epitome of class with a low granite wall and imprint concrete road.

Of course, built-in items are to be expected for this kind of quality. And Idamansara does not disappoint – ceiling fans (not just the point), air-conditioning, water storage tank and autogate.

In terms of pricing, of course we here at Property Malaysia can only dream of this kind of place, we are not even in the same class as the chauffeurs and cleaning maids of the people who will stay here in Idamansara. But judging by the cost per square foot and finishing materials they provide, and taking into account factors like the location and surroundings, we would say that the pricing is pretty reasonable. We expect the units will be snapped up in a short period. There aren’t many projects like this available in Damansara Heights, and at this price range.

E&O are reputable developers that are always associated with stylish designs at Dua Residency (serviced apartment along Jalan Tun Razak), Seventy Damansara, E&O Hotel (Penang), 202 Desa Cahaya, Sri Se-Ekar, Seri Tanjung Pinang (Tanjung Tokong, Penang), Kampung Warisan and Lone Pine Hotel.