When is a house not just a house? When it costs Dh98 million and is set in Dubai's swankiest district Emirates Hills - that's when. Most of Dubai's properties with the wow factor are found in the glitzy skyscrapers in the Marina and Downtown area, or along the fronds of Palm Jumeirah where residents can walk straight on out to their own beachfront paradise. But there's another option if you have close to a nine-digit figure to splash out on the home of your dreams. ____________ <strong>More properties:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/luxury/inside-a-dh7-5m-penthouse-at-al-raha-beach-in-pictures-1.722628">Inside a Dh7.5m penthouse at Al Raha Beach - in pictures</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/luxury/inside-a-dh25-million-villa-in-mohammed-bin-rashid-city-in-pictures-1.716216">Inside a Dh25 million villa in Mohammed bin Rashid City - in pictures</a></strong> ____________ Emirates Hills contains villas of the gargantuan variety, places so big they resemble a resort or hotel rather than a simple family abode. And this one, being marketed by <a href="https://www.luxuryproperty.com/property/get/incredibly-well-designed-family-home-in-emirates-hills-1459">LuxuryProperty.com</a> and Gulf Sotheby's International Realty, fits into that bracket, measuring in at a cavernous 27,000 sq ft built up area. The design helps it to become more than a home, rather a work of art. French Lebanese designer Jean-Louis Mainguy and Italian design maestro Mauro Lipparini were brought in to craft the interiors. Every aspect, from oak beams running through the ceilings to the country-style kitchen has been custom-crafted. The exterior facade, angular and uneven, may not be to everyone's taste but there is no denying that it resembles a modern museum. Inside, you are welcomed by a reception room with wooden columns, leading on to a majlis-style living room big enough to hold a community event. The dining room meanwhile could be passed off as a Michelin-star restaurant and it is served by two separate kitchens. There is a general feeling of significance on the ground floor, that this could be an art gallery, or a luxury retreat where the rich and famous go to unwind or recharge. On the first floor, the master suite contains his and her's walk-in closets, a private sitting room and a balcony overlooking the Address Montgomerie golf course. This is one of seven bedrooms. Heading down, there is a basement which serves as an entertainment and wellness space containing a wood-floored home gym with mirrored walls, a spa and sauna and media unit with funky lighting which would lend itself well to a disco. There's also a garage with enough room for a fleet of high-powered sports cars - or a Mitsubishi Pajero if that's your thing. The outdoor area of the property is up to the same lofty standard as the inside. The landscaping has been conceptualised by Vladimir Djurovic, best known for designing Aga Khan Park in Toronto, and features a selection of plants including a 3,000-year old tree imported from Argentina. <strong>____________</strong> <strong>More properties:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/business/property/dh24m-penthouse-in-dubai-s-jbr-has-the-wow-factor-in-pictures-1.672108">Dh24m penthouse in Dubai's JBR has the 'wow factor' - in pictures</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/business/money/what-makes-dubai-s-real-estate-market-of-today-so-different-from-2008-1.725689">What makes Dubai's real estate market of today so different from 2008</a></strong> <strong>____________</strong> Most impressive, though, is the temperature-controlled stone-tiled deck which leads up to the pool, ensuring a comfortable walk in the hot summer months. A sunken seating area and fire pit, plus jacuzzi complete package. “This villa is easily one of the most splendid homes in a community where splendour is part of the everyday,” said LuxuryProperty.com’s managing director, Andrew Cummings. “It is one of the finest examples of bespoke interior design and shows the level of care and dedication that the owner put into the development of this home.” Museum, art gallery, spa, hotel, Michelin-star restaurant? Whichever way you wish to perceive this villa, there is no doubt it is memorable, and certainly more than just a house.
