Key features
Located in one of Abu Dhabi's most exclusive and sought-after compounds, consisting of 236 two-, three- and four-bedroom properties in shady, tree-lined avenues and with gardens surrounded by picket fences.
Downstairs, the property has a large, wide hallway leading to an open-plan lounge-diner, separate kitchen, laundry room and maid's room. Upstairs is a spacious central galleried lounge/playroom/family room, with four bedrooms (two are linked by a balcony) and three bathrooms on either side. An additional guest washroom is situated downstairs.
There is covered car parking for two vehicles, a small front lawn and a second garden and terrace to the rear. The rent also includes use of the compound's leisure facilities and amenities, including two large swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, gym, sauna, massage room, games and billiards room and squash court.
They say
"The Seashore Community Villas have been designed to be a warm and welcoming living space. Surrounded by expansive gardens, decorated walkways and trimmed hedges, it resembles a luxury of family living and comfort within natural beauty matched by none. The beautifully designed villas have been carefully crafted by world-class architects to encompass homes you will be proud to call home."
We say
While light and spacious with decent room sizes, the property itself isn't anything remarkable, especially for something over the Dh300,000 mark and when more luxurious, modern properties are coming on to the rental market. The kitchen and bathrooms are on the small side and there could be more built-in storage. That said, the impressive setting and first-class amenities means you do get a lot for your money.
Pluses
Great for families. The property's huge upstairs family room would make a fantastic indoor play area in the summer months, and the compound as a whole is safe, secure and very child friendly. It's also very quiet.
The facilities are more like those to be found in a holiday village than a residential compound - there is a resident tennis coach and masseuse and even a yoga room, plus lots of on-site classes for adults and children, including kick-boxing, aqua aerobics and karate.
The compound's central clubhouse, which also has its own cafe and function room, feels very much like a community centre, further adding to the village-life atmosphere.
Good for dog owners. At the entrance to the compound is a large lawned area that's ideal for exercising, and there are even dog training classes. The far side of the compound has a waterfront setting overlooking the Musaffah creek. The Mangrove Village slip road on to Airport Road is only a two-minute drive away, offering easy access to Dubai.
Minuses
Most of the villas are privately owned and some are better maintained than others (some are frankly in need of a lick of paint). Some of the lawned and planted areas look as if they could do with some maintenance.
You will need a car or a regular driver. Taxis drop by Mangrove Village occasionally but in this part of Officers City they are scarce. It's also a good 20-minute drive into the city. The view across the creek to the Musaffah industrial area takes the exotic edge off your dip in the pool.
Verdict
A rare chance to move into one of the best family compounds in the capital.
Available to rent through Eduarda Silveira at Better Homes. Contact 600 52 2212 or e-mail eduarda.s@bhomes.com
