A look along the fronds of Dubai's Palm Jumeirah reveals all manner of architectural artistry. But nestling among the custom-built Signature Villas is one in particular, on Frond J, that makes an enduring statement. With a sleek white facade and corridors, hallways and living areas so stark that they exude power, it is easy to dub this Dh65 million six-bedroom mega mansion "The White House" of the Palm. Yet when it comes to American thematics, it is actually more <em>Baywatch</em> than <em>House of Cards</em> and would provide a better backdrop for David Hasselhoff to come bursting out on to the beach as Mitch Buchannon than it would for any political thrills. It all feels so summery – as if the outdoors are indoors with sunshine pouring in from every angle, whether you're in the kitchen, lounge or the home office-cum-lounge upstairs. For some, it may be too white, too crisp and too modern. For others, it's the house of the future – so clean, so refreshing, so straightforward. You may just need to keep your sunnies on inside depending on the time of day. Set just a short drive from the crescent, the property has been designed by renowned French architect Thierry Morali with a minimalist approach. There's no clutter in sight and you almost want to fill it with some bits and bobs, although that would be going against the grain of the design. Now, as can be seen in the images, it isn't all hospital theatre-room white – the kitchen brings in darker shades, as do the bathrooms which are about as luxurious and harmonious as one could find. Spread across 1,400 square metres, there's plenty of room for all with three separate staff rooms and a service kitchen, while state-of-the-art home automation by KNX makes life easier. The real winner here, though, is the setting. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows is a stone-paved deck and pool with the beach and sea beyond, and then the Dubai Marina skyline further on. It would be a challenge to remove oneself from this slice of property heaven. It's a prime location – and one that would certainly be beyond the means of <em>Baywatch</em>'s favourite lifeguard. <strong>What was the architect’s thinking behind this property?</strong> The owner wanted to create a truly iconic property with real architectural merit and he has been successful in doing so. The property benefits from clean lines, a sleek modern style and an emphasis on the incredible views. <strong>Is Palm Jumeirah one of the best spots in the city to express yourself architecturally?</strong> Absolutely, the Palm is not just an icon in Dubai, it is globally iconic, meaning it is the perfect place to create something special. Frond J in particular is setting the bar very high when it comes to serious architectural endeavour, with some beautiful modern homes coming to the market. <strong>Dh51m was the highest Palm villa sale in 2019 … will this achieve Dh65m?</strong> The current trend for UHNWI (ultra-high net-worth individuals) buyers is to purchase a truly turnkey property that they can turn up with their suitcases and move into, without needing to go through all the hassle of doing refurbishment or furnishing the property. This property is exactly that. If you look across Dubai, there is a lack of supply of this type of contemporary, turnkey homes and the asking price reflects that. <strong>Who would this property suit?</strong> It is hard to think of someone that this property would not suit. Buyers in this category come from far and wide, be they Dubai residents that are looking to upgrade their current villa, or international buyers coming to the city. Ultimately the buyer for this villa will be someone wanting a unique statement property, developed with the highest quality finishes and offering the best views and a beachfront lifestyle.
