A Megamansion in Dubai’s Swanky Emirates Hills Community Sells for $40.2 Million

In the latest example of Dubai’s thriving luxury real estate market, a 19-bedroom megamansion in the city’s prestigious gated golf community of Emirates Hills has sold for US$40.2 million.

The villa, which sits on the largest lot in the posh enclave, changed hands last week, and the sale was handled by Leigh Borg and Timothy Ogunniyi of Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty.

“To own the largest land plot in Emirates Hills along with one of the biggest homes in the community makes this property stand out,” Ogunniyi said. “To find a property that gives you 80,000 square feet of land and 55,700 square feet of living space is rare in Dubai.”

Other large plots in the community are “not quite as massive,” he added. It’s “very seldom these plots come into the market in Emirates Hills. No doubt, this presented a great appeal to the buyer and an opportunity to capitalise on its value.”

The home has a classic feel, with an exterior that “combines timeless architectural elements with the use of natural materials, all of which are reflected in the roof shape, window style and classic columns,” Ogunniyi said.

It also has far-reaching views of the Dubai skyline and the surrounding golf course.

“With the market in Dubai appreciating, it is fair to say that this was a very good deal to come by, both for buyer and seller,” Ogunniyi said, without disclosing the identities of the parties. The seller had owned the villa for the past 15 years and lived in the property when in town, he added. Mansion Global couldn’t identify either party.

Dubai’s luxury home market has been on a tear, complete with sky-high prices that grew 17.4% last year , and record-breaking transactions.

“This year, we have witnessed a significant evolution in the luxury real estate landscape, characterised by the introduction of new iconic developments and a sustained influx of wealthy investors, many of whom boast billionaire status,” said George Azar, CEO and chairman of Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty.

“While there exists a substantial demand for super prime homes, it’s crucial to note that the market currently lacks a sufficient number of uber-luxury projects and finishes that resonate with the discerning tastes of global billionaires,” he added. That gap “underscores the resilience and strength of this segment within our market.”

Highgate Hill in Melbourne’s illustrious Toorak snuck onto Australia’s most expensive street list last year, coming in 19th position according to Suburbtrends data. Although the real estate research group said the median sale price was $5.102 million, trophy homes on the exclusive cul de sac can command far more.

Number 10 is a sleek new designer residence, the brainchild of architects David Watson and Christopher Doyle with gardens by prized landscaper Jack Merlo. Listed with a guide of $20 million to $22 million, the bespoke five-bedroom family home is an innovative benchmark for modern luxury in Melbourne, showcasing a vast floor plan and sophisticated finishes topped off with enviable city views.

On describing the designer dwelling, Doyle said it is a “symphony of light”.

“Highate Hill is an excellent showcase for our passion and dedication to luxury. Every element has been tuned to create the masterpiece you see before you,” he says.

“It’s a very sharp, elegant type of modernism, it’s not a hard edge sort of modernism. The site is blessed because of its geography, it’s high on the hill and has this lovely vista towards the city which is really unusual in Melbourne. And in Toorak, when you have that opportunity, you take every advantage of it.”

Overflowing with space over three levels, the artfully designed home has a choice of entertaining areas and private retreats suitable for all the family and plenty of guests all year round.

The ground floor is the central gathering space with a formal combined living and dining room spilling out to a peaceful courtyard, a separate den with a fireplace and a casual open plan zone adjoining the dream kitchen.

This culinary heart of the home has a grand Galassia marble island bench, sleek black American oak cabinetry, a suite of Gaggenau appliances, and a full butler’s pantry housing Miele appliances for hidden meal preparation. All this flows seamlessly out to a palatial terrace complete with a barbecue area and an Italian Artusi grill. For outdoor entertaining beyond the terrace, there is an infinity pool, a spa and a private courtyard.

“Architecture is the intersection between art and science. We love creating a house that is both gallery large, yet individual and intimate. The best buildings tell a story. They evoke emotions and create a strong sense of home. Highgate Hill is a testimony to this idea,” Doyle adds.

Up on the first floor, all five bedrooms have walk-in wardrobes and ensuites, but the primary suite goes above and beyond. This spacious main has a full dressing room with a bench seat and a deluxe five-star ensuite featuring a freestanding bathtub and twin vanities.

The Highgate Hill home hits every mark on an avid entertainer’s wish list with a host of added extras, including a second-floor private lounge and bar with a top-floor terrace capturing the city skyline, plus a lower ground floor home cinema with custom-made furniture, a ultra HD 4K projector, the latest Dolby Atmos sound and a kitchenette.

Additional features include a home office, a lift to all levels, a wine cellar, gym, marble and oak herringbone floors in the living spaces, or carpet in the bedrooms.

Other high-tech extras include a Savant whole-house automation system, Dynalight intelligent lighting, CCTV, zoned heating and cooling, electric sheer curtains and solar power.

Located near Toorak’s shops and eateries, Chapel Street boutiques, sought-after schools, Como Park and the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Clubs.

The Toorak residence is listed through Kay & Burton Stonnington with Oliver Booth and Ross Savas with an expressions of interest campaign.

A Megamansion in Dubai’s Swanky Emirates Hills Community Sells for $40.2 Million

The 19-bedroom villa is the latest big-ticket deal amid the city’s luxury real estate boom

A new Toorak residence, 10 Highgate Hill tells a story of art meeting science.