A Hidden Delight
If there's one thing Kuala Lumpur isn't short of, it's condos. The real challenge is finding the one that you want to live in.
At first glance, most of KL's condos tend to follow a fairly similar pattern: whitewashed walls, various low-quality tiles and average amenities. But among the dross there are a fair few diamonds. You simply need to know where to cast your eyes.
One couple that have found a little slice of perfection are Michelle and Matthew Dabbs. Michelle, who is from Indonesia, and Matthew who hails from the UK knew they had found a gem of their own when they stumbled across Palmyra Condo.
These fortunate expats have managed to find themselves a home with fabulous facilities and five star standards. It's even conveniently located in Bangsar - home to some of Kuala Lumpur's best shopping, fine dining and entertainment.
Not only that, but they're surrounded by lush tropical greenery, an amazing hillside view and a resort-style pool area, the perfect place for their two gorgeous daughters - Chloe, six, and Penny, five - to play. "You really can't beat it," enthuses Matthew, "it's just a great place to live."
Arriving at the condo, the pro-active guards make sure my friend and I register upon entry and they escort us to the visitor parking near the lift. As soon as we exit the lift we head to the entrance of their home, immediately impressed by the customised double carved doors and their golden lion ring handles. A single ring of the bell and they are pulled open by a smiling Michelle who warmly greets us. It doesn't take a special kind of intuition to guess that this home is a special one.
The Dabbs' condo is tastefully artistic with beautiful paintings, unique artifacts and handmade teak furniture. Every door in the house is customised with hand-crafted carvings imported from Bali while the rich colour and intricate design give a feeling of grandeur to the place. Even the walls are embellished with stones and decorative wooden posts to make every room look different. This passion for excellence even extends to the furniture, which has been carefully selected not just for the quality but also to match the overall theme - a style Matthew describes as "modern contemporary with a traditional Balinese touch".
Overall, the house has a welcoming atmosphere with a whimsical and artistic feel. The couple has a passion for interior design and their differing styles certainly compliment each other rather well. Between them they've made sure that every room has at least one special feature to give it an individual character.
The entrance - from the impressive door to a large golden Buddha - cordially greets everyone with peace and tranquility putting you at ease upon entry. As you walk to the corridor, a piano rests on the left which portrays the musical side of the family - often played by their daughters. Near the piano is a large pool table - apparently guests can never resist a game which makes for a great ice-breaker for newcomers.
Their living room is given a nautical feel by a massive, decorative sailing boat which shows their love of international travel. The master and guest bedrooms each contain an opulent teak four poster bed dressed with silk drapery and matching teak chest drawers. The children's room is decorated with bright girly colours, adorned with beautiful photos and artworks drawn by the girls. Then there's the lounge room, where they watch TV. A massive daybed ensures the family are comfortable when they kick off their shoes and sit together in the evening.
As for the kitchen - it is equipped with sleek and modern appliances. This is Michelle's domain as cooking is one of her passions. She enjoys entertaining and is a perfect hostess, even preparing me an exceptional Indonesian porridge called "bubur ayam." This special meal, which isn't normally cooked in an ordinary Indonesian household because of the effort in mastering it, is beautifully served (as if I was in a restaurant) on her modern style Chinese dining table.
Far across the dining area, adjacent to the living room, is the spacious terrace. Cozily decorated with a teak daybed, rocking chair, and carved partition furniture, it is Michelle's favourite place in the house. With the fresh cool air and scenic views of the pool and the nature outside, it's where she and her family spend lots of quality time appreciating each others company.
It's a home they could take pleasure in forever, but it's time for the family to enjoy another adventure. They're moving on to fresh pastures and a new family are taking over the home. Lucky people. I'm fairly sure there will rarely be an evening when this new family gathers together without spending a moment to consider just how pleasant life in this extraordinary condo really is.
