By Willy Wilson | Oct 13, 2009

Resort Style Living at Duta Tropika

Wardrobe: www.oripop.com

Luxurious condominiums and international schools are springing up across Mont’ Kiara and Sri Hartamas like mushrooms after the rain. If that is any indication of how vibrant the property market is in Kuala Lumpur, then it is safe to say that the industry is not only appealing to domestic buyers but to international buyers as well.

A notable housing project in the Mont’ Kiara and Sri Hartamas area is SP Setia’s Duta Tropika, which is a welcome relief from the overwhelming vertical residences in the neighbourhood.

Duta Tropika – known for its innovative design, wide-ranging facilities, security system and cohesive living concept – has managed to bring resort living to the city through limited semidetached, super link and linked units that cost RM2.4mil and above (as of 2009).

One proud Duta Tropika homeowner is 29-year-old Anita Tanios. Over iced coffee, the Indonesian beauty chats with Star Property about her Duta Tropika mansion, property investment in Malaysia and her newly-launched fashion line.

Lucrative investment
Anita Tanios bought her 3-storey bungalow in Duta Tropika some four years ago. While many were questioning whether Duta Tropika would be as successful as its predecessor, SP Setia’s Duta Nusantara, Anita was adamant that the real estate would be a profitable investment. Four years has passed and now she proudly claims that her gut instinct was correct.

“The price appreciated by almost 30% two years after I bought the house,” she says. Now, four years down the road, she estimates that the value has increased by 40% despite the recent recession.

The 3774 sq ft house built on 4300 sq ft is currently rented out to a Danish family for RM12,000 per month.

Her business acumen is innate. Born into a business-savvy family in Jakarta, Anita is not a newbie when it comes to business and investments. At a relatively young age, she single-handedly brought the famous Japanese fashion label, Original Fake, to Malaysia.

Currently, Anita is nurturing her online boutique (www.oripop.com) which offers affordable ready-to-wear dresses, and she is all set to expand into the regional market.

Unsurprisingly, Anita’s business sense comes in handy for property investment.

“I believe that landed property has better prospects as a long-term investment,” she says, “especially in areas such as Mont’ Kiara and Sri Hartamas where condominiums are all too common.”

Anita admits that other factors such as the growing expatriate community and international schools, the thriving property value in Mont’ Kiara and the highways built around the area have further affirmed her decision to invest in Duta Tropika.

The white chamber
Stepping into Anita’s house feels like being in an en-suite exclusive villa. It is located opposite the clubhouse and swimming pool that are surrounded by leafy trees, manicured greens, a spacious lawn area and water features. It is hard not to fall in love with the house.

Staying true to its “Resort Style Living” concept, Duta Tropika promises a relaxing, private and suburban lifestyle in Kuala Lumpur. The realisation of the concept is made possible through details such as the layout of the building, the design elements and even material selection.

To suit our tropical weather, the architecture incorporates cross-ventilation, large lanais and roofed garden, semi outdoor bathrooms and the integration of indoor and outdoor living areas. This enclave is also protected by cutting-edge security features, creating an inner sanctuary that offers tranquility and freedom.

There are five rooms in the house: a guest room on the first floor, two rooms on the second and the master bedroom on the top floor. The master bedroom is the most interesting part of the house.

Occupying the entire third floor, the master bedroom consists of a big hall that leads to the balcony and rooftop garden at one end, and a spacious bathroom complete with bathtub and outdoor shower at the other end. Hidden behind a mirrored wall is a walk-in closet. Although spacious, the master bedroom is cosy – thanks to the perfect combination of white walls and solid wooden flooring and ceiling.

Anita admits that she likes the simplicity of the white walls; however they give the house a stark instead of sleek vibe.

“It works for my current tenant, who favours simple aesthetic,” she comments while her tenant, Peter Lange, nods in affirmation.

Lange, a Danish, has been renting Anita’s house for six months. Living with his wife and two little boys, Lange says that Anita’s house is the best deal in Kuala Lumpur. Although the rent may sound extravagant, Lange maintains that the accessibility, convenience and safety the house offers make it all worth it.

“Coming from the North, obviously my family and I love the tropical theme of the house. The stark feel of the house, too, somehow reminds us of the contemporary Scandinavian style,” says Lange.

Anita admits she would like to decorate the house with warmer elements in the future. She plans to use classic wallpaper, earth toned curtains and a beige bedroom set – classic and stylish choices indeed.