Minthis Hills is now launched

It was seen for the first time in Abu Dhabi at the Pafilia stand at the Abu Dhabi Real Estate & Investment Show (IREIS) on 27th - 29th January 2009.

Located in the rolling hills of Tsada village, between Pafos and Polis, Minthis Hills offers a haven of peace and tranquillity; a private retreat inspired by nature and breathtaking panoramic views.

The exquisite homes, designed by world renowned architect Woods Bagot, are a modern expression of traditional Cypriot mountain living that blend into the natural contours of the land. Life at Minthis Hills offers complete escapism, but not isolation; unrivalled on-site facilities will include the recently upgraded 18 hole championship golf course, a spa, several restaurants and shops, with the thriving costal town of Pafos, where you can find virtually anything you desire, including beautiful sandy beaches, shops, fine dining and concerts only 15 minutes away.

"Minthis Hills is one of the most exciting residential developments ever seen in Cyprus, if not the whole Mediterranean,"

comments Mike Aniftos, area manager for Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific , at Pafilia, the largest privately owned developer in Cyprus and the pioneering force behind Minthis Hills.

"We want to take Cypriot living to the next level, combining the best in design with sensitive treatment that minimises the impact on the land and exploits the natural beauty of the area. This will be further enhanced by the planting of around 50,000 indigenous trees and other plants. The aim is for Minthis Hills to offer the best of both worlds; a real escape, yet easy access to facilities, amenities and entertainment. In addition, Cyprus' first class infrastructure, including state-of-the art medical care, its low crime rate and significant tax advantages make Minthis Hills the number one choice for permanent living!"

Distinctive living

Minthis Hills reflects 'barefoot luxury' as opposed to a conventional 'manicured development'.

Space is everything - the estate stretches across 4.9 million m2 (1,200 acres) and, with only 100,000m2 (24.7 acres) or 2% being built on, nature will be its residents' closest neighbour.

David Blackwood-Murray, director of Lovejoy London, creators of the masterplan, explains further, "Minthis Hills is a very special project. We were inspired by the wild hilltop landscape and the possibility of creating a unique lifestyle. We wanted to integrate the architecture with the landscape, utilising local natural materials, whilst giving a sense of privacy and community. By working with the natural assets and ecology, we are developing a country estate that celebrates nature, giving us the opportunity to replant and replenish and maintain what is special to Cyprus."

At Minthis Hills, the houses nestle comfortably into the natural contours of the hillside, minimising the impact on the rolling landscape. With plot sizes starting at over 1000m2, each residence will feature a view, whether that is of the sea, mountains, the golf course, or a combination of them all. Rob Steul, principal at Woods Bagot, comments on their innovative designs, "We spent a lot of time studying Cypriot vernacular architecture, particularly the traditional stone houses and buildings in the mountain villages. These buildings were perfectly suited to their climate and landscape and developed over the centuries, and we wanted to use these building techniques in the house designs....we took the main elements of stone walls, courtyards, natural ventilation, single pitched roofs, etc and reinterpreted them in a modern way. While being of our time, the houses fit seamlessly with the environment as well as the traditional architecture.

Cypriots spend a lot of time living in 'outdoor rooms' - mainly shaded courtyards - which were used as cooking and eating areas as well as social gathering spaces. We wanted to incorporate this aspect of life into the architecture which has resulted in a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces which diminish the line between the interior and landscape. We felt this was exactly the kind of lifestyle aspiration of buyers and has resulted in very interesting compositions of internal spaces meeting 'outdoor rooms'."

Indoor and outdoor living spaces blend seamlessly together, with the same imagination and attention to detail applied to the interiors of the houses, designed all the way through to the finishes. Natural light and ventilation are utilised and other eco initiatives have been taken, including water recycling. Floor to ceiling glass walls maximise the breathtaking panoramic views, with infinity swimming pools disappearing into the horizon. The same dedication to nature is apparent with the authentically landscaped gardens that preserve and enhance the natural flora.

There are currently eleven villa designs, with another to be announced shortly. These include 3, 4 and 5 bedroom villas, 3 bedroom bungalows and 2 and 3 bedroom junior villas.

Facilities

Minthis Hills will include the existing 18 hole par 71 championship golf course that is being revamped, which has a course length of 6,550 yards, making it easily walkable. It has a full range of practice facilities, including a panoramic elevated driving range. A large new clubhouse is currently under construction, which will form the heart of the community, providing bars, restaurants and five star services to residents, such as a full concierge service. In addition to this, the estate will comprise a beautifully designed exclusive spa and health club, tennis courts, playgrounds, a mini market, nature trails suitable for walking and mountain biking, the 500 year old Minthis Cross monastery and vineyards, about which further announcements will be made.

The carefully crafted Minthis Hills designs have been created by Pafilia in association with world renowned architect Woods Bagot and landscape architects Lovejoy London. Brand development and rollout have been carried out by Bear Design Ltd.