Koggala: New hotspot for country style housing
View(s):Koggala in the deep South seems to be the new hotspot for ‘country style horizontal living’ complexes, property analysts say. Koggala is a laid-back resort town set between a lush tropical lagoon and one of the finest beaches in all Sri Lanka, where modern amenities and leisure facilities meet a rich cultural and historical tradition, they say.
The trend to start country style housing in this area was initiated by Catalina, the first-ever luxury independent living. It is now being replicated by at least two large investors, analysts say. “Since Catalina has been a large project in this area, another is being sought approval from the Board of Investment,” a business analyst told the Business Times. Koggala, boasting one of the longest beaches in the country is within 15 minutes’ drive from Catalina. “Several beautiful beaches lie within easy reach, with luxurious resorts, classy boutique hotels, spas and beach front restaurants. The area is home to a sizeable expatriate community, attracted by the area’s unique charm, atmosphere, history and its wide choice of restaurant and entertainment options. The Southern Expressway offers easy access to Colombo and the international airport,” the analyst said.
Catalina which was targeted for the over 55-year range of individuals has its owning company, Granite Capital (Pvt) Ltd which is selling the units to anyone interested in horizontal living, according to officials. “We see that such properties are popular with many from all ages,” an official told the Business Times. Catalina’s investors are a mix of 55 per cent locals and 45 per cent foreigners.
It will provide customised luxury villas for discerning, affluent buyers who wish to have a second home in a peaceful setting surrounded by like-minded neighbours, the official said adding that Catalina fills the gap in Sri Lanka for purpose-built independent living featuring facilities normally found only in top-class resorts.
The villas come in two layouts and a range of different finishes. Every villa features two air-conditioned bedrooms, a utility or service staff room (which can be converted into a third bedroom), solar-powered hot water, a European fitted pantry, fitted wardrobes, and full internet and cable TV connectivity. It provides 24-hour security services including CCTV and alarm systems, backup generator power, and emergency call buttons for every villa.
According to Catalina officials, their buyers so far have been from Hong Kong and Singapore. The project has tied up with Sri Lanka Sotheby’s International Realty to market Catalina’s luxury villas globally.
Charles Phillpot, Sales and Marketing director of Sri Lanka Sotheby’s International Realty, was quoted in a company media release saying, “There is currently a lot of interest from many countries for luxury homes in the South of Sri Lanka. The central location of Sri Lanka and the increasing number of air routes connecting Colombo make the 1,350 miles of beaches and kind climate of Sri Lanka conveniently accessible to much of the world. The exclusive gated community of Catalina is the ideal concept for a holiday home as it offers a high level of both security and management. The Southern Expressway gives a fast road link from Colombo giving easy access to these luxury villas and their country club lifestyle.”
“We are excited to leverage the powerful Sotheby’s International Realty® global marketing network and to be able to offer Catalina Koggala’s luxury villas to their exclusive clientele,” Jeevan William, Managing Director of Granite Capital was quoted as saying.