The Phuket property market is booming with new residential projects. One exclusive develop-ment currently under construction in the north of Phuket, close to Bang Tao beach and the Laguna Resorts complex, is 'The Residence'. Fully managed by the re-nowned Richmond Group, the 21 villas will encompass style, comfort, and quality high-tech, intelligent building. They are being marketed as 'smart' homes and have every design aspect incorporated to ensure that the residents can work or simply enjoy family fun at home.

The smart homes feature wireless broadband Internet access and the option of converting a third bedroom to a 'multimedia room' complete with sound-proof home theatre and communications centre, surround sound, indoor and outdoor speakers and a 42-inch wall mounted plasma screen TV. All functions, plus integrated lighting and dimming control, is controlled by a touch screen system.

Each home will feature a private swimming pool with a roof-top area and sala for barbecues and outdoor socia-lizing. The villas are being built in an elegant L-shaped form around the pool, with earth tone exterior walls. This natural colour scheme is reflected inside with natural, hard-wearing maka-wood floors and built-in cupboards adding a golden brown contrast.

The bathrooms are luxurious with sunken bath, and also an outdoor shower surrounded by lush, tropical foliage. In the kitchen, buyers have a choice of Fagor or Teka kitchen appliances and an auto-matic washer and dryer for each home.

Aspiring residents can opt for a 2, 3 or 4-bedroom villa with varied size landscaped gardens. A superior spa and health club, operated by Decklemann Spa and Wellness, who are responsible for the spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City, is also under construction at The Residence.

Prices for these villas start at around 11 million baht, but for those whose needs are somewhat more modest, Richmond Group plans to build 20 townhouses on the same estate; to be available by mid 2006. For more information see: www.richmondth.com