Interior stylist Reema Chandhok and her husband Rosh D'Costa have transformed their three-bedroom villa in Dubai's The Lakes community into their dream home, complete with stunning lake views and custom spaces for their family. The couple purchased the property in 2021 for approximately 4.1 million dirhams ($1.1 million) and have since undertaken extensive renovations to create a functional, contemporary living space that serves as both a family sanctuary and entertainment hub.
The villa, which sits among only eight elevated houses in this particular stretch of The Lakes, offers unobstructed views of the water due to its unique positioning. "The only thing my husband asked for was a view and we have a lake view," Chandhok explained. "We get a seamless view because of the elevation so we don't see anything except the water in front of us." This prime location in the Emirates Living community provides residents access to multiple parks, pools, schools, clinics, and a community center with dining options.
The journey to homeownership wasn't without its challenges. After 54 property viewings with a single estate agent, the couple initially had second thoughts about their purchase. "After we signed the MOU, I felt we had made the biggest mistake – it was small, dark and I wondered how we were ever going to change this around," Chandhok recalled. They even attempted to back out of the deal, asking the owner to decline their memorandum of understanding and return their money, but the owner refused, forcing them to proceed with the purchase.
The extensive renovation project focused primarily on maximizing natural light and creating functional spaces for each family member. "Our first aim was to build the largest windows anywhere we saw scope for a window," Chandhok said. "The sunlight brings happiness, positivity and warmth." The couple expanded the master bedroom window to showcase the lake view and added a double-height ceiling. They also reconfigured the master bathroom to create a walk-in wardrobe, providing both luxury and practicality.
Downstairs, structural changes included converting a study into a dedicated playroom for their eight-year-old daughter Mia. "We converted a study downstairs into a playroom for our daughter's toys and crafts and that is her space when her friends come to visit," Chandhok explained. "It's separate from her bedroom upstairs because we didn't want to mix play and bedtime." The family also created a lounge space upstairs where her husband can watch football, while Chandhok carved out a small workspace in the corner.
Chandhok, who serves as associate general manager for styling at Landmark Digital, brought her professional expertise to the project, emphasizing functional design with contemporary and earthy elements. "We wanted to make sure that nothing is just for the sake of design, but everything has a story of functionality," she said. Every detail was carefully considered, from hand-picked kitchen door handles to furniture that serves multiple purposes. The kitchen has become a central gathering space that extends beyond its traditional function.
The Emirates Living community has proven to be an ideal choice for the family's lifestyle. "I can't imagine living in a better community. It's a versatile community and everyone takes their celebrations so seriously. Celebrations become a community affair and that is great for children," Chandhok noted. The leafy neighborhood offers a green sanctuary within Dubai's urban landscape, with excellent connectivity to major roads and comprehensive amenities within walking distance.
Despite receiving multiple offers and daily notes on their car from potential buyers interested in purchasing the property, the couple has no plans to sell. They are already planning phase two of their renovations, which will include an entertainment area that can be opened up during Dubai's cooler winter months. Additional plans include enclosing the upstairs balcony and expanding the walk-in wardrobe space, further cementing their commitment to their lakefront dream home.
