Location Mayangone Township Price US$500, (rent) Contact Moe Myint Thaw Dar Real Restate Agency Phone : 707517, 095 016 157

THIS secluded, double-storey house in Mayangone township will more than satisfy the needs of a family looking to set up home in a quiet environment, while still living close to shops and amenities. The three bedroom residence, on a quarter-acre block, is situated beside a small laneway, which ensures peacefulness despite the hectic Kabar Aye Pagoda Road being barely a two-minute walk away.

The façade is admittedly a little underwhelming. The owner has stuck with Yangon’s fetish for columns and tiles – there’s even a mosaic under the portico – while some of the paint has begun to peel from the exterior, testament to the city’s tough weather conditions.

However, there are still some touches of elegance that elevate this house above many others in the same price range, such as the nicely landscaped garden beds in the compound. Another example is the striking wooden entrance door, which leads into the living room.

Most of the fittings are tasteful, with wooden window frames and doors, the only exception being the glass sliding doors between the theatre room and lounge room.

Downstairs is dominated by a large, open plan living area, with the living and dining areas separated by some pillars and a small step.

The dining area is ideal for inviting guests around and also includes a wood-panelled bar – all too rare in most homes in Myanmar.

However, the excessive use of darkly polished wood – the living area even has a wooden ceiling – might put some prospective tenants off.

The airy if functional kitchen is nice and light, with its white-tiled floors and walls. The kitchen has twin sinks, plenty of convenient cooking space and ample storage, as well as a designated space for a refrigerator.

The downstairs level also has a separate bathroom, which can be reached from the dining room, as well as one bedroom with ensuite located near the staircase.

The upstairs area is a much brighter living space and contains two of the house’s three bedrooms. To the left of the landing area is a shrine room, while across the landing is the master bedroom. A small balcony looks out over the back and side of the compound, while there is also a generously-sized bathroom, including a bath tub.

The other upstairs bedroom also includes an ensuite.
Beside the shrine room there’s a family/living area that opens out onto a large balcony that overlooks the front yard of the compound.

The house comes partly furnished and included in the rental price is a television, refrigerator, generator, three air conditioners and one phone line. The house has one electricity meter and 24-hour government water supply.