A: The Estates Samui is an exclusive and private collection of 14 villas situated on stunning Laem Yai bay on the island of Samui, in a secluded cove above a private beach, adjacent to the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, just 30 minutes from Samui Airport. This Bill Bensley designed masterpiece is crafted from the finest tropical hardwoods to exacting specifications and fusing traditional Southern Thai style with modern luxury. Each villa is exceptionally private, set on 1-2 rai of land amidst lush coconut groves, with 2-5 bedrooms and offering breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Thailand. Each villa also features a private infinity pool with large sundeck, sunken dining pavilion, spacious living and dining areas, state of the art entertainment and technology, indoor-outdoor bathrooms, and your very own butler to redefine the term pampering.

A: Residents can access the extensive amenities of the nearby Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. This includes a wide range of luxurious facilities and services, including a fully-equipped fitness centre, tennis courts, library and reading room, a world class spa, water sports amenities and some of the best beachside dining options in Thailand. Owners will also enjoy a world of five star amenities, including all day room service, bell attendant service, 24-hour telephone operator, cable television, 24-hour security, car parking and housekeeping.

A: All private villas are now completed and given our well-earned reputation for attention to detail and unrelenting commitment to excellence. Presently, we have only 6 available villas with 3-4 bedrooms and usable area of 946 – 1,177 sq.m. This is advantageous for buyers who wish to take immediate possession and more significantly, this platform allows buyers to view the villa prior to purchase.

A: At The Estates Samui, we offer both freehold and leasehold structures, depending on the eligibility of the purchaser. Under the present law, freehold ownership is available to Thai nationals or Thai registered companies. For non-residents, we provide 90-year leasehold ownership, comprising 3 successive 30-year terms. Through leasehold arrangement, non-residents can acquire a villa without the hassles of having to set up a Thai company (non-Thais can only own up to 49% of a company, the balance owned by Thais).

A: Yes, there are charges associated with the registration of both freehold and leasehold interests and these fees are payable to the Land Department. For freehold interest, the associated costs include transfer fee and stamp duty (approximately 2.5% of the appraisal price), while for leasehold interest, registration fee and stamp duty amount to 1.1% of the leasehold amount.

A: After registering the lease agreement at the Land Department, the purchaser will have unfettered rights to use the land and improvements, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the lease agreement. Leasehold rights can be transferred to a third party but the new owner shall remain bounded to the conditions and provisions stipulated in the initial lease agreement. An option clause to convert the property to freehold status during the term of the lease is included in the agreement, providing the Lessee is qualified under the Thai law. The Lessee would be responsible for all taxes, legal and administrative costs associated with such conversion.

A: No, our private villas have been meticulously designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley and construction was undertaken by Italian-Thai Development PCL., one of the leading contractors in the Kingdom. We also would like to maintain the consistency of our design, as well as the overall look and feel of the project. Any addition would detract from its original design and purpose.

A: Yes, owners have the option of putting their entire villa or just a lock-off unit into the rental program. The rental program is a one-year contract with an option to renew. For the utmost convenience to owners, our villas come fully furnished, using the highest quality and specially designed furniture and fixtures.

A: Upon signing of the rental agreement, owners are asked to provide a schedule of when they want to use their villas over the next 12 months. Thus, owners can reside in the villas for as long as they like. Owners can back out of the program with 90 days written notice, but any reservation made prior to the termination must be honored.

A: Revenues received by the hotel management are allocated to the owner (60%) and the hotel operator (40%) after the expenses associated with marketing of the villa have been deducted.

A: The external area of the villas and common area facilities are managed by dedicated staff trained and supervised by the hotel management team, to ensure the quality of services and standards matches that of the hotel. This will include general administration and management, landscaping maintenance, routine and preventive maintenance, general repairs, pest control, refuse collection, pool cleaning and 24-hour security.

A: Owners are responsible for the payment of maintenance and management fees to properly maintain common area infrastructure and amenities. Owners are also responsible for specific charges such as electricity, water and sundries for their individual villa. A sinking fund contribution will also be required from owners for major infrastructure repairs and/or improvements.