August 10, 2007 | 12:00am
Old world Italy has found a new home within a massive development where the charming and rustic landscape go hand in hand with the conveniences of modern living. Brittany Corporation’s 300-hectare Portofino development has literally sculpted the sprawling property and changed the face of southern Manila. A proud member of the Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., the country’s largest homebuilder, Brittany’s Portofino is growing at such a rate befitting of the grandeur that its opulent architecture evokes.
“We have always said that Brittany does not merely build homes. We build communities. But that, I believe, is no longer true. In the recent years, we have begun building cities, the results of which are manifested on the properties we have been developing. Portofino is a reflection of this vision,” said Brittany Corp. managing director Marylee Sadiasa.
Indeed, it is not merely the number of homes, its grand architecture, and details crafted into each house that make this Italian haven an immense undertaking. Truly an impressive example of what can be achieved with proper urban planning, Portofino was developed in such a way that it is able to take full advantage of various access points.
Debunking the age-old belief that anything south of Manila is difficult to reach, Portofino is easily accessible through four major access roads — Daang Hari Road, Molino Boulevard, San Pedro Exit from the South Luzon Expressway, and the proposed South Luzon Expressway-Daang Hari Interchange which is a government priority project to be implemented by the Alabang-Sto. Tomas Development Inc.
Within its borders, Portofino boasts of a vast array of amenities to complement this charming lifestyle.
At the heart of Portofino Heights is a grand development that is Monte di Portofino - a beautifully-designed clubhouse reminiscent of Italian palazzos that serve as playground for Italian royalty. Monte di Portofino has one main ballroom, three function rooms, fully equipped gym, boardroom facilities, al fresco dining area, Roman bath inspired lap pool, and a gazebo. Running through the property is the Portofino River Park especially designed by landscape architect Paolo Alcazaren. It features a mini amphitheater, a scenic jogging trail, and lush green spaces perfect for lazy sunny afternoons with friends. Portofino Heights also features leisure facilities including basketball and tennis courts.
Portofino South, on the other hand, hosts more child-oriented facilities. It has a child-friendly park, interactive swimming pool with sloped entry, playhouses and playgrounds, and bike paths.
Supporting this growing metropolis are commercial establishments that cater to the discriminating tastes of Portofino residents. Here, one will find Fernbrook Gardens - an 8,000 sqm property perfect for weddings and special events. This includes The Grand Conservatory, a 100-foot high dome-like structure with arched bridges, ponds filled with white swans, ducks, and hundreds of Japanese kois, exotic plants, birds, and stately fern trees. Truly, the breathtaking scene can serve as the perfect backdrop to celebrate life’s most important milestones.
Fernbrook Gardens has a porte cochere entry, fully air-conditioned and weather-resistant garden venues, connecting reception venues of four function halls and one main hall over-looking a man-made lake, a basilica-inspired chapel, gondolas on a river that runs through the development, and ample parking space.
Soon to serve Portofino residents is a Petron service station complete with lifestyle restaurants and specialty shops.
Today, the Portofino development is now home to seven unique enclaves: Portofino Heights, Courtyards I, Portofino South, Courtyards II, WideLots I, WideLots II, and Amore of Portofino. The first two have long been sold out. Portofino South and WideLots I are both 90% sold while sales of the remaining enclaves are moving just as swiftly.
“I think we can safely say that we have left no stone unturned at Portofino,” said Sadiasa. “But these current developments occupy a mere one-third of the property. Clients can expect Portofino to continue to grow, making it a fitting hallmark of Brittany’s innovative spirit.”
Brittany Corporation is a maverick real estate developer of innovative and creative lifescapes. Its eclectic and vibrant portfolio includes Brittany Bay, CrossWinds, Portofino, The Islands, Georgia Club, Mosaic at Greenbelt, and Avant at The Fort. With masterplanned developments steeped in character, stylistic and thematic appeal, rich architectural details and excellent craftsmanship, it successfully and continuously reinvents the local real estate landscape.
For inquiries and property previews, please call 850-2868 or 850-3084, or visit www.brittany.com.ph.
