Location Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone township Price US$4000 (rent) Contact Sai Khung Noung (agency) Phone : 541501, 09 99

TO be sure, this is a first-rate home set on a quarter-acre plot in a top part of town, but it is hard to see what justifies such a steep rental price, especially for those not looking to run a business from home.

The newly built house on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Mayangone township has six bedrooms, is well-situated for business needs, and comes with a secondary two-storey brick house at the front of the property. But for $4000 a month, finding two homes – each of reasonably high quality – should not be too much of an ask.

A row of tall palm trees lines the front of the compound and a small waterfall impresses upon first appearances, although venture farther into the property and the landscaping dries up. There is extensive concreting – so much the rage these days – which is great for car parking though does little to soothe one’s nerves.

There is no garage.

A particularly nice feature, however, is a large, sheltered outdoors area on the first floor. Set amid pillars stretching from the ground to the roof, the shady hangout makes a great place to kick back and enjoy the breeze across the treetops.

Downstairs, the main entrance opens to a teak-floor living room, ideal for entertaining guests or clients without opening up the more private parts of the home.

There are two double bedrooms with en suites on the ground floor, both with external access.

The kitchen, despite being brand new, could use some redecorating to create a more modern feel. Tiles with floral designs cover the walls from floor to ceiling and natural wood cupboards are set against speckled, pink marble benchtops. It’s not an uncommon look, but nor is it a very sophisticated one.

There are four bedrooms upstairs including a master bedroom at the front of the home that opens to a balcony connecting with the sheltered outdoors area. This outside seating space runs off the upstairs living room, creating a nice indoor-outdoor flow that makes for a nicer place to relax than the ground floor lounge.

The additional two-storey detached house facing Kaba Aye Pagoda Road is fully self-contained with a kitchen, one bathroom and an open hall-type room upstairs.

As well as benifiting from the neighbourhood’s 24-hour electricity and water supplies, there are nine air conditioners in the main house and one phone line. Furniture can be provided.