Is there any clear definition between a house and a villa? I have seen people selling 'villa' which to me is no better than a cramped townhouse with a small fish pond that was turned into a plunge pool. Is there any minimum area for a property to be qualified as a villa?
None whatsoever Anso.
There are no rules here regarding what you can and can’t say when it comes to advertising.
A few other words which have no meaning whatsoever or you need to be careful of (in most cases):
Western managed (half indo/half bule owner pops in once a month to pick up the $$ - because we say this, we can charge you western prices)
Built to western standards (Has a sit down toilet – may have originally been built for a westerner. Because we say this, we can charge you western prices)
Open living (come here to be eaten alive by mosquito’s – we saved a lot on doors and windows building this place)
Studio style apartment (ok for standing in, but no room to lay down)
Rice field views (there is a good chance the lots either side of this place are for sale and very soon construction will be taking place on them, lots of mosquitoes)
Minimalist (concrete square edged building, usually with no gardens, dazzling white in color, was a big hit when Miami vice used to be on TV)
Centrally located (It’s in south Bali)
Modern Amenities (Water –unknown quality, drainage –in the dry season, electricity - sometimes)
Air-conditioned (we have installed an air-conditioner here which is not big enough to cool a room this size)
Security – we are paying someone $100 a month to come and sleep in front of your villa at night
Gardener - Security Man
Pool Cleaner - Security Man
Free airport pickup – The security man will meet you at the airport
Maid – We are paying the security mans wife $90 a month to keep the place clean
Welcome drink on arrival – our maid which costs us $3 a day will prepare you a refreshing drink of cordial upon your arrival.
Wi-Fi - Sometimes you will be able to send and receive an email.
All inclusive - except for the extras
River view - you will get to see tonnes of rubbish being effeciently transported from one place to another from dusk till dawn. lots of mosquitos. usually the bad ones.
Some more:
Organic (we still have access to pesticides here which have been banned the world over and are very cheap and effective and increase our profit margins significantly, but we don’t use them)
International school (Still haven’t worked this out)
International Curriculum (Some English is taught)
Low Km/s (we wound back the clock)