Balikbayans, retirees and expatriates who dream of owning a stylish home in the Tagaytay ridge can now have that dream fulfilled with the recent launch of the Montebello subdivision.

Montbello, which means “beautiful mountain,” is a gated community envisioned to be a residential resort to provide residents a relaxed country lifestyle with its ideal location and recreational amenities.

“We developed Montebello to offer our residents an authentic countryside setting at reasonable rates,” said Don Tim Agustin Leong, chairman of property developer Don Tim Development Corp.

Located amid 15.4 hectares of sprawling greens in the mountain ridge in Alfonso, Cavite, Montebello is blessed with a cool weather and crisp air the whole year round. The core of the village is the clubhouse complex with adult and children’s swimming pools, view deck, amphitheater, multipurpose hall, water fountain and basketball and tennis courts.

Other amenities are a fully landscaped entrance, promenade shade trees, 24-hour security and telephone communication lines. Leong said Don Tim has individual land titles and an easy payment scheme, a value-added amenity for potential buyers.

Lots can be had for a 10 percent downpayment with a flexible payment terms of five, seven or 10 years for the balance. Lot size ranges from 150 to 279 sqm with lot prices starting at P5,000 per sqm. All units have provisions for parking space.

“Many retirees and balikbayans have bought lots at Montebello because it captures the climate and ambiance of their homes in the US,” he said.

He added that the realty firm provides integrated services, such as construction, marketing, financing and importation of high-grade materials, enabling them to offer housing units at a much lower cost.

“Once completed, there will be horses and carriages that will be available for guests’ enjoyment so they can tour the village and discover the outdoors in a unique mode of transportation,” said Don Tim president Arthurson Leong, a weekend rider who travels on horseback in the upland towns of Cavite and Batangas.

The property would incorporate environmental concerns in its development program as part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility. He said that the housing units will work around existing trees and none will be cut in the construction process.

Top executives of Don Tim along with Alfonso Mayor Virgilio Varias led a tree-planting during the launch to signify commitment to greening this part of town.