The Margaret: Nigeria’s first all-female Real Estate development

In an industry where women only represent 33% of professionals, Gilead Global has sparked a revolution with its latest residential project in Ikoyi’s Banana Island.

Experts have already termed it as one of the very few truly luxury developments., owing perhaps to the female-dominance which brings about an increased attention to detail.

The Margaret is a stunning collection of four and five-bedroom townhouses located in Banana Island, Ikoyi and designed by critically acclaimed female architect; Okwi Onuzo in collaboration with London-based Landscape Architect, Moji Adeniran and Sicily-based Interior Architect, Martina Pardo.

As the African cultural saying goes; “the woman owns the home”, the development boasts of specific features, which are extremely pertinent to women.

This is due to its all-star female team of Architects, Engineers and Designers.

The Margaret is an apt name for this modern-English residential enclave, which draws inspiration from the values of Margaret Thatcher, former British Prime Minister fondly referred to as the “Iron lady”.

Hence, its hard exterior is fashioned out of Concrete, Glass and Steel, which conceals its much softer interior of hand-polished wood, natural Carrara marble and other organic materials.

Over the last two decades, Ikoyi has witnessed massive growth and transformation. Going from an old, sleepy, residential area into a modern, mixed-use community. Its streets went from being lined with colonial duplexes with expansive gardens to displaying some of the most ambitious office complexes and high-rise residences.

A drive down Alfred Rewane, Alexander or Bourdillon Road will immediately convince you.

Nestled in the heart of Ikoyi, is the gated fortress known as Banana Island, Nigeria’s most affluent neighbourhood.

Its beautifully tarred roads and picturesque green areas make it the destination of choice for multi-millionaires both at home and abroad looking for the security, serenity and service the estate offers.

Gilead Global, the developers behind the project are on a mission to close the gender equality gap in the fields of Construction and Architecture in Nigeria.

According to Ololade Babalola, co-Founder at Gilead, “The goal is not just about filling in the blanks but really about the meaningful inclusion of Women in senior decision-making positions on major Real Estate projects such as this. It is about slowly transforming the institutional culture and the mind-set that Women should be relegated to the backseat when it comes to such projects”.

Women make up 49% of the Nigerian population and one out of every four women in Sub-Saharan Africa is a Nigerian.

This represents enormous human resources potential, which can be harnessed to increase economic productivity but the disparities in job opportunities between Men and Women have never been starker.

The townhouses are now officially for sale off-plan, with two of them already sold.

The development will offer residents a botanical oasis of peace amidst the surrounding hustle and bustle of Lagos.

Gardens and communal areas will be maintained by UK-based New Era Gardens making sure residents don’t have to worry about forgetting to prune or water the plants.

Its interiors feature an earthy palette with an abundance of natural light seeping through the oversized French windows.

Each townhouse and penthouse have their own private “vitality” swimming pool, which would also be maintained by the Facility Managers present on site.

Residents will also have access to a Private Home Cinema, where they would be able to watch current box-office movies from the comfort of their home.

The townhouses come starting at a price tag of N280million ($800,000). The penthouses are not up for sale at this time and construction is set to commence in the coming weeks.

For the very few who are able to afford it, residents of The Margaret, will have access to the most luxurious of amenities such as private gardens and courtyards, individual “vitality” swimming pools for each residence, high ceilings, hand finished brass fixtures, a private home cinema for all residents, yoga classes, 24hr concierge and valet parking. “We are very clear; this development is not for everybody. It is for a very niche market of sophisticated buyers and renters who understand quality design and premium service. It’s a very small group but we are getting a huge amount of interest”, said Babalola.