Andrew Burgess pays Dh155,000 a year for his Villanova villa. The 51‑year‑old founder of the food‑app Forked Up has lived in Dubai since 2007.
Family life and home features
Burgess lives with his wife Lucy and their nine‑year‑old son Cyrus. They are joined by their nanny Nancy and two rescue animals – Jack the cat and Harley the dog – who have become part of the household routine. The family’s daily life revolves around the open‑plan kitchen, dining and living area, which the Burgesses describe as the heart of their home.
The four‑bedroom villa offers three bathrooms, a maid’s room, a single balcony and a garden that backs onto the community’s green spaces. The downstairs bedroom has been turned into an office, allowing Burgess to run his app business from home. In addition to Jack and Harley, the family has taken in three stray cats that now live in the garden, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Why Villanova appealed and rental terms
Before moving to Villanova, the Burgess family lived in Mira, Al Barsha and Jumeirah Beach Residence. They moved to Al Barsha around 2012 as traffic around JBR grew heavier, and later settled in Mira before rising rents pushed them to search for a new home.
When Burgess first signed the lease, he negotiated a rent of Dh145,000, paid in a single cheque, and locked the amount in for three years. The decision proved stable, and the current rent of Dh155,000 reflects the family’s continued commitment to the area.
Villanova attracted the Burgess family with its blend of budget, space and location. The community offers a dog‑friendly pub, numerous parks, walking paths and playgrounds, making it easy for Cyrus to ride his bike and for Harley to enjoy regular walks. Easy access to major roads, supermarkets, restaurants and shopping malls means daily errands are a short drive away.
Overall, the Burgess family finds Villanova’s neighbourhood feel hard to match elsewhere in the city. The combination of green space, family‑friendly amenities and a stable rental agreement has turned the villa into a long‑term home for the food‑app founder and his loved ones.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Andrew Burgess pay for his villa?
Andrew Burgess pays Dh155,000 annually for his four‑bedroom villa in Dubai's Villanova community.
Where is Andrew Burgess' villa located?
The villa is located in the Villanova community of Dubai, a family‑friendly neighbourhood with green spaces and a dog‑friendly pub.
What amenities does Villanova offer?
Villanova provides a dog‑friendly pub, numerous parks, walking paths, playgrounds, and easy access to major roads, supermarkets, restaurants and shopping malls.
Why did the Burgess family choose Villanova?
They chose Villanova for its blend of budget, space, and location, offering green spaces, pet‑friendly facilities, and convenient access to daily necessities.
How long has Andrew Burgess lived in Dubai?
Andrew Burgess has been residing in Dubai since 2007.
