The atypical colonial bungalows is characterized by arched fanlights and louvred shutters
Normally single storeyed(or double, in some cases),black and whites boast sprawling gradens and spacious interiors. Black and whites today can be found in the Swettenham, Ridout,Stevens, Goodwood, Kheam Hock, Cluny Road, Dalvey, Mount Pleasant and the odd ones on Chancery. Off 9/10/11, you'd see places on Sembawang, Alexandra, etc for considerably lower rentals.
For viewing, please call 67288614

Along with the idyllic image of lazy afternoons and balmy nights in this tropical climate, be prepared for the bats and occasional snake(odd cases of malaria have also been reported). Ants, snakes, bats and geckos signify the tropical climate of Singapore and herald back to a time when tigers swam across the Johor Straits into the island.

If you can come to terms with the unsavoury facts of living amidst nature, black and whites have a lot to offer. Most have had their interiors renovated, huge size of land I cannot even begin to conceive and the promised lush greenery and wonderful patio space for relaxing and entertaining. And yes, parties in black and whites are indeed very impressive. More than enough space for the children and the family pet to roam. These black and white habitues have been known to keep their horses in their backyards and ride them to the nearby Polo Club!

The most black and whites congregate on streets with names that evoke the colonial era-places like Swettenham and Pierce. Walls with additional perforation for extra ventilation, and grounds that are a luxury in today's land-scare Singapore, vibes of a colonial past surge through you as you walk through an empty colonial house-the shabby but luxuriously big servant's quarters, the resounding concrete bare walls, the fan-cooled empty spaces... Sitting in the patio in the evenings allow you to enjoy the cool monsoon breeze. It's a welcome respite from a city of high-density living and a rejection of the simulated environments of the massive, themed condo developments.

Some black and whites have tennis courts and swimming pools as well. The ones near to Polo Club tend to have the largest grounds with the ultimate in privacy.

Pictures above are of a black and white bungalow in the Braddell vicinity. Furnished with an eclectic style, the black and white bungalow has had antique doors from India, figurines and a koi pond in the patio installed by the tenant. With  a garage, an aviary and maid's quarters. Land size is huge,  allowing for a long driveway and a lot of privacy. Lush greenery surrounds the area.

Location: Braddell Vicinity

Land size/Built-up: 60,000sqft/2,000sqft(in main house)

Rental:$5.5k

Renovated black and whites.

Click on individual Photos for a Larger View.

The photos above are a collation of some of the renovated black and whites near the Polo Club. The units available for rent have been renovated; each to a different aesthetic and standard.

One of the units featured here comes with a walk-in wardrobe leading to the bath in the master bedroom. With separate his and hers sink and a claw-footed bath; the renovations are unexpectedly modern. Land size is over 100,000sqft, with built-up areas being in the region of 5,400sqft; with 3 large bedrooms in the main house and a separate outhouse. Houses come with their own pools and air-conditioning.

- Not all units in the area are renovated and available for rent. Should there be no ready units available for rent at the moment you could do one of two things- 1. Be put on the waiting list and be notified as soon as a unit becomes available, or 2. Suggest that an unrenovated unit be renovated. The latter option will usually come at a premium although you would be able to decide on the sort of renovations with the landlords.

Rental: $18k.

Land size: circa 120,000sqft/ 5,400sqft built-up

For viewing, pls call 67288614