This is probably a house with the most character and history on the rental
market today. Built in 1914 and owned by one of the largest land-owning entities
and philanthropist families in Singapore, this house occupies a discreet spot on
the East Coast today. A beachfront house in its day (before reclamation works
began), the charm is not lost on old denizens of Katong even today.
Built on 70,000sqft of land, this single storied house has kept most of its
original fittings- the intricate lattice works to facilitate ventilation, the
original dark wood flooring, the lovely patterned tiles, the servant's quarters
extension and large backyard and patio. Very modern for its time, the original
house came with proper sanitation facilities, albeit in original washed cement
(ironically making a comeback in uber-modern homes today). One imagines that
this house has been restored to its former glory and time does seem to stand
still within its compounds.
Characterised by high ceilings and ventilation, the house is testament to the
depth of understanding that the architects had of tropical weather. 5 large
bedrooms have been used by the present tenant as the Harvard room, master
bedroom, kids' playroom, kids' bedrooms and guest room. The patio on the back of
the house sees a charming dining area facing a vast expanse of garden (where
jackfruits are in abundance and a Narnia-esque assortment of animals roam) on
both sides. A serving kitchen is situated on the back patio as well, facing into
the traditional courtyard (one still sees the large 'well' for water in the
centre of the courtyard). Two servant's rooms are contained within the annexes of
the house leading from the courtyard.
Truly a gem- having been built and restored with a lot of pride by the
owners- to stay in. A house that embodies the best in conservation housing- more
unique than the black and white bungalows, with grounds more manageable and less
treacherous than the former as well as offering more land and a greater sense of
luxury in terms of architectural construct, grounds and sense of space than the
conservation shophouses. A visit is definitely in order to appreciate the true
charm of the house and its neighbourhood.
