The Alkaff Mansion

Whispers of lavish parties and prominent figures echo through time at The Alkaff Mansion. The Alkaff Mansion stands as a testament to Singapore’s rich and diverse past. This grand colonial bungalow, nestled on Telok Blangah Green, witnessed a vibrant tapestry of history. The Alkaff Mansion began its journey in 1918 as a weekend retreat for a member of the esteemed Alkaff family. This prominent family, whose roots traced back to Yemen, had amassed considerable wealth through spice trading and property ventures in Singapore. The mansion quickly became a hub for high-society gatherings in the 1930s. Distinguished guests, including British colonial officials and influential local figures, graced its halls. The parties were legendary, filled with music, laughter, and the clinking of champagne glasses. The Alkaff Mansion was also known as Mount Washington. This name likely reflected the family’s close ties with the American community in Singapore at the time. The mansion’s opulent interiors, featuring elaborate wall engravings and colorful floral-patterned tiles, served as a backdrop for these lavish affairs. The mansion’s two-story Tudor-style architecture stood proudly atop a hill, overlooking the picturesque Keppel Harbour. The surrounding 19-hectare park provided a serene setting for grand garden parties. One such event, in 1932, celebrated the appointment of Haji Shaikh Yahya bin Ahmad Afifi, the general manager of Alkaff and Co., as a Justice of the Peace. After World War II, the Alkaff family faced financial setbacks and sold the mansion. It then became the headquarters of the World Buddhist Society. Two Buddhist temples were erected nearby. According to a metal plate discovered on the site of one temple, the land had previously belonged to the British Army, who gifted it to the society around 1970. The society occupied the mansion until 1984, when the government acquired the land for the Mount Faber Park Extension project. The mansion then sat vacant and fell into disrepair. In 1987, the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (now the Singapore Tourism Board) initiated plans to restore The Alkaff Mansion and redevelop it as a tourist attraction and event venue. The restoration project, completed in 1990, breathed new life into the mansion, while preserving its historical charm. It became a popular restaurant and venue for weddings and private functions. Despite its renewed popularity, the mansion faced further challenges. The economic crisis of 2001 and the SARS outbreak of 2003 led to the closure of the restaurant in 2003. After a period of vacancy, The Alkaff Mansion was once again restored and reopened as an Italian restaurant in 2011. Today, The Alkaff Mansion continues to captivate visitors with its enduring elegance and rich history.