Demolish it. Those were allegedly Lee Kuan Yew’s wishes for this house at 38 Oxley Road. This eight-bedroom, two-story bungalow near Orchard Road holds immense significance. It was Lee Kuan Yew’s residence from the 1940s until his death in 2015.
Let’s step back in time. The house was built in 1898. A Dutch merchant named Hermann Cornelius Verloop commissioned it. The area itself was named after British doctor Thomas Oxley. He once owned a nutmeg plantation here in the 1840s. Originally, the house was named Castor. It had a twin called Pollux at 40 Oxley Road. Sadly, Pollux has since been demolished.
Jewish merchant Manasseh Meyer later acquired the area. During the Japanese occupation, European owners vacated the house. Japanese civilians then took it over. After the war, Lee Kuan Yew and his family moved in. His wife, Kwa Geok Choo, joined him in 1950.
But the house is more than just a family home. In 1954, the basement became a hub. It hosted the first meetings of the People’s Action Party or PAP. Imagine those early discussions shaping Singapore’s future. The building remained Lee’s residence throughout his time as Prime Minister. His son, Lee Hsien Loong, was raised here. After Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965, fortifications and a guardhouse were added.
Interestingly, maintenance was minimal. The Lees relied on a contractor/housekeeper. His name was Teow Seng Hua. He handled minor repairs.
Now, let’s fast forward to a more recent chapter. After Lee Kuan Yew’s death, a dispute arose. It involved his children Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Hsien Yang, and Lee Wei Ling. The argument centered on the house’s fate. Lee Kuan Yew’s will initially gave the house to Lee Hsien Loong. He later sold it to Lee Hsien Yang. The condition was that they would donate half its value to charity.
Lee’s will also allowed his daughter, Lee Wei Ling, to live there. When she died in October 2024, options for the house opened up. A ministerial committee had outlined these in 2018. The possibilities included preserving it as a National Monument. Another option was retaining only the dining room. The final option was complete demolition and redevelopment.
In 2011, Lee Kuan Yew stated he wanted the house demolished after his death. He also considered keeping it as a closed residence for his family. This wish was documented in his memoirs. However, the Cabinet felt it should be preserved due to its historical value.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the government. The question remains. Will 38 Oxley Road be preserved, partially preserved, or demolished? Its fate is intertwined with Singapore’s history and the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew.