Murray House

Clutching your dim sum, imagine strolling through 19th-century Hong Kong. British soldiers in red coats march past. Rickshaws clatter down the street. Suddenly, you find yourself before Murray House. Murray House was a grand Victorian-era building in the heart of the bustling business district. Today, we find Murray House not in Central, but in Stanley. How did it get here? Murray House was originally built in 1846 as officers’ quarters for the nearby Murray Barracks. It was named after Sir George Murray, a prominent British figure. The house was designed in the Neoclassical style. Heavy stone walls anchored the ground floor. Elegant Doric and Ionic columns graced the upper levels. Verandas wrapped around each floor, offering respite from Hong Kong’s subtropical climate. Murray House witnessed a tumultuous period during the Japanese occupation. It became the command center for the Japanese military police, a stark contrast to its original purpose. After World War II, the building served as offices for various government departments. Yet, whispers of hauntings began to circulate. Employees reported unsettling occurrences. Files mysteriously moved, typewriters vanished and reappeared in locked drawers. Two exorcisms were even performed, one of which was televised! In the 1980s, the looming construction of the Bank of China Tower threatened Murray House’s existence. A decision was made to dismantle the building. Over 3,000 building blocks were meticulously labeled and catalogued. It was a monumental task. Years later, Murray House was resurrected in Stanley. The building was carefully reconstructed, a testament to preservation efforts. Today, Murray House stands as a reminder of Hong Kong’s rich and layered past. It’s a place where history whispers through the stones, where the echoes of soldiers, officers, and perhaps even ghosts, can be felt. As you explore its shops and restaurants, remember the building’s incredible journey. It’s a journey through time, from Central’s bustling heart to Stanley’s serene shores.