Between two of Kowloon’s busiest intersections, Prince Edward Road West to the north and Argyle Street to the south, lies an unexpected oasis of calm — The Kadoorie Estate. Built on once-barren land purchased by the Kadoorie family in 1931, the development is now home to 85 detached and semi-detached houses, each measuring from 3,000 sq ft to 6,000 sq ft; a complex, St George’s Court, which boasts 39 colonial-style apartments with an average footprint of 3,000 sq ft; and 2,000 trees that support a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The Kadoorie Estate is an unexpected and verdant oasis in the midst of downtown Kowloon
Indeed, one of the first things that greets you as you step onto Kadoorie Avenue — a public thoroughfare that bisects the estate — is the birdsong. You could be forgiven for believing yourself elsewhere entirely; it feels so far removed from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring Mong Kok.
Another thing that attracts attention is the architecture, much of which evokes the smooth surfaces and sinuous curves of the Bauhaus and Streamline Moderne schools of design popular from 1930s to ’50s. Here, the skyscrapers that have become synonymous with our modern metropolis are quickly forgotten, replaced by handsome duplexes in brilliant white, each one accompanied by outside space and the effortless elegance that exists only in heritage properties.
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Elements of the Bauhaus and Streamline Moderne movements are evident in the architecture of the 85 detached and semi-detached houses, many of which boast private gardens to facilitate indoor-outdoor living
In recent years, renovations have been underway to modernise the residences, employing a clean aesthetic, exceptional quality appliances, abundant natural light and plenty of intelligent storage solutions to elevate the interiors, while maintaining the historical character of each structure. Each dwelling has been designed according to its own architectural integrity, ensuring that its style is sensitive to its surroundings and that it remains unique — something that has proved attractive to the close-knit community that occupies The Kadoorie Estate, from wealthy industrialists to celebrities in the worlds of film, television, media and music. Many of the homes are leased to long-term residents, some of whom have been living there for more than 30 years and all of which have been seduced by the serenity of this sanctuary in the heart of the city.
The heritage homes enjoy beautifully manicured, mature gardens
Inside, the interiors have been renovated to include everything that you could desire, including enormous en suite bathrooms
This property was designed by Lord Lawrence Kadoorie for his family, although they never ended up moving in. Its interiors revolve around a series of circular rooms, making it unique to the estate and stunning to behold
A clean, contemporary design scheme allows the historical value of the property to shine through
The tree-lined Kadoorie Avenue
Newly remodelled kitchens are fitted with state-of-the-art appliances
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