GLENCAIRD'S ORIGINAL OWNER was John Fraser, from Fraser & Neave. The 22,000 sq ft bungalow (above) has two living and dining rooms and five bedrooms. The entrance to the house (below), which was designed in the late 1870s by famous British architect Regent Alfred John Bidwell, was placed at a corner instead of the centre front, breaking long-held traditional planning, to take advantage of the pleasant views. The house was built in such a way as to ensure good ventilation and sunlight.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MRS HELEN BELL

PHOTO: COURTESY OF AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION

THE BUNGALOW WAS THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE of the Australian High Commissioner from 1947 until its sale to Wheelock Properties in 1996. In this picture (above), the tower appears to have been torn down.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF WHEELOCK PROPERTIES

RESTORATION WORK by Argentinian architect Ernesto Bedmar, who headed conservation efforts at the Goodwood Park Hotel, began in 1997. He described the works as a 'challenge' as he had to 'modernise and update the look while respecting the original concept'. The restoration included laying parquet flooring, new carpentry, additional beams and columns (above) and building a basement. Modern features such as air-conditioning, a swimming pool (below) and a basement entertainment room were added. Work on the entire Glencaird Residences was completed in 1999 but Glencaird stayed empty until a good enough offer came along.

ST PHOTO: AZIZ HUSSIN