HOUSE TOUR | Historic Villa on 58,000ft² Land in Hong Kong!

Today on Squarefoot, we explore the All-Knowing Lotus Villa, a historic English-style home located on South Lantau’s Ngong Ping Plateau. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers breathtaking views of Lantau’s iconic Big Buddha. The villa sits on one of three lots, totalling 58,000 square feet, which was once home to Hong Kong’s first and only tea plantation, established in 1947 and now defunct.
The villa’s origins date back to 1920, when it began as a nunnery for three nuns who tragically lost their lives during the war. With its close proximity to Po Lin Monastery, the home’s early history is deeply tied to Buddhism. In 1947, the land was acquired by Brook Bernacchi, an English lawyer, politician, and the first Westerner to settle on Lantau.
Through the wrought iron gates, a long path leads you through sprawling gardens, featuring a swimming pool, vegetable garden, croquet lawn, and various seating areas—ideal for large gatherings or family relaxation.
The house showcases a whitewashed exterior with classic doorframes, exuding a charming English cottage style. Priced at HK$118 million, the villa offers six bedrooms and three bathrooms across 2,538 square feet.
The living area boasts sloped high ceilings and an original working fireplace, perfect for cosy evenings at home.
Adjacent to the living room is a study, featuring Brook Bernacchi’s original wooden desk, an elegant piece neatly placed against the wall. Curved windows offer delightful views of the garden and create a quiet alcove, ideal for relaxing in an armchair.
The study connects to a spacious ground-floor bedroom, easily accommodating a queen-size bed, with two large windows providing serene green views and a wall-mounted TV. The bedroom also includes an ensuite bathroom.
A second entryway from the living room leads to the formal dining room, adorned with oriental accents. A glass door fills the space with natural light, and can be opened to let in fresh air—perfect for enjoying a cup of tea.
Toward the back of the house is a traditional-style kitchen. The brick L-shaped counter provides ample workspace, while the space exudes a rustic charm. A modern electric stove and oven ensure convenience, while a quaint white kitchen island creates a cosy spot for casual afternoon snacks, blending old-world charm with contemporary ease.
A winding staircase leads to the first floor, where the remaining five bedrooms and two bathrooms are located.
One of the bedrooms holds literary significance, as British writer Richard Mason penned part of his 1957 novel “The World of Suzie Wong” here. The master bedroom, meanwhile, is connected to an outdoor terrace, offering a peaceful retreat.
Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:56 Gardens
3:47 Exterior
5:12 Background
5:35 Living area
6:16 Study + bedroom 1
6:57 Dining area + kitchen
7:46 1/F bedrooms
9:29 Terrace
10:08 Finance
11:36 Amenities
12:04 Conclusion
Consultant: Camilla Larsson
Company: Habitat Property
Contact: +852 9037 0394
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