Beyond The Sea

Life’s a beach for ELICE PARK and her family in their Repulse Bay retreat.

- Rachel Read

Light, airy and elegant probably aren’t the first words that come to mind when you think of beach living. Elice Park’s 2,500 square foot home in Repulse Bay, which she shares with husband John Lee, daughter Vivian and their three dogs, offers just that. The home gives the family the best of both worlds – a serene and sophisticated retreat from hectic Hong Kong that’s only a stone’s throw from the sand and sea.

“There are so many things we love about Repulse Bay,” Elice says. “My husband and I grew up near the sea, and heading to one of the nearby beaches in Repulse Bay, South Bay, Deepwater Bay or Stanley is our main weekend ritual. We love the fact that we can enjoy a beach lifestyle but also be in Central in 20 minutes.”

Nevertheless, their choice of apartment was still something of a leap of a faith. “It was undergoing renovation and there wasn’t much to look at,” Elice remembers, “as all the floors, cupboards, toilets and the kitchen had been ripped out. But as soon as we saw it, we knew it was for us! We’re huge fans of its high ceilings and full brickwork – something you just can’t get from new developments – and we also loved the view, with large windows that overlook the trees and sky, giving the apartment a tranquil touch. It feels a world away from the bustle of Central.”

The focal point of their home is the living and dining room, a breezy open area that comprises almost half the space of their apartment. “I love to mesh a variety of styles, and our mix of East and West, and classic and modern, is best encapsulated by this room,” Elice says. “When mixing styles, I pay particular attention to colours to make sure they blend in a harmonious way. I also believe you can decorate a house elegantly on a reasonable budget, so I love mixing expensive pieces with items from markets.”