Practically Perfect
EL Hong Kong|September - November 2020
Not many homeowners can look at an empty shell and see the potential, but that’s exactly what pilots LISA and BEN GRANT found in their Shui Hau village house on Lantau Island. After a full renovation, this comfortable, country-style home shows what happens when Scandi cool meets DIY design.
Brooke Chenoweth
Practically Perfect

When you travel for a living, it’s important to find a place you really feel at home in. After living in Soho on Staunton Street when they first moved to Hong Kong 14 years ago, Ben and Lisa have spent the last 12 years on Lantau.

Island life

Ben is Australian and Lisa is Swedish, and Lantau offered something that appealed to both of them. Lisa says, “It was fun to have lived in the city, but we knew it wasn’t for us in the long run; we liked the Lantau lifestyle and Shui Hau represented more value for money.

“After living here for a while, we’ve grown to love it. The expat community is constantly growing and we now have many friends we get together with every week. And the locals are friendly too and quite often stop by to have a chat when Ben and I are outside in our little garden – I think they like that we do most of the work ourselves, and they’re probably a bit surprised by it!”

After a brief stint in Sweden, the couple returned to Hong Kong three years ago and got to work renovating what was nothing but a concrete shell. Despite the fact that their jobs keep them busy, Ben and Lisa did a lot of the work themselves, from designing the home’s layout to sourcing fixtures and fittings. They even made some of the furniture!

Their main priority when planning the house was a big kitchen with lots of storage. Lisa says, “We love cooking and my husband has a habit of buying a lot of kitchen utensils and appliances when he is away on trips!”

Denne historien er fra September - November 2020-utgaven av EL Hong Kong.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September - November 2020-utgaven av EL Hong Kong.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EL HONG KONGSe alt
A Writer's Retreat
EL Hong Kong

A Writer's Retreat

We meet children’s author (and saree enthusiast!) Bhakti Mathur at her peaceful home on the Peak.

time-read
7 mins  |
June - August 2021
A Lantau Project
EL Hong Kong

A Lantau Project

The idea of renovating a home had long appealed to Jenya Mcguigan; a recent move from Lamma to Lantau gave her the chance to do exactly that.

time-read
4 mins  |
June - August 2021
Staycay Season
EL Hong Kong

Staycay Season

For a change of scenery (and a reminder of the pleasures of travel), check in to one of these five fabulous spots in five very different locations across Hong Kong!

time-read
7 mins  |
June - August 2021
Award-Winning School Camp Programme For The Summer
EL Hong Kong

Award-Winning School Camp Programme For The Summer

Are the kids keen for some fun over the holiday? Read on for details of an award-winning school camp programme for the summer – one with 13 different streams to choose from!

time-read
2 mins  |
June - August 2021
Pictures Of Pooches
EL Hong Kong

Pictures Of Pooches

We meet Romanian expat Mihaela Tudor, and learn about her photography work, including a recent project about pets!

time-read
5 mins  |
June - August 2021
Middle Eastern Eats
EL Hong Kong

Middle Eastern Eats

We all love dipping into a plate of beautiful hummus, but this ubiquitous dish just begins to scratch the surface of everything that Middle Eastern cuisine brings to the table. Here’s a guide to finding a feast near you!

time-read
5 mins  |
June - August 2021
20 Watery Wonders Exploring The Aquatic Of HK
EL Hong Kong

20 Watery Wonders Exploring The Aquatic Of HK

Summer is upon us, so it’s the ideal time to take a look at some of best ways to get wet – or at least enjoy a seaside view – in Hong Kong. Here are 20 ideas to get you started!

time-read
5 mins  |
June - August 2021
5 Booze Free Bevvies
EL Hong Kong

5 Booze Free Bevvies

Just as plant-based is becoming more and more a “thing” among foodies, so to alcoholfree drinks are appealing to an ever-increasing number of consumers. But how do they taste? To find out, we gave the Sipfree range of wines, spirits and beers a go. Read on to see if we’re converted!

time-read
4 mins  |
June - August 2021
Let's Talk About Sleep
EL Hong Kong

Let's Talk About Sleep

For many new mums and dads, it’s the “holy grail”: getting their new bub to sleep through the night and take long naps during the day! We chat with the founder of Kristin Graham Sleep Consulting about the struggles she faced, and how they prompted her to help those in the same boat.

time-read
4 mins  |
June - August 2021
5 Tips For The Perfect Bedroom
EL Hong Kong

5 Tips For The Perfect Bedroom

Advice from the team at Blanc Des Vosges on making your sleeping spot a stylish haven.

time-read
2 mins  |
June - August 2021