Classic Colonial Entertainer!

Colonial houses in Singapore are steeped in history, and the black-and-white home of NEIL and EMMA BROOKES is no exception. Hidden in the lush jungle on Turf Club Road, it’s a tropical idyll of grand proportions. I sipped kombucha on the terrace with Emma and heard all about her fabulous home.

- GEORGINA HOCKLEY

Tell us a bit about your gorgeous crew and how you found yourselves living in Singapore.

I’m originally from Scotland – I met my husband Neil while at university in England. After spending four years working in London, we decided it was time to change things up. We both secured jobs in Sydney and – promising our families and friends we would return in two years – off we flew. We’re yet to return, 17 years on!

We spent a fabulous eight years in sunny Sydney and two of our children were born there. Neil was then approached for a role in Singapore. Once again, as we packed up for our next “two year” adventure, we farewelled our friends promising a return soon… Nine years on and we’re still very happily living in Singapore, with another two children joining the Brookes clan.

I’ve since established a homeware business, Hankie Pankie Tables, which I absolutely love – sourcing artisanal products from our travels abroad and creating beautiful tables for clients in Singapore and further afield.

When you landed on Singapore shores nine years ago, what were you looking for in a home and why?

At the time we were both working in traditional office environments. As our youngest was only one, being close to the city was important to me so I could dash back home quickly if required.

Our tenant profile meant agents offered us mainly condo options, which seemed foreign to me given our previous laidback Aussie lifestyle. We went in search of a landed house, and thankfully we found one in One Tree Hill, a hidden gem by Orchard Road. I was also keen for us to have a pool and a small garden for our dachshund.