WATTEN HOUSE

Watten Estate Condominium In Bukit Timah; To be Redeveloped into Watten House

A joint venture of UOL Group and Singapore Land Group (SingLand) won the tender to a collection sale of Watten Estate Condominium.  The $550.8 million bid is approximately 10% higher than the $500 million minimum price announced by property marketing agent JLL in October 2021.

The joint-venture partners are looking at turning the Watten Estate Condominium into a new luxury residential project – Watten House. The nearest MRT station is Tan Kah Kee MRT along the Downtown Line, about 650m away. For private car owners, Watten House at Shelford Road is located close to major roads like Dunearn Road and Adam Road, connecting Watten House to expressways like the CTE and the PIE.  Watten House most appealing factor to parents, is that it is close to some of the most famous natural green spots and good schools in Singapore.

Source: URA

Residents will be able to enjoy living in an up-scale locale consisting of private condominium and landed houses. Watten House is located 1km from popular primary schools. The expansive 220,241sqft freehold site is located along Shelford Road, the quieter end of Bukit Timah.

UOL & Singland Group is attempting to fill up a gap in the niche market, focusing on higher-end, large format luxury residences, given limited supply through public land sales.

Jesline Goh of UOL Group, said that the Group plans to develop a luxury condo project at the site, with around 200 units in a large format layout on elevated ground.  Watten Estate Condominium is the biggest and most competitively-contested enbloc so far.

In order to satisfy a robust demand for high-end residential properties, UOL & Singland Group is restocking through the enbloc market, given the limited supply coming in through the government land sales.

Watten Estate – A Tapestry of Architectural Styles

The origins of Watten Estate can be traced to the 1920s, when the British colonial government envisioned a haven of sophistication for the European expatriate community. Named after the illustrious Watten Hill, rumored to be inspired by a charming Scottish village, this estate flourished in the 1930s with the construction of luxurious bungalows and semi-detached homes. These residences reflect a tapestry of architectural styles, from colonial grandeur to art deco elegance, catering to the discerning tastes of its affluent residents.

Despite the trials of World War II, Watten Estate emerged resilient, showcasing its enduring appeal. As the decades unfolded, the estate evolved in tune with the desires of its residents, welcoming modern opulence while maintaining its connection with nature. Its strategic location, a harmonious blend of natural tranquility and urban proximity, continued to captivate.

Recent years have witnessed a surge in property values within Watten Estate, attributed to its prime location, exceptional amenities, and the exclusive lifestyle it offers. The estate’s leafy avenues, adorned with mature trees and verdant spaces, create a sanctuary of calm amidst the vibrancy of the city just moments away.

Today, Watten Estate stands as a coveted residential oasis, embodying the fusion of history, elegance, and natural allure.

Photo Source: SLA

Watten House: A Gateway to Top Schools in Bukit Timah

The Bukit Timah Belt of Schools is a highly-regarded educational hub that offers students access to some of the best educational institutions in Singapore, as well as a desirable living environment.

List of Schools along Downtown Line:

1. [DT3] Hillview MRT – German European School, St Francis Methodist School
2. [DT5] Beauty World MRT – Bukit Timah Primary School, Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School, DIMENSIONS International College (Bukit Timah Campus)
3. [DT6] King Albert Park MRT – Methodist Girls’ School (Primary), Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary), Hollandse School, Swiss School, Singapore Korean International School
4. [DT7] Sixth Avenue MRT – Nanyang Girls’ High School
5. [DT8] Tan Kah Kee MRT – National Junior College, Hwa Chong Institution, Hwa Chong International School, Raffles Girls’ Primary School
6. [DT9] Botanic Gardens MRT – National University of Singapore (Bukit Timah Campus)
7. [DT10] Newton MRT – Anglo Chinese School (Barker Road) (Moving to Tengah in 2030)

There are a lot of schools in Bukit Timah, so you will find a higher concentration of families and expats living there. In keeping with the reputation of Bukit Timah being a friendly expat-friendly neighbourhood, this quiet neighbourhood has an excellent selection of international schools.

Parents looking to provide the best possible education to their children will be happy to learn that Watten House is within 1km to Nanyang & Raffles’ Girl’s Primary School.  Are you aware that both Nanyang and Raffles’ Girls’s Primary School offers Gifted Education Programme, or GEP?  Do check out the list of schools offering the Integrated Programme (IP) programme.

If you have plans to enrol your child in a popular school in the future, it may be advisable to keep track of the future developments in this area.

A good education can help to give a good head start in life. Take your pick from some of Singapore’s most sought-after primary schools to established junior college and international schools, Watten House is surrounded by education institutions for kids of all ages.

Rejuvenate in Nature’s Embrace: Watten House’s Ideal Location for Walks and Hike

The first botanical garden and experimental laboratory in Singapore was established in 1822 by Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of modern Singapore, and an avid naturalist. It was only after 30 years that Singapore Botanic Gardens began, in 1859, when an agricultural-horticultural society was granted 32 hectares of land in Tanglin by the Colonial Government, which had acquired it from a trader, Hoo Ah Kai, known as Whampoa, in return for the land in Boat Quay.

Source: NParks

The Singapore Botanic Gardens has been listed in the list of World Heritage sites as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located just 900m from Watten House.

Through its preserved well-maintained landscaping and the continuity of its purposes, Singapore Botanic Gardens is a remarkable example of British tropical botanical gardens that has also played a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge, especially in tropical botany and horticulture, including in developing rubber plantations. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is located at the centre of the city of Singapore, and it shows the evolution of the British colonial tropical botanical garden from an English-style garden, to a contemporary, world-class botanical garden, a science institute, and place for preservation, recreation, and education.

Located in the west-central area of Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden has over 1000 species of orchids and 2000 hybrids. The VIP Garden is one of the world’s most stunning displays of orchids and hybrids.

Bukit Timah Hill, here, you can hike, jog, or bike on any one of several trails within Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or just take in the stunning scenery and the beautiful flora and fauna. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is Singapore’s highest green point, whose height is 163m, and which preserves one of the country’s few areas of intact primary rainforest.

The nature reserve was one of Singapore’s first Forest Reserves (1992) and includes the largest tracts of prime forest on the island, one of the only remaining pockets of native rain forest left in Singapore.

Traverse the Botanic Gardens on the New 200m Canopy Link Bridge

The National Parks Board inaugurated the new Canopy Bridge HPL, a 200-metre-long, 2.4-metre-wide barrier-free walkway that will allow for unhindered access between Learning Forest and the Gallop Expansion of Singapore Botanic Gardens. The learning forest Gallop Expansion of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Supported by Hotel Properties Limited, the HPL Canopy Link Bridge marks the completion of the Tyersall-Gallop Centre at the Gardens, extending the forests and botanical collections at the Garden. The Tyersall-Gallop Centre at the Gardens, extending the forests and botanical collections at the Garden. The walkway cost around $1.25 million.

Source: CNA

An elevated HPL Canopy Link Bridge takes visitors up to the canopy of the re-created habitat of a lowland hardwood forest, a habitat typically found throughout mainland Southeast Asia, the area comprising Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

The 200m-long new link has been designed in a sensitive way, integrating into the natural landscape – both environmentally and aesthetically – and providing access as well as a spectacular viewpoint to visitors of all abilities, who will get the unique opportunity to experience the species native forest trees up close.

MacRitchie Nature Reserve: Exploring Singapore’s Verdant Paradise

MacRitchie is a popular nature reserve located in central Singapore. It is known for its extensive network of hiking trails, lush forests, and tranquil reservoirs, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Source: NParks

The MacRitchie Nature Reserve covers an area of over 12 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is also home to several endangered species such as the Sunda pangolin, the critically endangered Raffles’ banded langur, and the Malayan giant frog.

Source: VisitSingapore

Visitors to MacRitchie can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, bird-watching, kayaking, and nature walks. One of the most popular trails in the reserve is the TreeTop Walk, a 250-meter long suspension bridge that offers breath-taking views of the surrounding forest canopy.

Source: NParks

MacRitchie also plays an important role in the conservation of Singapore’s natural heritage. The reserve is home to several research and conservation programs, including a program aimed at protecting the endangered Raffles’ banded langur.

MacRitchie Nature Reserve is an important natural landmark in Singapore and a popular destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Its diverse range of activities and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal location for both locals and tourists alike.

Effortless Commuting: Tan Kah Kee MRT, Downtown Within a 7-Minute Walk

Source: URA

This station serves the Downtown Line (DTL) and is located between the Sixth Avenue station and Botanic Gardens Station. As a station within the belt of Bukit Timah Road serving both lower-density housing estates, as well as multiple education institutions, the Tan Kah Kee station experiences a low-to-moderate demand level from residents, but high demand from students using the rail network for access to schools.

Source: Coronation Shopping Plaza

Located right next to Hwa Chong Institution campus, the Tan Kah Kee MRT Station is named after Tan Kah Kee, the institutions founder, who was also a businessman, community leader, and philanthropist.

Watten House Lifestyle: The Neighborhood Guide To Bukit Timah

For drivers, it only takes 10-15 minutes of driving through Dunearn Road, Stevens Road, as well as Holland Road to Orchard Road or Central Business District. The driving distance from Dunearn Road to Orchard Road Shopping Belt takes under 15 minutes.

Nowhere is this added value quite evident as far as island-city states food is concerned, with Bukit Timah emerging as one of the best places in for the foodie. Be it at the street food stands or at high-end restaurants, you can almost never go wrong with your meals here.

Located at the junction of Bukit Timah Road and Toh Tuck Road, Bukit Timah Plaza is a popular shopping mall that offers a variety of retail and dining options. It features several anchor tenants such as Cold Storage, Starbucks, and KFC, as well as a range of smaller shops selling fashion, electronics, and other goods.

Beauty World Centre is a mixed-use development located at Upper Bukit Timah Road. It is well-known for its range of beauty and wellness services, including hair salons, nail spas, and traditional Chinese medicine clinics. The mall also features several food and beverage outlets and retail shops.

The Rail Mall is a shopping mall located along Upper Bukit Timah Road. It is housed in a restored railway station and features a range of retail and dining options. It is also located near several hiking trails and nature reserves, making it a popular stop for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Bukit Timah.

Dempsey Hill is a lifestyle destination located at Dempsey Road. It features several high-end fashion and lifestyle stores, as well as a range of dining options such as cafes, bistros, and restaurants. The area is also known for its lush greenery and historic buildings.

Coronation Plaza is a neighbourhood mall located near Hwa Chong Institution. Better known for its selection of local shops and services. The mall is home to a variety of shops selling fresh produce, groceries, and traditional snacks. It is also a popular spot for health and wellness services, including Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics, beauty salons, and spas.

Cluny Court is a charming, heritage shopping mall located next to Botanic Gardens MRT and the Botanic Gardens, with a wide range of boutique shops and eateries. The mall is housed in a colonial-era building and features a courtyard with seating and a fountain. Cluny Court is known for its selection of unique, independent shops selling fashion, home decor, and gifts.

KAP Mall, is adjacent to the King Albert Park MRT station. The mall has a modern, spacious layout and is home to a variety of shops, including a supermarket, department store, and specialty stores. KAP Mall also features a cinema and a variety of dining options.

Raffles Holland V Mall is located in Holland Village just above the MRT station. The mall has a contemporary, upscale design, with a mix of local and international brands. Raffles Holland V Mall is a popular spot for shopping and dining, attracting both locals and tourists.

Bukit Timah is one of the most sought-after residential areas of Singapore, a vibrant lifestyle hub that has a little bit of everything.  Nearby neighbourhood parks are also within 500m walk from Watten House.

Source: URA

Turf City’s Evolution into a Residential District

Turf City has been designated as future housing since 1998 masterplan, following an announcement in 1993 that the Singapore Turf Club was being re-located.

Source: OneMap

With only few months left before the Turf City’s lease ends, Singapore Land Authority (SLA) told tenants Friday there would be no further extensions. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and the URA announced that leases on Turf City would be extended until 31^st December 2023.

The tidings came on the heels of an announcement by Land Transport Authority on Tuesday naming Turf City as a site for one of six MRT stations that would be built on Phase 2 of Cross Island Rail Link (CRL) The second phase of the Cross Island Rail Link (CRL). Turf City is actually located directly adjacent to Good Class Bungalows (GCB) neighbourhoods Binjai Park, Swiss Club Road, Eng Neo Avenue, and Raffles Park.

Given the whole Turf City sits on a prime land that spans 140ha, or about the size of 200 football fields, having housing developments here in particular would mean relatively healthy demand from people who work already live within the immediate vicinity. We are likely to see a mixture of landed properties and luxury condominiums here and without a doubt, they would be on a 99-years leasehold tenure.

Invest in Freehold Properties Near Turf City Amidst Leasehold Development Plans

Singapore’s property landscape is ever-evolving, and one area that has garnered attention recently is Turf City. The site in Bukit Timah, known for its vibrant mix of tenants offering retail, F&B, sports, recreation, childcare centers, and motor vehicle showrooms, has been earmarked for future residential development. However, there’s a catch – the upcoming developments are leasehold, not freehold.

This news raises an important point for property buyers and investors. While Turf City is undoubtedly an attractive location, the impending leasehold developments should prompt prospective buyers to consider nearby freehold properties.

Freehold properties offer numerous advantages, including long-term ownership, potential for capital appreciation, and more flexibility in usage. In contrast, leasehold properties have an expiration date, and their value tends to decline as the lease term shortens.

Spacious Opulence: Experience Large Format Luxury Homes at Watten House

The appetite for high-end condos continues to remain strong in Singapore, although sales for high-end Good Class Bungalows (GCLs) have softened, said Huttons Asia in a report released Tuesday. The 110 non-landed homes that cost $5m or more were sold during Q3 this year, the same number as in Q1 last year, according to the report. The total amount quantum buyers spent on those homes was $1 billion in this quarter, an increase of 15.5% over Q2. More larger units were sold this quarter in higher quantities as well.

That is because larger units are harder to find, and buyers are willing to pay premium prices for them, Huttons research group said. At the high end of the market, non-landed luxury properties, there is an 11,227-square-foot penthouse in the Le Maisons Nassim, that was sold for $68m, or $6,057 per square foot (psf). Two more units were sold in an ultra-luxury freehold apartment building in this quarter: an 8,687 sq ft unit for $46 million or $5,296 psf, and a 6,286 sq ft unit for $36 million or $5,727 psf. With that, 10 of 14 units in Les Maisons Nassim were sold for an average of $5,625 psf.

District 10 & 11: An Exclusive Haven of Luxurious Spaciousness

As a discerning homebuyer seeking spacious and luxurious living in the coveted Shelford Road area, you may have noticed the scarcity of large format homes within this prime locale. However, fear not, for there is a rare gem that stands out amidst the sea of conventional residential options – Watten House. Nestled in the heart of Bukit Timah, Watten House presents an exclusive haven of ample living spaces and unparalleled grandeur, filling the void of expansive homes in this 500-meter radius from Shelford Road.

The table presented below showcases additional Brand New developments, offering discerning buyers a rare and exceptional opportunity in search of opulence, spaciousness, and exclusivity:

ABOUT THE DEVELOPER

UOL & Singland Group is a real estate development and investment company listed on the main board of Singapore Exchange since 2007, with a strong track record in developing award-winning residential and commercial properties. It has a well-established track record in developing expertise across a broad range of properties, ranging from land estates, apartment blocks, commercial buildings, and industrial buildings. Over the years, UOL & Singland Group‘s distinguished contribution to Singapore’s property industry by providing high-quality developments has been noticed and earned it several awards across different categories.