Sri Temasek, Official residence in Newton, Singapore.
Sri Temasek is a two-story detached house in Newton that features deep verandahs, arches, and timber arcades with Eastern and Western decorative elements woven throughout. The structure combines colonial architecture with local design principles, spreading its rooms across two levels to create distinct indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The house was built in 1869 during colonial times and initially served as the residence of the Chief Secretary. When Singapore gained self-governance in 1959, it was designated as the Prime Minister's official residence.
The name Sri Temasek brings together the Malay word seri, meaning splendor, with Temasek, a Javanese term for sea town, connecting Singapore to its maritime past. This blend of cultures shows in the building's design, where Eastern and Western decorative elements sit side by side.
The property sits in the Newton area and is accessible for viewing from nearby streets and walking paths around the perimeter. Visitors can appreciate the architecture and design from outside, getting a clear sense of the house's structure and ornamentation.
Though designated as the Prime Minister's official residence since 1959, no Prime Minister has ever actually lived in the house. This unusual fact makes it a quiet reminder of how Singapore's leadership has chosen its own path over formal tradition.
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