University Hall, Student residence building in Southern District, Hong Kong.
University Hall is a student residence building in Southern District, Hong Kong, located on a hilltop along Pok Fu Lam Road. The structure blends Tudor and Gothic elements with Renaissance Revival influences and accommodates around 110 male residents while offering sports facilities for various activities.
The building was constructed in 1861 by Scottish trader Douglas Lapraik as Douglas Castle and later served as a French missionary monastery called Nazareth. These two phases shaped its identity before becoming a university residence.
The residence carries several symbolic elements woven into daily life: deer figures at the entrance, a golden spiral staircase, and the memory of longtime cook Ms. Yuen So Moy. These features connect the building's past with the present experience of those living here.
The site is easily accessible by foot from Pok Fu Lam Road and well served by nearby bus stops. Visitors should be aware that the building functions as an active residence hall, so access to the interior may be limited for those not affiliated with the university.
The exterior structure received monument status in 1995, placing its original Victorian architectural features under official protection. This designation distinguishes it from other student residences in the area and highlights why the building's design has endured.
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