Some previous conversations about this place. Sophia started us off:
What is its history? What is the structure on the roof top - it seems to have been built as an after-thought. Many thanks!
David:
Centamap just lists it as '27 Magazine Gap Road', and shows the occupation date as "09/1954". Not sure what's up on the rooftop.
Moddsey:
If it helps, I recall something was written about the building and its history some time ago in the SCMP.
Sophia:
I see it going up to the Peak, it is a handsome building and I hope it won't be pulled down, especially if it is a private residence. I don't subscribe to the SCMP - I will try my luck at the library next time I make it there. Thanks.
Annelise:
27 Magazine Gap Rd - no name - RBL 37 - in 1924 was listed as "515 The Peak - Smith's Villa"
In 1915 was listed as "Smith's Villas East & West".
as to the name, here are the names of the following addresses
34 Magazine Gap Rd - Cameron Mansions
40 Magazine Gap Rd - Cameron House
Thomas:
According to one of my friends, the location of the villa is sort of bad fung shui. It is located on the eastern side of the Magazine Gap, where it is extremely windy (even with gusty wind sometime) and humid in any season. You just wouldn't want to stay outdoors.
On the other hand the annual maintenance of the villa would probably cost you an arm and a leg.
Photos that show this Place
Comments
27 Magazine Gap Road will not be demolish
I doubt it will be demolish and be changed into little villas, because the Ko Family still lives there. Both my grandma used to come here for mahjong. The owner is Chinese and had married a film star from the 50s... their off springs have been here for decades. Don't worry, it should still be standing.
If it gets sold, I will let everyone here know.
Owned by Tak Shing Investment
Owned by Tak Shing Investment Co. Ltd
Tak Shing Investment Ltd. is owned by the Ko Family
Tak Shing Investment Ltd. is owned by the Ko Family of late KO Ho Ning , the Movie Star was late Yu Min, wife of late Ko Fook Kou
27 Magazine Gap - Mr. Ko Ho Ning
27 Magazine Gap is owned by Mr. Ko Ho Ning, it was build in 1954, his family still lives there.
During Prince Philip two-day visit to Hong Kong in March 1959, he attended a formal Chinese dinner in the Ying King Restaurant at Johnston Road opened in the 30s owned by Mr. Ko Ho Ning, where Prince Philip famously noted that he "particularly enjoyed renewing my rather limited acquaintance with Chinese food".
A complete, itemized menu as follows:-
Appetizers: Barbecued suckling pig (金牌乳豬)
Soup: Bird's nest or superior shark fin soup.
Main Courses:
Steamed fresh seafood (large grouper)
braised abalone, and crispy-skinned chicken.
Dessert: Sweet red bean or lotus seed dessert soups
and steamed Longevity Peaches.
Mr. Ko Ho Ning (1878–1955) was a Hong Kong and Macao industrialist and philanthropist. In 1937, he and Mr. Fu Deyong jointly invested in Tai Hing Company to acquire the Macau gaming franchise for an annual fee of 1.8 million Macau patacas.
He monopolized the Macau gaming industry for more than 20 years and opened many pawnshops in Hong Kong and Macao. He was known as the "King of Pawnshops" in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. His family, along with the Mr. Fu Laorong family, the Sir Ho Tung family and the Mr. Lo Man Kam family, were known as the four major families in Hong Kong at that time.