“Cathay”, I had heard of it also referred to as Tai Po Kau Bungalow No 5, the other 4 (?) (all Government) bungalows are about a mile or so further along the road on the left hand side just before it starts to drop down towards Tai Po. Sadly, “Cathay” was demolished shortly after the 1997 handover and the land sold off. The buyer built up the plot and erected a fairly large house on the site which is surrounded by a high wall. The house is still directly opposite the entrance to the little tree lined driveway that leads up to the Lookout’s main entrance gate.
Lived there as a kid from 1972 - 1980 at Bungalow #2 - If a recollect correctly there were 5 bungalows in total located behind were now redevlopment is taking place (behind Emerald palace (current situation).
I might have a picture somewhere....
Hi RegenNaj, many thanks for commenting. I wonder if the four other bungalows are the four structures seen at the bottom of this aerial image from 1963?:
For sure these were the same bungalows. I wasn't sure if there were 4 or 5....been quite a while.
Dad worked for the HK Gov so as i recall they were government bungalows and not millitary.
The one we lived in was the top richt hand one. I might have some old photo somewhere, will have to look !
Wow, great to see this. I have been curious about these houses since I posted that aerial image, so it's nice to have some more history filled in. I'll create a separate place on gwulo for them and add your image.
Comments
Cathay Bungalow
Dear Dick
Is the bungalow still around? I know you mention opposite the lookout, but there's been a few changes in the area I think.
We have a few properties in Tai Po Kau marked on the map but some are now redeveloped or perhaps given different names.
Phil
Cathay Bungalow
Hello PHILK,
“Cathay”, I had heard of it also referred to as Tai Po Kau Bungalow No 5, the other 4 (?) (all Government) bungalows are about a mile or so further along the road on the left hand side just before it starts to drop down towards Tai Po. Sadly, “Cathay” was demolished shortly after the 1997 handover and the land sold off. The buyer built up the plot and erected a fairly large house on the site which is surrounded by a high wall. The house is still directly opposite the entrance to the little tree lined driveway that leads up to the Lookout’s main entrance gate.
Regards
Dick Worrall
Cathay
Thanks Dick, yes, I know the place you are referring to. It's now like a fortress.
Cheers
Phil
Tai Po Kau bungalows
Lived there as a kid from 1972 - 1980 at Bungalow #2 - If a recollect correctly there were 5 bungalows in total located behind were now redevlopment is taking place (behind Emerald palace (current situation).
I might have a picture somewhere....
Bungalows
Hi RegenNaj, many thanks for commenting. I wonder if the four other bungalows are the four structures seen at the bottom of this aerial image from 1963?:
https://gwulo.com/media/44866
If so, do you know if they were part of the military installation, or separate Govt quarters?
Many thanks
Phil
Tai Po Kau bungalows
Hi Phil,
For sure these were the same bungalows. I wasn't sure if there were 4 or 5....been quite a while.
Dad worked for the HK Gov so as i recall they were government bungalows and not millitary.
The one we lived in was the top richt hand one. I might have some old photo somewhere, will have to look !
Cheers Jan
Tai Po Kau bungalows
Hi Phil - i found a pic, and posted it Tai Po 1.
tai po 1 | Gwulo
Bungalows
Wow, great to see this. I have been curious about these houses since I posted that aerial image, so it's nice to have some more history filled in. I'll create a separate place on gwulo for them and add your image.
Many thanks