Broadwood Road came into being in 1915 and it was an exclusive development. Because of their raised elevation, enjoying cooling breezes and pleasing views, these houses were built with the wealthy in mind in 1915-16, many of them by C E Warren and Co Ltd. They were either simple bungalows or more elaborate two-storey properties built in elegant colonial style. Architect Charles Warren liked the ridge development enough to own two properties himself later on. Number 20, the Towers, was the finest on the ridge.
This is to show that number 14 Broadwood Road (on the right) was originally a bungalow, similar to #12, also pictured. It was enlarged in subsequent years. Built from locally quarried granite and concrete it was painted white and would have gleamed brightly when newly painted. Here it is showing the effects of the war years. The granite walls would have kept temperatures cooler in summer and provided sturdy security in the typhoon season.
Being built on a ridge it had fine views all around but particularly to the front and rear of the house (Happy Valley/the Peak and So Kon Po Valley/ Jardine's Lookout/ Mount Butler). For many years access anywhere would have been by rickshaw.
I haven't straightened the picture because it would have lost more of the house.
More can be found on the first Broadwood Road owners here.
Picture from this Hedda Morrison original.
With thanks to Harvard University, Harvard College Library Harvard-Yenching Library, W364602_1.