Broadwood Road came into being in 1915 and was an exclusive development of elegant colonial-style houses, either bungalows or two-storey, on the Broadwood ridge. Because of their raised elevation, these houses enjoyed cooling breezes and pleasing views, and were built with the wealthy in mind.
Number 17 was built sometime after 1915 and it was a bungalow. The bungalows typically had four rooms with kitchen, two bathrooms and servants' quarters. A small path from the front door led down to Broadwood Road.
These houses were constructed from locally cut granite blocks and concrete, with timber rafters. They were painted white, and would have gleamed brightly when newly painted. The granite walls would have kept temperatures cooler in summer and provided sturdy security in the typhoon season.
Occupants lived extremely comfortable lifestyles, with the services of an amah and a cook. For many years access anywhere would have been by rickshaw or sedan chair. Even when cars became more numerous, Broadwood Road was just a single track road, certainly up to the 1960s.
Because the houses were built on a ridge, they had fine views not only to the front and rear of the house (Happy Valley/the Peak/Wanchai/the harbour, and to the east the So Kon Po Valley/ Jardine's lookout), but all around, including south towards the Wong Nei Chung Gap.
Today number 17 no longer exists. The four towers of the Villa Lotto have taken its place, possibly Block B.
More can be found on the first Broadwood Road owners here.
Photos that show this Place
