Built in 1906 on a small islet called Yuen Chau Tsai, near the head of Tolo Harbour, and connected to the mainland by a causeway, Island House served as the residence for the first British Police Magistrate appointed in 1898.
It was also the official residence of the North District Officer and the residences of District Commissioners for the New Territories. Island House had been resided in by a total of 15 District Commissioners since 1949. The last resident of the Island House was Sir David Akers-Jones, who became the Chief Secretary of Hong Kong in 1985.
The two-storey building with open verandahs is a classic example of colonial architecture in the early 20th century.
Island House was declared a monument in 1983.
The House and garden are now the Island House Conservation Studies Centre of WWF HK.
The Guide
RAS member Sally Bunker has been acting as a consultant renovating the gardens following damage from typhoon Mangkhut. She will take a party from RASHK around the gardens and the house, and give a presentation about the gardens and their restoration.
Born 1949; growing up in Kent, Sally has had a lifelong interest in the botanical world. Coming to Hong Kong in 1979, she further developed her interest in the natural environment and the artistic representation of flora.
She was awarded a Fellowship of the UK Society of Botanical Artists, and worked along with HK University School of Botanical Sciences, producing the book “Portraits of Trees of Hong Kong and Southern China”, which combines being a fine-art book, a scientific textbook, and a very readable insight into the amazing biodiversity and beauty which we have here in HK. Sally is now pursuing other artistic and botanical projects.
Living on Lantau, she is the founder of the South Lantau United Gardeners (SLUGs).
Programme
Date: 24 April 2021 (TBC)
Meeting Point: Tai Po MTR station taxi rank at 0945 – we will take taxis to Island House from there (very short distance).
Admission: Members $100, non-members $150
Booking: Please email rbunker@netvigator.com in advance to register your attendance (Places limited – please book early!)