This Mansion Was Once Home To SG’s High Society, Now Has A Garden Cafe & Spanish Resto For All To Enjoy

The Alkaff Mansion at Telok Blangah Hill Park

You’ve seen it on Instagram, TikTok, Lemon8 – basically everywhere. Set atop Telok Blangah Hill Park is the iconic The Alkaff Mansion, with its chic colonial-style structure and red accents. This popular wedding venue and hangout spot has since become a must-go for both tourists and locals alike, thanks to its various F&B offerings and photogenic architecture.

For those who’ve never had the chance to visit this establishment, take this as your sign to go this weekend. Here’s what you can expect:

Home to high society parties in the 1930s

The mansion was formerly known as Mt. Washington.
Image credit: Jimmy Ho via Flickr

The mansion was purchased and rebuilt in 1918 by a man named Syed Shaikh bin Abdul Rahman Alkaff, who was part of a family of traders from Yemen – hence the subsequent renaming to The Alkaff Mansion. In the 1930s, this location became a popular destination for high society events – think Bling Empire or Gossip Girl parties in the early days.

Following the tragic events of World War 2, the mansion was acquired by various owners, including the Singapore Government, and subsequently termed as one of the abandoned mansions in Singapore from 1984-1987. Finally in 2019, it was taken over by 1-Group, who owns other properties such as 1-Altitude, Bee’s Knees, and Monti.

Popular wedding venue with indoor & outdoor seating

The Alkaff Mansion has since gone through various renovations in the past years, but retained its distinctive shape and broad stairways – think European holiday home vibes, with its minimalistic design and surrounding greenery.

Image adapted from: @thealkaffmansion via Instagram

Out front, the grassy area has become a coveted place for couples to host outdoor weddings and ceremonies. You’ll see the gazebo in which many have said their “I dos”, and the manicured lawn where happy duos have walked down after sealing their forevers.

Image credit: @is_vivianan via Instagram

There’s also the fountain centrepiece encircled by flowery shrubs, AKA the background of every visitor’s Instagram post. Snap your OOTD pictures here, or take a cheeky back view shot with the fountain on the side.

Image credit: @thealkaffmansion via Instagram

For those looking to host indoor dinners or events, the upper floor provides the space to do so. Wood flooring and ceiling beams add to the mansion’s mellow and sophisticated feel. Dangling lights liven up the area, with cushy leather seats for every guest. Time to take some notes for your next BTO facelift too.

Dine in a garden-themed conservatory

But of course, the mansion is more than just a wedding venue. You’ll find Wildseed Cafe here, the perfect place to have brunch and catch up with the girls. Seats are aplenty but you’ll want to chope the ones in the whimsical conservatory outdoors – something you might see on the set of Bridgerton.

The cafe is pet-friendly too.
Image adapted from: Wildseed Cafe & @ann.wch via Instagram

Food-wise, you can get the Soft Shell Chilli Crab Linguine ($29) or the Truffle Brie Pizza ($28) if you’re famished. You can also get a hearty bowl of Abalone Mushroom Soup ($11) or Pandan Churros ($14) to share with your pals. Yes, we know – dining outdoors in Singapore’s heat can be killer. Order one of the cafe’s signature cocktails ($18) to beat the heat.

Image adapted from: @una.singapore via Instagram

For those craving Spanish cuisine, head over to UNA for top-notch tapas and paellas. The restaurant is situated on the second level of Alkaff Mansion, serving traditional Spanish dishes that include the Cinco Jotas ‘5J’ Jamon Iberico ($46) which comes with Iberico ham and toasted bread, as well as Squid Ink Paella (from $62).

The mansion is also home to TXA Gastrobar that serves various specialty cocktails and alcoholic drinks. It is currently undergoing renovation works, and is slated to reopen in mid 2023. You may check back on the TXA Gastrobar website for updates.

Check out The Alkaff Mansion

Image credit: @thealkaffmansion via Instagram

The next time you’re exploring the Southern Ridges, drop by the stunning The Alkaff Mansion and grab a bite or a refreshing tipple. While there aren’t any elite parties happening, you can indulge in authentic Spanish dishes or admire Singapore’s coastline at the front yard.