If you’ve hiked Mount Faber while on a Southern Ridges walk, you might have noticed a striking red and white-bricked building near the colonial black-and-whites on the way up. Currently occupied by the Danish Seamen’s Church, the building, known as Golden Bell Mansion, is set to open its doors for a tour on 18th April 2026 – here’s what you need to know:
Image credit: Roots.gov
Built in 1910 and designed by prominent local architect Wee Tech Moh, whose works include high-end residences at 45 Emerald Hill and 41 Scotts Road, Golden Bell Mansion was owned by Singaporean philanthropist Tan Boo Liat, the great-grandson of Tan Tock Seng. Yes, the one who’s got a hospital in his name.
Named for his father, Tan Kim Ching – AKA Golden Bell in Hokkien, Golden Bell Mansion was designed in an Edwardian style with Neoclassical architecture and Straits Chinese influences.
Today, it’s known for its “blood-and-bandages” facade, thanks to the red bricks and white plaster of the heritage building.
Its roof resembles a Siamese stupa, in honour of Tan’s close ties with the King of Thailand; it had 4 bedrooms, a billiard room, a smoking room, and a dining room.
Image credit: Jerome Lim
If none of that was illustrative enough of how atas this mansion was, consider this: the estate then was more than 171,000sqft big, with several gardens, 2 tennis courts, and 2 garages. That’s bigger than 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools, BTW.
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority via Facebook
Fun fact: Dr Sun Yat Sen, founder of the Kuomintang, stayed at the house with his wife and children on a visit in 1911.
Image credit: Jerome Lim
Fast forward many years, and the estate has now been reduced to 28,000sqft. Since 1985, Golden Bell Mansion has been leased to the Danish Seamen’s Church, who held fundraisers to renovate and restore the mansion for their use.
The upcoming Golden Bell Mansion tour is part of a new series of State Property Tours organised by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), which are often led by Jerome Lim, a heritage researcher and guide who runs The Long and Winding Road.
Taking place on 18th April at 9am, the tour is approximately 1.5 hours long. The nearest MRT station is Telok Blangah MRT Station, which is a 20-minute walk away.
You’ll have to head to Peatix to sign up for the tour – bookings open on 12th April 2026 at 2pm. The tour is free, but participation is strictly by registration only. You must register for the tour with your name as stated on your NRIC, and your spot is not transferable.
Do note that you have to be at least 18 years old to join this tour, and there is no parking available on-site.
This is a rare opportunity to tour the mansion and its grounds with a knowledgeable guide who will offer insights into its past. ICYMI, this is the 2nd time they’re running this Golden Bell Mansion tour.
If you’re interested in exploring more of Singapore’s heritage buildings, keep an eye on Singapore Land Authority’s Facebook page for their latest State Property Tours.
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Cover image adapted from: Singapore Land Authority via Facebook
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