Hidden in the northeastern corner of Singapore lies a historical gem — the Changi Cottage. This 192sqm seafront colonial cottage is one of the most popular chalets in Singapore. Here are five captivating facts about Changi Cottage that might surprise you:

#1

Constructed in 1950 as part of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) Changi military family area, the Changi Cottage later served as a holiday bungalow for senior members of the Singapore Government from the 1960s to 1980s. Today, the Cottage is accessible for public to book, beyond Civil Service Club members and public service officers.

#2

This is the cottage where late the Mr Lee Kuan Yew spent time after Singapore's independence. It was used by Mr Lee for three to four months following the announcement of Singapore’s separation from Malaysia. The cottage was Mr Lee’s thinking space, a place that housed ideas, and witnessed important decisions being made.

#3

Civil Service Club collaborated with National Library Board (NLB) to launch a wallpaper Node in commemoration of the 100th birth anniversary of Mr Lee, with the unveiling by Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Mr Chan Chun Sing. The Node, coupled with QR codes, grants access to e-books about Mr Lee, as well as related e-resources such as an article on the separation of Singapore from Malaya, as well as a compilation of Mr Lee’s National Day Rally Speeches. The Node also presents an artistic black-and-white impression of Mr and Mrs Lee at the Cottage during Singapore's declaration of independence.

#4

Five of Mr Lee’s favourite tree species can be found within the Changi Cottage premise. They are the Tembusu, Rain Tree, Sea Apple, Jelutong and Madagascar Almond. The iconic standalone tree on its lawn with its big umbrella-shaped crown is the Rain Tree. The Rain Tree was among Mr Lee’s first choices of trees for the Garden City vision. These five trees add to the symbolic and historical significance of the cottage, as well as a tribute to Singapore’s chief gardener.

#5

The Cottage is under the conservation guidelines of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).  The interior is also dressed to retain the nostalgia of yesteryears. It is also fully equipped with modern day essentials for a comfortable stay for visitors of all ages. This includes Wi-Fi, cable and internet TV, coffee capsule machine and child friendly equipment (cot, children’s utensils, baby chair).

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