Chalet weekends and get-togethers have been woven into the fabric of Singaporean life for decades, yet few are aware that some chalets offer more than just a fun venue for staycations with friends and family. Changi Cottage is one of these special places — a sprawling seafront bungalow steeped in 192 square metres of colonial charm and history.
Located at 26 Netheravon Road, this cottage, originally built in 1950 by the Royal Air Force, served as housing for military families. It was later transformed into a holiday chalet for senior Singapore government officials in the 1960s, becoming one of the most popular chalets today.
A historical gem by the sea
Changi Cottage holds a unique place in Singapore’s history. It was here that Mr Lee Kuan Yew stayed and worked for several months after Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965. Surrounded by sea breezes and greenery, this unassuming, double-storey building was where Mr Lee pondered, planned and made pivotal decisions for the future of our then-newly independent nation.
Today, guests to Changi Cottage can stroll across the expansive lawn and gaze out at the vast blue sky and sea, much like Mr Lee himself might have done after breakfast, reflecting on the challenges that lay ahead for a sovereign Singapore.
Immersed in Singapore’s founding legacy
To commemorate what would have been Mr Lee’s 100th birthday, the Civil Service Club (CSC) and the National Library Board (NLB) inaugurated a Node at Changi Cottage in November 2023. This Node houses resources such as a curated selection of books on Mr Lee’s life and legacy, along with a striking wall-sized, black-and-white artistic depiction of Mr and Mrs Lee during Singapore’s declaration of independence. Visitors can scan QR codes displayed within the Node to delve into e-resources, including a collection of Mr Lee’s National Day Rally speeches, e-books and articles on Singapore’s independence from Malaysia.
Ms Bai Sin Yeou, a public service officer who recently stayed at Changi Cottage with a group of friends, found the Node to be a thoughtful addition that enriched her chalet experience. “I wasn’t aware of Changi Cottage’s historical significance until I arrived. I enjoyed browsing the various books on Mr Lee Kuan Yew,” she said. “If they were more photos from the time when Mr Lee stayed here, or perhaps photos of him and Mrs Lee at the cottage, that would be even more compelling in telling the story of this historic site.”
Blending past elegance with present comfort
As a first-time visitor to Changi Cottage, Ms Bai who had previously enjoyed stays at other CSC @ Changi villas, described Changi Cottage as a “total upgrade”. “It has a private courtyard with a seafront view right from the second-floor bedroom,” she gushed. “My friends were pleasantly surprised by how spacious and comfortable the place is. Like me, they loved the privacy and the beachfront view.”
The three-bedroom, three-bathroom cottage boasts a fully equipped kitchen complete with appliances like a rice cooker, coffee capsule machine, microwave oven and induction cooker. Sheltered BBQ pits, Wi-Fi, and a LED TV with cable and Internet access add to the convenience.
The white-painted living room, where the group spent most of its time, is furnished with a mid-century sofa set and traditional wooden cabinets on a quaint black-and-white tiled floor, in keeping with the cottage’s period origins. “The air-conditioned living room was very comfortable,” Ms Bai noted. “It was a nice contrast to the cottage’s conservation architecture and interesting layout, which is very different from our modern homes.”
Though the cottage is preserved in accordance with the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s conservation guidelines to retain its nostalgic beauty, the 21st-century amenities and thoughtful touches — like a child-friendly cot and baby chair — equip a Changi Cottage staycation with all the comforts of home.
A private sanctuary amidst nature
Ms Bai and her friends also cherished their time spent at the private courtyard. “It allowed us to enjoy our own secluded hideaway, unaffected by the noise or BBQs from nearby villas,” she explained. “We especially appreciated the private access to the beach.”
Surrounded by trees — including Mr Lee’s favourite rain tree, as well as the tembusu, sea apple, Madagascar almond and jelutong varieties — guests can stroll directly from the cottage down to the beach, enjoying solitude without being seen by other guests at the neighbouring chalets. This quiet seclusion is part of the Changi Cottage’s unique charm.
Apart from visiting the beach in the cool hours of the morning, Ms Bai and her friends spent their staycation playing mahjong, lounging in the living room watching Netflix and belting their favourite tunes in a karaoke session — comforted by the knowledge that they would not disturb other guests, as the stand-alone cottage is set apart from other chalets.
The availability of transportation to Changi Village was also a welcome convenience. “We could easily head there for a meal,” said Ms Bai.
“The tranquillity away from the hustle of city life enabled us to relax fully during our stay. Singaporeans should definitely experience a stay at Changi Cottage for the ‘home away from home’ feeling,” recommended Ms Bai.
Ready to experience the charm and history of Changi Cottage? Book your stay today and immerse yourself in a retreat that blends heritage with modern comforts.