First houses on the Peak
Encyclopedia
Hong Kong
's original Peak District was named the "Hill District". It included Mount Austin
(with Victoria Peak
), Mount Gough
, Mount Kellett and the area around Magazine Gap. Many homes were for summer use only, to escape the heat of Central, and were referred to as "bungalows". Over time, they were given names, especially when the bungalows were rebuilt in brick or stone as substantial mansions, allowing them to better withstand the damage from typhoons. The accessible land on the Peak was first divided by Government into plots called Farm Lots (FL). Later, Rural Building Lots (RBL) were introduced. All lots were numbered in the order they were made available to the public. By this we can see how The Peak developed.
(today called Old Peak Road) and on to the top of Victoria Peak (today called Mount Austin Road). At the time, the hillside was bare rock.
The Signal Station at the top of Victoria Peak, for the signalmen, was the very first house on the Peak. In 1862, a path was also laid from Victoria Gap down to Pok Fu Lam Village.
A small Military Hospital called the Sanatorium was built 1863 as an experiment, on a flat area below the signal station and facing toward Mt. Kellett. Unfortunately, the higher elevation did not help the 17 patients recover any faster than elsewhere in Hong Kong, and so the Sanatorium was abandoned. Then, Granville and Matilda Sharp (after whom Matilda International Hospital
is named), lived there in the summers of 1866 and 1867, until, as she wrote, "the Governor wanted it". Governor MacDonnell
did want it. The Sharps were turfed out and the Sanatorium purchased from the Military. The first Mountain Lodge
was built in about 1867, as the summer residence of the Governor.
Police Station No. 6 was built at Victoria Gap, in 1869, two years later, just across the road from what is now the "Peak Lookout
" restaurant.
Dunheved [FL 53] In 1874, the site right at Victoria Gap (to become the site of Peak Hotel
), was purchased by N.J. Ede.
In 1875, Henry Davis bought a lot and, Robert Gervase Alford, son of the Bishop of Victoria also applied for a lot on the Peak.
Austin Arms [FL 54]. John Gardiner Austin, Colonial Secretary of Hongkong, (now known as Chief Secretary) chose a spot above Victoria Gap, facing Mt. Kellett. His friends, who came to visit, called it the Austin Arms. In January 1875, Mr. Austin sent a request on behalf of nine Justices of the Peace, whose spokesman was acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Mr. Justice James Russell, requesting that the land be sold to them, without the usual auction. He was roundly rebuked in an indignant reply reminding these justices, in no uncertain terms, that the duty of Government was to obtain the highest possible price for the land. Austin left Hong Kong in 1878. and James Russell moved into the Austin Arms.
[FL 55 & 56] were in Wong Nei Chung
The Eyrie (FL 57). In late 1875 Charles May
, the first head of the Hong Kong Police, Fire Brigade and Goal (retired) applied for a lot at the very top of Mt. Austin and his bungalow was finished two years later in 1877. He chose the spot right at the top opposite a spot that had been leveled by Baron von Overbeck with views both toward the harbour and Mt. Kellett. However, he died just four years later in 1879. We do not know if it had a name then, but later it was called The Eyrie (FL 57].
[FL 58] was above Mr. Ede's property at the Gap - and he bought it after first trying unsuccessfully to expand his land that direction. Originally owned by Murray Forbes
The Homestead [FL 59] Granville Sharp on Mt. Kellett was purchased in 1876. The Sharps lived there for 25 years. Homestead Road on Mt. Kellett is named after the house.
The Haystack [FL 60 & 61] was owned by Mr. Anton, and the house on the property still has the same name today.
[FL 62] Treverbyn also bought by Mr. Ede (became Peak Mansions in the 1929)
[FL 63] Admiralty Bungalow above Victoria Gap
[FL 64] Rockyda on Mt. Kellett - 1884 Mr. Ackroyd (became RBL 53 - Des Voeux Villas - 1888 James Orange)
[FL 65] Myrtle Bank on Mt. Kellett (became RBL 65)
[FL 65] Caine Rd.
[FL 67] Cronest Dr. Manson - on the ridge of Mt. Gough - (became RBL 60, and the houses of Mountain View)
[FL 68]
[FL 69] Belvedere - 1882 Dr. Adams
----
[RBL 1]
Brockhurst Henry Lardner Dennys
Kirkendoa Henry Lardner Dennys - 1897-8
Hilden A. Bryer 1912
The Bracket Alfred Bryer - 1914-15
[RBL 2]
Fung Shui E. Bowdler
Abergeldie - 1891-2
[RBL 3] (combined with RBL 2)
[RBL 4] The Cliff Dr. Adams (combined with FL 69 in 1882 to make RBL 27 by)
[RBL 5] Craigieburn
[RBL 6]
Hillside
Clavadel Clement Palmer - 1893
Haytor
Strawberry Hill (with part on RBL 8)
[RBL 7] Cloudlands
[RBL 8] Creggan
Strawberry Hill (with part on RBL 6)
[RBL 9] The Sheiling (became Stewart Terrace)
[RBL 10] The Mount 1883 - Mr. Johnson
[RBL 11] Craig Ryrie P. Ryrie
[RBL 12]
[RBL 13]
[RBL 14] Bushy Cottage (became Red Hill)
[RBL 15] Stokes Bungalow
[RBL 16]
Kellett Bungalow,
Kellett Spur, and
Oeonora became Matilda Hospital
[RBL 17] '
[RBL 18] '
[RBL 19] Leigh Tor Robert Kenaway Leigh, 1885-86 (now Chief Justice's house)
[RBL 20] Dunottar
[RBL 21] La Hacienda
[RBL 22]
[RBL 23] Peak Church
[RBL 24]
[RBL 25] The Bluff
[RBL 26] C.M.S. Sanitorium
[RBL 27] The Cliff
[RBL 28] The Falls
[RBL 29] Bangour
[RBL 30] (combined with RBL 31)
[RBL 31] Dunford & The Chalet
Others built. So many, in fact, that there were enough people disinclined to make the trek down the hill and up again a Sunday to the Cathedral, that a wee Anglican chapel of ease
, The Peak Church
, was built in 1883. It was nicknamed the "Jelly Mould".
With the growth of the district, the Police built a new station on Gough Hill (the same site it is on today).
Mount Austin:
opened, the Peak stopped being only a place for a summer home, it was now easy to live there year round. Two hotels opened - the Peak Hotel
and the Mount Austin Hotel. This is when the Peak began to be the residence of choice for many non-Chinese. The wealthy Chinese preferred Mid-Levels.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
's original Peak District was named the "Hill District". It included Mount Austin
Mount Austin
Mount Austin can refer to:* Mount Austin, New South Wales, a suburb of Wagga Wagga.* Mount Austin , a mountain in Antarctica.* Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, also known as Mount Austin., a British steamship in service 1951-52...
(with Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is a mountain in Hong Kong. It is also known as Mount Austin, and locally as The Peak. The mountain is located in the western half of Hong Kong Island...
), Mount Gough
Mount Gough
Mount Gough is a hill on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. It is east of Victoria Peak. It peaks at above Admiralty.The peak is named for Hugh Gough, 1st Viscount Gough, Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in China.-See also:...
, Mount Kellett and the area around Magazine Gap. Many homes were for summer use only, to escape the heat of Central, and were referred to as "bungalows". Over time, they were given names, especially when the bungalows were rebuilt in brick or stone as substantial mansions, allowing them to better withstand the damage from typhoons. The accessible land on the Peak was first divided by Government into plots called Farm Lots (FL). Later, Rural Building Lots (RBL) were introduced. All lots were numbered in the order they were made available to the public. By this we can see how The Peak developed.
1860's - the earliest days
In 1860 Governor Robinson, age 35, had a path cut wide enough for sedan chairs starting at what is now Robinson Road, just above the Botanical Gardens, then climbing to Victoria GapVictoria Gap
Victoria Gap is an area and a mountain pass located between the summits of Victoria Peak and Mount Gough, on Hong Kong Island, in Hong Kong. Its altitude is some 150 metres below the summit of Victoria Peak...
(today called Old Peak Road) and on to the top of Victoria Peak (today called Mount Austin Road). At the time, the hillside was bare rock.
The Signal Station at the top of Victoria Peak, for the signalmen, was the very first house on the Peak. In 1862, a path was also laid from Victoria Gap down to Pok Fu Lam Village.
A small Military Hospital called the Sanatorium was built 1863 as an experiment, on a flat area below the signal station and facing toward Mt. Kellett. Unfortunately, the higher elevation did not help the 17 patients recover any faster than elsewhere in Hong Kong, and so the Sanatorium was abandoned. Then, Granville and Matilda Sharp (after whom Matilda International Hospital
Matilda International Hospital
Matilda International Hospital is a hospital in Hong Kong located at 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak. The hospital was built as a result of the last will and testament of Granville Sharp, the husband of Matilda Lincolne Sharp...
is named), lived there in the summers of 1866 and 1867, until, as she wrote, "the Governor wanted it". Governor MacDonnell
Richard Graves MacDonnell
Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell KCMG CB was an Anglo-Irish lawyer, judge and colonial governor...
did want it. The Sharps were turfed out and the Sanatorium purchased from the Military. The first Mountain Lodge
Mountain Lodge
Mountain Lodge was the former summer residence of the Governor of Hong Kong on Victoria Peak on the Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. The second building was a two storey Renaissance style home and was demolished in 1946...
was built in about 1867, as the summer residence of the Governor.
Police Station No. 6 was built at Victoria Gap, in 1869, two years later, just across the road from what is now the "Peak Lookout
The Peak Lookout
The Peak Lookout is a restaurant located at Victoria Gap, near the summit of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. It is housed in a 19th century Grade II Historic Building...
" restaurant.
1870 - 1886
In 1874, more sedan chair paths and wells were provided, and this created a building boom.Dunheved [FL 53] In 1874, the site right at Victoria Gap (to become the site of Peak Hotel
The Peak Hotel
The Peak Hotel was a hotel at upper terminus of the Peak Tram in Hong Kong. It started as a bar and restaurant, and a hotel with twenty bedrooms for summer visitors opening about the same time as the Peak Tram, in 1888....
), was purchased by N.J. Ede.
In 1875, Henry Davis bought a lot and, Robert Gervase Alford, son of the Bishop of Victoria also applied for a lot on the Peak.
Austin Arms [FL 54]. John Gardiner Austin, Colonial Secretary of Hongkong, (now known as Chief Secretary) chose a spot above Victoria Gap, facing Mt. Kellett. His friends, who came to visit, called it the Austin Arms. In January 1875, Mr. Austin sent a request on behalf of nine Justices of the Peace, whose spokesman was acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Mr. Justice James Russell, requesting that the land be sold to them, without the usual auction. He was roundly rebuked in an indignant reply reminding these justices, in no uncertain terms, that the duty of Government was to obtain the highest possible price for the land. Austin left Hong Kong in 1878. and James Russell moved into the Austin Arms.
[FL 55 & 56] were in Wong Nei Chung
The Eyrie (FL 57). In late 1875 Charles May
Charles May
Charles May was a politician in Alberta, Canada and a mayor of Edmonton-Biography:May was born in Wellington County, Ontario on June 30, 1858. He left school in 1880 and moved to Manitoba to homestead. He later spent thirteen years as a carpenter and builder in Winnipeg before moving to Edmonton...
, the first head of the Hong Kong Police, Fire Brigade and Goal (retired) applied for a lot at the very top of Mt. Austin and his bungalow was finished two years later in 1877. He chose the spot right at the top opposite a spot that had been leveled by Baron von Overbeck with views both toward the harbour and Mt. Kellett. However, he died just four years later in 1879. We do not know if it had a name then, but later it was called The Eyrie (FL 57].
[FL 58] was above Mr. Ede's property at the Gap - and he bought it after first trying unsuccessfully to expand his land that direction. Originally owned by Murray Forbes
The Homestead [FL 59] Granville Sharp on Mt. Kellett was purchased in 1876. The Sharps lived there for 25 years. Homestead Road on Mt. Kellett is named after the house.
The Haystack [FL 60 & 61] was owned by Mr. Anton, and the house on the property still has the same name today.
[FL 62] Treverbyn also bought by Mr. Ede (became Peak Mansions in the 1929)
[FL 63] Admiralty Bungalow above Victoria Gap
[FL 64] Rockyda on Mt. Kellett - 1884 Mr. Ackroyd (became RBL 53 - Des Voeux Villas - 1888 James Orange)
[FL 65] Myrtle Bank on Mt. Kellett (became RBL 65)
[FL 65] Caine Rd.
[FL 67] Cronest Dr. Manson - on the ridge of Mt. Gough - (became RBL 60, and the houses of Mountain View)
[FL 68]
[FL 69] Belvedere - 1882 Dr. Adams
----
[RBL 1]
Brockhurst Henry Lardner Dennys
Kirkendoa Henry Lardner Dennys - 1897-8
Hilden A. Bryer 1912
The Bracket Alfred Bryer - 1914-15
[RBL 2]
Fung Shui E. Bowdler
Abergeldie - 1891-2
[RBL 3] (combined with RBL 2)
[RBL 4] The Cliff Dr. Adams (combined with FL 69 in 1882 to make RBL 27 by)
[RBL 5] Craigieburn
[RBL 6]
Hillside
Clavadel Clement Palmer - 1893
Haytor
Strawberry Hill (with part on RBL 8)
[RBL 7] Cloudlands
[RBL 8] Creggan
Strawberry Hill (with part on RBL 6)
[RBL 9] The Sheiling (became Stewart Terrace)
[RBL 10] The Mount 1883 - Mr. Johnson
[RBL 11] Craig Ryrie P. Ryrie
[RBL 12]
[RBL 13]
[RBL 14] Bushy Cottage (became Red Hill)
[RBL 15] Stokes Bungalow
[RBL 16]
Kellett Bungalow,
Kellett Spur, and
Oeonora became Matilda Hospital
Matilda International Hospital
Matilda International Hospital is a hospital in Hong Kong located at 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak. The hospital was built as a result of the last will and testament of Granville Sharp, the husband of Matilda Lincolne Sharp...
[RBL 17] '
[RBL 18] '
[RBL 19] Leigh Tor Robert Kenaway Leigh, 1885-86 (now Chief Justice's house)
[RBL 20] Dunottar
[RBL 21] La Hacienda
[RBL 22]
[RBL 23] Peak Church
[RBL 24]
[RBL 25] The Bluff
[RBL 26] C.M.S. Sanitorium
[RBL 27] The Cliff
[RBL 28] The Falls
[RBL 29] Bangour
[RBL 30] (combined with RBL 31)
[RBL 31] Dunford & The Chalet
Others built. So many, in fact, that there were enough people disinclined to make the trek down the hill and up again a Sunday to the Cathedral, that a wee Anglican chapel of ease
Chapel of ease
A chapel of ease is a church building other than the parish church, built within the bounds of a parish for the attendance of those who cannot reach the parish church conveniently....
, The Peak Church
Peak Church
The Mt. Gough Peak Protestant Church, also called the Peak Church was a Protestant chapel of ease in the Peak District of Hong Kong Island and held its first service in June 1883. It was "... an unpretending structure in the similitude of a jelly mould ..." which explains its affectionate...
, was built in 1883. It was nicknamed the "Jelly Mould".
With the growth of the district, the Police built a new station on Gough Hill (the same site it is on today).
Mount Austin:
- The Eyrie (FL 57) was the highest home on the Peak. Chairman of the Hongkong & Shanghai Bank, E.R. Belilios, an Indian-born Jew and former holder of a monopoly licence to trade in opium who commuted to Central by camel on the steep Peak Road purchased, in 1886, the bungalow built by Charles May in 1877 and then built a grand brick building, the "Eyrie". The house and front garden faced toward Pok Fu Lam, the back garden straddled the ridgeline facing the Harbour. A small open-air pavilion on the top of an adjacent hill had a 360-degree view.
1888 - The Peak Tram Opens
Once the Peak TramPeak Tram
The Peak Tramway is a funicular railway in Hong Kong, which carries both tourists and residents to the upper levels of Hong Kong Island. Running from Central district to Victoria Peak via the Mid-Levels, it provides the most direct route and offers good views over the harbour and skyscrapers of...
opened, the Peak stopped being only a place for a summer home, it was now easy to live there year round. Two hotels opened - the Peak Hotel
The Peak Hotel
The Peak Hotel was a hotel at upper terminus of the Peak Tram in Hong Kong. It started as a bar and restaurant, and a hotel with twenty bedrooms for summer visitors opening about the same time as the Peak Tram, in 1888....
and the Mount Austin Hotel. This is when the Peak began to be the residence of choice for many non-Chinese. The wealthy Chinese preferred Mid-Levels.