Image credit: Julia Nickson, The Straits Times
If you’ve ever wondered about the personal history of your favourite celebrities, get ready for a fascinating revelation: Taylor Swift’s family had roots in Singapore, including a connection to our very own colonial black and white bungalows.
Yes, you read that right!
“My mom actually spent a lot of her childhood with her mom, dad, and sister, growing up in Singapore,” the singer shared on March 2nd, the first day of her show, in the Singapore National Stadium.
#SingaporeTSTheErasTour #TaylorSwiftErasTourSG she talked about her past with her grandma in Singapore 🥹 pic.twitter.com/3Kt1r0G8hJ
— soshimood ♕ vs VillainS (@wheeinandout) March 2, 2024
Tay-Tay’s family and their connection to Singapore
In a heartwarming interview with Straits Times back in 2010, Taylor Swift shared snippets of her family’s Singaporean ties.
Her maternal grandfather, Robert Finlay, relocated his family to Singapore for a few years while working in an engineering company. But it doesn’t stop there – Taylor’s grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, was not your ordinary grandma. Marjorie, the inspiration behind Taylor’s soulful track “Marjorie” from her 2020 album Evermore, was an accomplished opera singer.
With her extensive experience, including her own television show in Puerto Rico, it’s clear that musical talent runs in the family.
Read more: The concert-goer’s property guide: Where to stay in Singapore for music lovers
Where we think Andrea Swift might have lived
Now, let’s talk about Andrea Swift, affectionately known as Mama Swift.
Nancy MacIntyre, who attended fifth grade with Mama Swift, recalled spending time with her at her family’s black and white colonial bungalow during their time together. Ms. Nickson, another one of Andrea’s friend, told The Straits Times that the bungalow was probably situated in the vicinity of Whitley Road and Mount Pleasant.
But where exactly did Andrea Swift live in Singapore?
Upon closer inspection of The Straits Times image of Andrea and her friends, you’ll notice the number 27 in the background of her family bungalow. While it’s speculative, there’s only one other black and white bungalow with this number along Mount Pleasant Drive, possibly the Swifts’ residence.
Read more: Navigating Singapore’s public transportation: A guide for concert-goers
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Colonial heritage in Mount Pleasant
Now, let’s delve into the rich history of Mount Pleasant and its iconic colonial bungalows.
Mount Pleasant, situated in Singapore’s central region, has a storied past dating back to the 19th century. Originally owned by Englishman George Henry Brown, the estate was eventually acquired by the colonial government in 1920.
The government’s vision? To create a haven for high-ranking colonial officers, complete with grand black-and-white bungalows.
Designed by British architects from the Public Works Department, these colonial bungalows are architectural marvels. With their distinctive half-timber construction and expansive verandahs, these houses epitomise colonial charm.
Today, many of these bungalows have been lovingly preserved and refurbished, offering a glimpse into our colonial heritage.
Notable events in Mount Pleasant
Beyond its architectural splendour, Mount Pleasant has been the site of various cultural and environmental events.
Did you know that it served as the filming location for Singapore’s first full-length English movie, “Medium Rare”? Talk about cinematic history right in our backyard!
Where to find other black and white bungalows in Singapore?
If you’re enamoured by the charm of colonial bungalows, you’ll be delighted to know that they’re scattered across Singapore. Mostly populated in Seletar and Sembawang, these architectural gems dot the island, each with its own unique story to tell.
Here are some of their popular locations:
- Central: Goodwood Hill, Dempsey Hill, Ridley Park, Adam Park, Chancery Lane, Barker Road
- West: Wessex Estate, Rochester Park, Nepal Hill, Mount Pleasant, Fifth Avenue
- North: Sembawang Park, Seletar Camp, Cyprus Road
- South: Mount Faber, Alexandra Park, Gillman Barracks
Can you own a black and white bungalow?
While you can’t purchase a black and white house in Singapore, you can apply to rent one from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). These homes, leased out via an open-bidding system, offer a glimpse into Singapore’s colonial past.
Prices are determined by demand and are likely to be a significant investment.
However, if you’re in the market for larger landed properties like these colonial bungalows, you might want to explore Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) in Singapore. These prestigious properties offer expansive space and luxurious modern amenities, providing a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary living.
While GCBs come with a hefty price tag, they offer an unparalleled lifestyle that combines the charm of colonial architecture with the convenience of modern comforts.
Read more: Good Class Bungalow (GCB) house-hunting: Confessions from agents
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About Sophiyanah David
Sophi, a seasoned copywriter specialising in Singaporean real estate and property, is one of the minds behind 99.co's informative articles. Like her colleagues at 99.co, Sophi is dedicated to keeping you informed about the ever-changing world of real estate so you can find your forever home. When off the clock, you can find her giggling and kicking her feet as she reads her romance novels, watching anime - if FMBA is not your fave, she might fight you (but you'll probably win) and looking up latest skincare trends.
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