Stamped into the façade of 1 Canterbury Road is the year of its completion: 1933. While most of Alexandra Park is known for its iconic black-and-white houses, this property belongs to a very different lineage: it is one of the few Art Deco residences in the estate.
Black-and-whites, with their timber beams, wide verandas, and sweeping roofs, are instantly recognisable as part of Singapore’s colonial past. Art Deco, however, was a global design movement of the 1920s and 1930s that emphasised clean geometry, curved lines, and minimal ornamentation. Its influence can still be seen in historic cinemas, civic buildings, and shophouse facades across Singapore, but residential examples are uncommon
That makes 1 Canterbury Road a rarity. Its pared-back facade, rounded corners, and restrained detailing are hallmarks of the interwar style, setting it apart from its neighbours. For tenants, it offers the same sense of heritage and proportion as a black-and-white, but with a distinct architectural language that feels more modern and streamlined.
Inside, the house spans 5,296 sq ft of floor area, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The ground floor living and dining rooms are defined by black tiles with white borders and arched openings, while the kitchen retains a utilitarian simplicity. Upstairs, a corridor plan links the bedrooms, offering a more straightforward layout than the rambling interiors of larger black-and-whites.
The property sits on a substantial 33,443 sq ft plot, with a shaded veranda and open lawn framed by Alexandra Park’s greenery. It remains tranquil and secluded, despite being minutes from Orchard Road, Dempsey Hill, and Pasir Panjang MRT.
The Trade-Offs
As with any heritage rental, compromises come with the package. Older wiring, plumbing, and roofing mean maintenance is expected. Layouts reflect their time, with smaller bathrooms and limited storage. Gardens add greenery, but also ongoing upkeep. And conservation status restricts how much you can alter.
These are the realities of living in any heritage house here. The difference at 1 Canterbury Road is that it offers proportions that are more practical than some of the estate’s larger homes.
The property is available on a two-year residential tenure through the Singapore Land Authority, with a guide rent of S$18,500 per month.
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