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It could be just me, but I’ve always associated Queenstown with HDB estates, a few condos and Ikea. Hence, when I saw that there was a landed estate in the area. I thought it’d be interesting to go check them out. And I’m glad I did, because I was surprised by what I found- unusually large houses for Singapore! Mostly detached houses, with the odd semi-detached unit. Unfortunately, this also means that prices are on the higher side- I’ll include the latest transaction histories at the end of the article.
If, like me, you’ve never realised that there’s a landed estate hidden away very close to the main road- pretty much just opposite Ikea! Here’s a map for your reference. The landed estate, comprising Shepherds Drive, Merino Crescent, and Barbary Walk are just behind the condos on Alexandra Road, which help to buffer out the road noise. There is also a shortcut for people to walk right out to Alexandra Road, where you can find the odd coffee shop, restaurant, massage centre, and tuition centre. Turn right and you’ll reach Anchorpoint, the closest thing the area has to a mall, besides Ikea. Well, there’s also Queensway Shopping Centre but you’ll need to cross Queensway Road, which is quite a major junction.
Opposite Queensway Shopping Centre are two hawker centres, both famous for their food: Alexandra Village Food Centre and ABC Brickworks Market and Food Centre so I would say the landed estate is extremely well-placed for amenities. If you had turned left, instead, after reaching Alexandra Road, it’s mainly car dealerships so somewhat less interesting but continue down and you’ll soon reach Orchard Road. Note that it’s not within walking distance- you will need a car, or to take public transport.
On the note of public transport, you’re also very close to the MRT; about 10 minutes walk to Queenstown MRT, and this is measured from a house that’s deeper in the estate, and not the closest house. Once you hit Commonwealth Avenue, the way is also covered by a walkway so you’re shaded from Singapore’s harsh weather. Let me take you on a little walk so you can see for yourself.
Here we are just outside the landed estate, on Stirling Road. Stirling Road feels like quite a main road- it’s very broad- but it wasn’t very busy when I visited it. Not much traffic coming and going. There are also a few houses located on it.Looking towards the main road.Some of the houses we find on Stirling Road. Continue past these houses and you’ll find another cul-de-sac with a few landed houses, condos, and then HDB estates. There’s also Queenstown polyclinc for your healthcare needs.As we walk towards the main road, Commonwealth Avenue, we pass a condo.Here we are on Commonwealth Avenue. This road can be quite busy despite how empty it looks in the photo. Across is the MRT.Turn left and you’ll reach Queenstown MRT’s entrance,And this is the covered walkway I mentioned earlier.
Now that we’ve seen the main road, let’s head back into the estate.
Here we are on Shepherd’s Drive, which is closer to Commonwealth Avenue- Barbary Walk is the street that’s the deepest in.To the side is the shortcut to Alexandra Road the I mentioned earlier.You’ll see a few landed houses as you walk out that way.Zooming out a bit so you can see the surrounding condominiums.The road actually splits, with Shepherd’s Drive on one side, and Merino Crescent on the other.I previously said that the location is great in terms of walkability to amenities. However, I have to point out that this estate is rather quite hilly, so you will have quite an upward walk when you return.Some of the houses we pass along the way. Spot the street signs? It’s not easy finding parking here. I did manage to squeeze into a spot during working hours but you may not be so lucky when it’s after work/ on weekends. In addition, some streets are completely zoned as no-parking so, even if you find a space on the street, you may have to trek a bit- uphill@- to get home.See what I mean about the houses here being on the larger side? One of them even looks like a boutique condo or boutique hotel to me!This house has quite a nice setting.On the downside, the nearby condominiums are extremely built-up and feel very close to the landed houses. I met a resident during my walk- she was extremely nice and friendly- who mentioned that more and more condos have been going up over the years, making the estate noisier. See what I mean about the condos feeling a bit close?!It varies depending on which part of the street you’re on though. These properties feel like they have more privacy.Talk about an entrance hidden in plain sight!I am not 100% sure but I think the building behind the houses here is a condo.See what I mean about the walk not being flat?It’s a real mix of older single storey houses and very modern properties in this estate.This photos shows you how much potential there is to build higher.This owner has obviously taken the opportunity to completely rebuild.Another large property.In case it’s not obviously, we’re walking uphill here i.e. it’s uphill when walking in from the main road.Some of the houses at the “peak” of the estate are elevated over their neighbouring buildings. For example- these houses are level with the top of the Mitsubishi Electric building.
More large houses. One thing to note is that many of the newer properties have large houses but not much garden space, so the space between the different properties can be a little limited and the estate does’t feel as spacious as you would have expected.
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Continuing down the road. Merino Crescent and Shepherd’s Drive both loop onto Barbary Walk so, if we keep walking, we’ll eventually reach our starting point.The estate is so sloping that these houses are pretty much street level- you can see right out to the main road if you look through their car porch.Not sure if these photos give you a better idea of the downward slope?As you can see, these two houses are on different elevations so the single storey house looks to be almost the same height as its taller neighbour.More no parking zones.Another rebuilding project. This one looks like it’ll be massive when done.
We’re pretty much at the deepest part of the estate now (where you find Barbary Walk.)
Some of the older single storey houses I mentioned earlier.I must be right about the lack of parking come the weekend since we are seeing rubbish bins being used to reserve street parking space. This is pretty much the only place you can find street parking in the estate. The road is quite narrow so you’ll have to park extremely close to the side or risk your side mirror getting knocked off.More rubbish bin markers.Vintage houses and charming vintage gates to match.And a vintage letter box!Another rebuilding project. I guess the area is discovered, so to speak.A few more of the rarer semi-detached units.And here we are right back where we started. Along the way, I passed a resident, who was very friendly- that always gives you a better impression of a place!
Now that we’ve seen the area, how did you find the estate? I can’t help wondering what it was like with its elevated position, before the condos popped up!
Before we go, here is the price history of the area. Let me know what you think in the comments!
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TJ's interest in property was sparked after returning from the UK- where balconies are not counted in one's square footage!- and finding that the Singapore property had totally changed in the 7 years she was away. When not reading and watching articles & videos about property, she is busy cooking and baking for friends, family & her blog Greedygirlgourmet
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