Historic mansion escapes demolition

The Antiquities Advisory Board has approved a government proposal to declare Ho Tung Gardens a monument to stop the owner from demolishing it.

The 84-year-old mansion is the oldest surviving residence on the Peak. It was built by the late Robert Ho Tung, the first non-European allowed to live there. Ho Tung's granddaughter, Ho Min-kwan, wanted to redevelop the site.

Members of the board agreed that the current Grade 2 status of the villa, which has high heritage value, was too low. 'By upgrading it to Grade 1, the historic estate will be protected by law,' said Bernard Chan, board chairman. 'I hope to keep it intact - both gardens and building.'

Ho Min-kwan may now go to court to seek compensation.