Historians say the estate, built by Hotung in 1927 for his second wife Clara, is an example of Chinese Renaissance architecture and a reminder of an important chapter in the city's colonial history.
SCMP, October 26
So just what is Chinese Renaissance architecture? The best definition I can find is that the term represents a general renaissance of Chinese architecture at the beginning of the last century, a recognition that not every building of note had to be built in European styles.
But as architecture had not previously been a distinct profession in China, as few buildings were ever built from detailed drawings and as the invariable wood and brick construction severely limited the possibilities, this renaissance may better be termed a naissance. It was more of a birth than a rebirth.
I do not denigrate Chinese Renaissance style. I only wish to point out that it encompasses a very wide range of building design. Just put in a hint of something Chinese, attribute early 20th century roots to it and it becomes Chinese Renaissance, whether or not it was designed or built by anyone Chinese. Surprisingly often it was not.
If there is one building in Hong Kong, however, that requires a very loooooong stretch of definition to reach even these criteria it is the main house of Ho Tung Gardens on The Peak. Let us be frank. It is a squat block of no real merit, custom-made for a wrecker's ball. Even the owner, Ho Min-kwan, says so - 'not distinguished architecturally' - and that's being kind.
Yes, it has a few doodads with green roof tiles and, yes, the garden entrance is arched, a design triumph from that prominent Chinese architectural firm, Palmer and Turner. The cheapest New Territories builder will do this for you as a bonus these days.