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Landed Review: Townerville: A Harmonious Blend of Colonial Heritage and Modern Comforts

Townerville, located at 102 Towner Road, is a unique residential estate known for its charming, heritage-style terrace houses. Built in the 1920s, this conservation area originally served as homes for civil servants during Singapore’s colonial period. The estate is now a blend of historic charm and modern living. It has been carefully restored to maintain its original architectural features, such as arched windows, pitched roofs, and intricate façade detailing.

A Collection Of 84 Charming Homes

The development comprises 84 two-storey units, offering 2- to 4-bedroom houses ranging from 2,127 to 3,524 sq ft. While the exterior preserves its heritage charm, the interiors have been updated with modern amenities, including air-conditioning and contemporary kitchen designs, providing residents with the comfort of modern living in a historic setting. Though the houses are arranged in a traditional terrace layout, the inclusion of a central courtyard allows natural light and ventilation to flow throughout each unit. This, coupled with the use of transom windows and louvres above doorways, provides additional light and ventilation, adding to the sense of space.

A panoramic view of Townerville in Singapore, featuring rows of conserved heritage terrace houses with red-tiled roofs surrounded by lush greenery, set against a backdrop of modern high-rise residential buildings and construction cranes under a bright blue sky.”
Aerial View Of Townerville
Type A Houses With Traditional Chinese Architectural Influences

Situated at the junction of Towner and May Roads are 34 units (Type A) built with traditional Chinese architectural influences. These houses feature uniquely shaped facade beams and columns at the entrance, and each spacious unit has two bedrooms, balconies, and an open-air courtyard. The slanted red-tiled gable roofs flow continuously along the entire row of houses supported by beige-coloured walls. Both windows on the two-storey houses feature wooden window shutters arranged in a lattice design with a proportion commonly seen in straits eclectic style shophouses.

Street view of Townerville Singapore showing conserved colonial terrace houses with red-tiled roofs, white picket fences, mature trees, and a quiet residential road under a bright blue sky.
Type A With Chinese Architecture Influences Along McNair Road
Townerville Singapore conservation terrace houses with red-tiled roofs and white picket fences along a quiet street, framed by mature trees and high-rise residential buildings in the background on a sunny day.
Type A With Chinese Architecture Influences Along McNair Road Alternate View
Side walkway view of Townerville Singapore conservation terrace houses with cream exterior walls, decorative window grills, potted plants, and greenery along a landscaped path on a bright day.
Type A With Chinese Architecture Influences Facing HDB Block
Rear service corridor of Townerville Singapore conservation houses, showing cream exterior walls, metal doors, small ventilation windows, and a long walkway stretching toward nearby high-rise buildings on a clear sunny day.
Alleyway Behind Type A Houses
Exterior view of Townerville Singapore conservation terrace houses surrounded by lush greenery, tall trees, and a nearby parking area, with modern high-rise apartments in the background on a bright sunny day.
HDB Carpark Behind Type A Houses

Townerville 2 Bedroom Conservation House 106 Type A (2162 sqft) Virtual Tour

Type B Houses With Traditional Malay Architectural Influences

Another 26 units (Type B), built under Malay architectural influence, feature intersecting roof gables, with some units having a more prominent frontage than others. This, together with rows of louvred vents, elicits a look akin to a Kampong house. Each unit features two bedrooms and a study. The study opens to a roof deck connected to the courtyard via a spiral staircase.

Townerville Singapore conservation terrace houses with red-tiled roofs, wooden shutters, lush greenery, and a quiet residential street, with high-rise apartments in the background on a sunny day.
Type B Houses With Intersecting Roof Gables
Townerville Singapore conservation terrace houses with timber accents, red-tiled roofs, wooden blinds, and lush front gardens along a quiet residential street, with modern high-rise buildings in the background on a sunny day.
Close-Up View Of Lourves Of Type B Houses
Courtyard walkway between Townerville Singapore conservation terrace houses featuring timber accents, lattice designs, and red-tiled roofs, with modern high-rise buildings in the background on a bright sunny day.
Courtyard With Spiral Staircase At Rear Of Type B Houses

Townerville 3 Bedroom Conservation House 35 Type B (2424 sqft) Virtual Tour

Type C Houses With Traditional European Architectural Influences

The remaining 24 units (Type C), fronting McNair Road, reflect the European architectural style. These units are distinguishable by their arched porticoes, facing bricks and glass-panelled doors and windows. Each unit has a living room, a dining room, three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a study.

Row of conserved Townerville Singapore terrace houses with red arch doorways, colonial-style windows, gated entrances, and a pedestrian sidewalk lined with greenery on a bright sunny day.
Type C Houses With Traditional European Architectural Influences
Rear lane of Townerville Singapore conservation terrace houses with cream exterior walls, red-tiled roofs, wooden fencing, greenery, and high-rise apartments in the background on a bright sunny day.”
Alleyway Behind Houses Type B And C
Location

Townerville’s strategic location in central Singapore, in the Kallang planning area, makes accessing various amenities and transport links convenient. It’s close to popular spots like Whampoa Market (via an overhead bridge) and Bendemeer Market and Food Centre, known for their wide range of local delights and fresh produce. The estate’s proximity to the city centre also appeals to expatriates and professionals seeking a blend of history, convenience, and a tranquil residential environment.

The area around Townerville is continuously evolving, with modern developments springing up around it, making it a unique juxtaposition of old and new. Townerville stands as a testament to Singapore’s effort to preserve its historical buildings while adapting to the demands of modern urban living.

Brand New Housing Changing The Skyline Along Towner Road

Residents at Townerville may also apply for personal memberships at the nearby Civil Service Club on Tessensohn Road to enjoy club facilities. (Terms and conditions apply.)

Charm Of Singapore’s Colonial History With Contemporary Living

Townerville offers a rare opportunity to experience the charm of Singapore’s colonial history while enjoying the conveniences of contemporary living. With its thoughtfully restored terrace houses and architectural diversity reflecting Chinese, Malay, and European influences, the estate is a testament to preserving heritage amidst modern urbanization. Its central location and serene residential environment make Townerville an ideal choice for those who appreciate a blend of tradition, elegance, and convenience. Whether for families, expatriates, or professionals, Townerville provides a unique living experience that harmoniously bridges the past and present.

Article contributed by Jerry Wong.


Jerry Wong is a realtor at Propnex Realty, bringing a rich background in interior and lighting design to his work. He loves exploring diverse spaces and observing the transformative power of real estate. Beyond his professional role, Jerry finds his greatest fulfillment in connecting people with the right properties, gaining immense satisfaction from helping clients achieve their dreams.

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