Emerald Hill, Singapore

Looking at the remarkable series of 112 pre-war homes and shop houses here, it is hard to imagine that this was once a nutmeg plantation. Hike up Emerald Hill Road to appreciate these exquisitely crafted buildings, built between 1902 and 1930 in an architectural style known as the Chinese baroque. Typified by floral tiles, carved swing doors, shuttered windows and pastel walls, these houses portray a unique blend of Chinese and Malay architectural styles. At the foot of the hill housing several fine bars and pubs today is Peranakan Place, a reconstruction of some 1903 vintage terrace houses demolished in 1984.

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