Classic Colonial Entertainer!
Expat Living Singapore|May 2023
Colonial houses in Singapore are steeped in history, and the black-and-white home of NEIL and EMMA BROOKES is no exception. Hidden in the lush jungle on Turf Club Road, it’s a tropical idyll of grand proportions. I sipped kombucha on the terrace with Emma and heard all about her fabulous home.
GEORGINA HOCKLEY
Classic Colonial Entertainer!

Tell us a bit about your gorgeous crew and how you found yourselves living in Singapore.

I’m originally from Scotland – I met my husband Neil while at university in England. After spending four years working in London, we decided it was time to change things up. We both secured jobs in Sydney and – promising our families and friends we would return in two years – off we flew. We’re yet to return, 17 years on!

We spent a fabulous eight years in sunny Sydney and two of our children were born there. Neil was then approached for a role in Singapore. Once again, as we packed up for our next “two year” adventure, we farewelled our friends promising a return soon… Nine years on and we’re still very happily living in Singapore, with another two children joining the Brookes clan.

I’ve since established a homeware business, Hankie Pankie Tables, which I absolutely love – sourcing artisanal products from our travels abroad and creating beautiful tables for clients in Singapore and further afield.

When you landed on Singapore shores nine years ago, what were you looking for in a home and why?

At the time we were both working in traditional office environments. As our youngest was only one, being close to the city was important to me so I could dash back home quickly if required.

Our tenant profile meant agents offered us mainly condo options, which seemed foreign to me given our previous laidback Aussie lifestyle. We went in search of a landed house, and thankfully we found one in One Tree Hill, a hidden gem by Orchard Road. I was also keen for us to have a pool and a small garden for our dachshund.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2023 من Expat Living Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2023 من Expat Living Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من EXPAT LIVING SINGAPORE مشاهدة الكل
Protecting Children Online
Expat Living Singapore

Protecting Children Online

SARAH and BO from Tekkie Help take you through the steps of using Apple's Family Sharing to configure devices to create a secure online environment for your children while effectively maintaining healthy screen time habits.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
Ankle Agony!
Expat Living Singapore

Ankle Agony!

Our ankles are heavy lifters when it comes to keeping us up and about. So sufferers of ankle osteoarthritis know only too well how debilitating it can be when this joint is affected. Here, consultant orthopaedic surgeon DR KEVIN KOO gives advice on symptoms, causes and treatments to ease this painful condition.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
A Sustainability Journey
Expat Living Singapore

A Sustainability Journey

Sustainability continues to be a buzzword in the furniture industry and Danish design and lifestyle company Bolia is taking it a big step further by publishing an annual e-book that gives full transparency around every detail of its sustainable credentials. We take a closer look!

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
Do You Know What You're Breathing?
Expat Living Singapore

Do You Know What You're Breathing?

From air purifiers to mould remediation, there are ways you can help create a healthier home environment for yourself and your family. We asked the team from Initial Hygiene and Rentokil in Singapore about how to breathe better air indoors.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
Start the Day Right
Expat Living Singapore

Start the Day Right

Rise and shine! From a trendy neighbourhood café and bistro to a brunch option that lets you still have a lie-in, Singapore's breakfast scene is buzzing. Here are a couple of our favourite tables!

time-read
1 min  |
May 2024
A Magical FOREST
Expat Living Singapore

A Magical FOREST

Expat Living's MELANIE LAM heads to a small Japanese island for hiking and forest bathing in an exquisite setting.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
Cool & Classy
Expat Living Singapore

Cool & Classy

Chic looks from Silk Walk's different collections that will keep you feeling breezy, whether it's in the Singapore sun or on a tropical holiday.

time-read
1 min  |
May 2024
Smiles for Miles!
Expat Living Singapore

Smiles for Miles!

Early intervention dental care is in demand, and treatment options now go well beyond traditional braces.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
Harnessing Art for Therapy & Growth
Expat Living Singapore

Harnessing Art for Therapy & Growth

A look at a non-verbal therapy that helps patients navigate the complexities of trauma and aids in personal development.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
Profile: Danielle Van de Velde
Expat Living Singapore

Profile: Danielle Van de Velde

Tapping into Singapore's spiritual side.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024