Sunday, November 07, 2010
Chinpracha. Phuket Town
The last part of our Phuket heritage Tour was to Chinpracha.This is a big house built at the beginning of the 20th century by a wealthy man from a Chinese family as a bridal home for his new wife.
It has remained in the family ever since. But, as with many families, there has been conflict.
When the most recent male owner died his will stated that his wife should have the house and his brother would have the garden.
I guess a garden on its own was not of much use to the brother and he sold it - as land to be developed.
So in front of this treasure within Phuket Town are now high rise modern buildings.
The ground floor still retains an air of being a family home, but is now being used as a museum and cultural centre; and has been used as the back drop for a number of Hollywood films.
Outside were lined up some of the rickshaws used by the young bride of 100 years ago.
The house was built around a well. This is the main reception hall.
The ground floor tiles had been imported from Italy. 
A poignant picture, full of atmosphere. 
A small shrine dedicated to the Phuket Heroines. 
Little Chinese slippers.
Chinese fashions do not change as rapidly as in the west.
The kitchen had all sorts of things - the sort I would collect and sell!
Old kitchen gadgets.
This is the only remaining part of the fence that used to surround the huge garden. It had been imported from Holland.
The narrow green door.....who knows where it led to?
The dining room.
Coronets and jewels for those special occasions. 
Chinese chair, decorated with mother of pearl.
Back through the main reception hall..... 
....to be greeted by the owner.
The wire mesh separates the verandah from the garage, where a couple of cars were stored. 
The owner's dog.
It has remained in the family ever since. But, as with many families, there has been conflict.
When the most recent male owner died his will stated that his wife should have the house and his brother would have the garden.
I guess a garden on its own was not of much use to the brother and he sold it - as land to be developed.
So in front of this treasure within Phuket Town are now high rise modern buildings.
The ground floor still retains an air of being a family home, but is now being used as a museum and cultural centre; and has been used as the back drop for a number of Hollywood films.
Outside were lined up some of the rickshaws used by the young bride of 100 years ago.
There were family pictures and mementos.
The house was built around a well. This is the main reception hall.
The ground floor tiles had been imported from Italy.
A poignant picture, full of atmosphere.
Do you see the bright blue fence in front of the window? That is the recent fence separating the house from the new development.
The garden is lost.
I sympathise - we, in our humble way, have also lost our open space in front of the house.
A small shrine dedicated to the Phuket Heroines.
Little Chinese slippers.
Chinese fashions do not change as rapidly as in the west.
I can imagine the first owner's wife in this at a grand occasion just as much as the present owner.
The kitchen had all sorts of things - the sort I would collect and sell!
Old kitchen gadgets.
This is the only remaining part of the fence that used to surround the huge garden. It had been imported from Holland.
The narrow green door.....who knows where it led to?
The dining room.
Coronets and jewels for those special occasions.
It must be the coronets that gave me the feeling that I was amongst royalty!
Chinese chair, decorated with mother of pearl.
Back through the main reception hall.....
....to be greeted by the owner.
I am not sure where she actually lives - upstairs at Chinpracha?
She had clearly been into Phuket Town that morning.
She busied herself, tidying on the verandah and was eager for us to see photo albums.
The wire mesh separates the verandah from the garage, where a couple of cars were stored.
The owner's dog.
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