Home tour: Romance inspires sprawling family estate in Johor, Malaysia

Nestled in Malaysia’s southernmost state of Johor, Leisure Farm is a large development with acres of greenery and plenty of stand-alone bungalows. The choice of location was deeply meaningful for Chan and Chong. They had actually taken their wedding photos on the grounds of Leisure Farm itself some years prior.

During the shoot, while they wandered near the golf course, they chanced upon a field of dandelions. Chan reminisces: “I said then that when I had the money, I would buy a piece of land here and build us a house where all our family would be able to live together.” And Chan was a man of his word.

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It was important that the house should reflect the stories of the family members. Chan’s ownership of a quarry prompted the use of stones throughout the structure and landscaping.

There was a symbolic resonance here as well: the stones are meant to represent a closeness to the earth as well as a sense of permanence and ownership.

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Meanwhile, key design elements were derived from Chong’s memories of growing up in Alor Setar, Kedah.

In particular, her father’s business in fish trading is the reason for the fish motifs in the artwork as well as for the two decorative sampans (wooden boats) in the garden.

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The large plot of land allowed for the family to indulge in their love of trees. A 100-year-old olive tree was imported from Spain and now serves as the main feature of the patio area.

And then there are the durian trees which were not actually a part of the original plan. These trees were already there when they bought the land, and so the family decided to keep them, since they love durians. Serendipity was at work.

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Leisure Farm’s broad, green expanses provide a fitting backdrop for a house which is all about being open to nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors allow for floods of natural light as well as for unobstructed views of the garden.

The intention here, architect Choong explains, was to “make the landscape feel like an extension of the home itself.”

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This smooth continuity between indoors and outdoors is also sustained by making nature an essential element of the house. The Balinese-inspired garden of the courtyard is a case in point. Here, the dense greenery and carefully laid-out pathway work together to encourage both exploration and relaxation.

The various garden spaces were crafted to appeal especially to Chong’s love of the outdoors: “she is a ‘kampung girl’ who loves walking the rain,” smiles Chan, “... even now!”

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There were some inevitable challenges involved in the construction of a two-storey bungalow from the ground up. This was
no small feat, given that the built-up area eventually amounted to 20,338 sq ft.

The main issue was the topography. Judicious planning was involved in enhancing the views, while creative solutions were required to ensure proper drainage and the stability of the foundation.

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Yaw, shares that part of the brief was to create a “‘retreat-inspired atmosphere”. The goal, then, would be all about evoking a sense of ease, refinement, and harmony. Yaw explains that these concerns led to the selection of luxurious materials: “marble was used in high-impact areas such as the foyer and main living area, while onyx was incorporated into feature walls, adding depth and texture”.

These polished stone surfaces also balanced out the use of earthy tones and water elements elsewhere. One special feature of the onyx was that its character altered through the day: when backlit in the evening, it casts a warm, inviting glow over the living areas.

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Close attention to detail contributed to the seamless finish of the entire space. Yaw points out that custom cabinetry was installed in order “to complement the overall aesthetic while maximising functionality.”

Most of the furniture was custom made from local brand, Best Home, to suit the larger dimensions of the home.

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Beyond the quiet luxury, there were also opportunities for more exuberant flourishes. For instance, the monumental white columns of the patio and porch bring a touch of grandeur to the whole composition.

At the centre of the main structure, in pride of place, is a broad staircase that curves elegantly round an intricate white-and-gold chandelier. Homeowner Chan confesses a fondness for the entry path - “where the house itself remains hidden while you sweep up the driveway.”

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