While researching accommodation
options in Penang, I quickly realised there was only one place I wanted to stay
while there. Historic Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion, is
a 19th century mansion that has been restored to such a high
standard that it received a UNESCO heritage conservation award. The rich blue
walls and the intricate and colourful details make this heritage building absolutely
beautiful, and a real treat for romantic souls and dreamers.
History
Cheong Fatt Tze was a Chinese
merchant that arrived in Penang as a penniless teenager but established himself
as a successful businessman and built the mansion as his family home in the
1880s. The two-storey building has 38 rooms, five courtyards, seven staircases
and 200 windows. So particular was Cheong Fatt Tze that he imported master
craftsmen from China to build his mansion. The design follows Feng Shui
principles and combines a Chinese layout with architecture typical of the 19th
century Straits settlements. Many buildings at this time were white but being
the colour associated with death and mourning, according to Chinese culture, and
just as I wouldn’t want my home to look morbid, neither did Cheong Fatt Tze, and
the building was instead painted blue. The precise shade a result of mixing lime
with indigo blue plant dye.
 |
| Historic staircase in Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Blue Mansion, Penang, Malaysia |
A work of art
The phrase ‘a work of art’ could have
been created to describe the mansion. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion features many
little details that make the building really pretty. Tall gothic louvred
windows invite light in and art nouveau stained glass windows add colour. Scottish
cast ironwork on staircases and balconies adds elegance, and Chinese porcelain
mosaics provide characterful details. Even the floors are a nod to perfectionist
geometry, with floor tiles from Stoke-on-Trent installed in a design that
creates a perfect square.
 |
| Central courtyard, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Blue Mansion, Penang, Malaysia |
The Mansion as a hotel
Having run out of money, Cheong Fatt
Tze’s descendants failed to maintain the property and it fell into disrepair. The
mansion was purchased from the family in the late 1980s and restored. Today it
operates as a boutique hotel offering 18 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar
drinks are served on the front balcony. Guest rooms are furnished with antique
furniture, some of it serving rather modern purposes (such as the cupboard
housing a television). The rooms are spacious with welcome creature comforts
such as air-conditioning and beautifully fitted ensuites. It is wonderful to
explore the mansion, it feels like a privilege to climb the old spiral
wrought-iron staircase and just appreciate the peace and stunning details of
the building.
 |
| Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Blue Mansion, Penang, Malaysia |
Tours
If you already have accommodation
elsewhere you can still visit the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion for a tour. Tours of
the building are conducted in English three times a day around the central
parts of the mansion. Tours visit the entrance hall, the main courtyard, grand
central staircases, and also provide the opportunity to peep a quick look
through a doorway at the courtyards by the guest rooms. Among the rare
collection of sculptures, tapestries and other antiques, historic everyday
items are on display on the upper level of the main courtyard, including
furniture, games and ceramics. While walking around the historic mansion
introduces visitors to the story behind the building, the artefacts on display
are things visitors can relate to, and they bring the history to life.
 |
| Historic divan, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Blue Mansion, Penang, Malaysia |
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is located on
the northern edge of Georgetown old town, at 14 Leith Street, Georgetown,
Penang. The distinct blue walls make it easy to spot.
Have you ever stayed in a historic
building? Where did you stay, and why?
