1953 Review

In a city that has so many ultra-modern buildings, it is essential Singapore holds on to its past and its heritage. Oxley’s 1953 not only helps to retain an example of classic Singapore architecture, but also provides 58 stunning and unique homes, and 14 commercial units. 

The development combines heritage buildings with residential homes.

For a relatively small development, the choice of different homes would shame some of the larger projects on the island. The apartments come in three different categories, namely the Modern Series, the Penthouse Series and the Heritage Series. The first two of those are housed in the modern block built onto the back of the original art deco building, and it is in that building – sympathetically refurbished – where the Heritage Series units are.

The Modern Series has two studios, as well as 1 bed, 1 bed plus study, 3 bed and 3 bed plus study units. The Penthouse Series consists of 2, 3 and 5-bedroom units, with an optional family/study unit (refer to the info above). The Heritage Series meanwhile, has 2 bed + study, 3 and 4-bedroom unit configurations. The Modern Series has two studios, as well as 1 bed, 1 bed plus study, 3 bed and 3 bed plus study units. 

The designers have done very well in managing to incorporate a good number of facilities into the project. These are located on the fourth storey and include a pool, gym, grill and alfresco dining area.

The tagline for the development is heritage meets modernity and that is played out in many aspects of the project, the carpark being a perfect example. Restricted by the site area, the basement parking is accessed via a mechanical car lift.

The show flat is located a little distance away from the development’s location, further up Balestier Road on Pegu Road and features a 1 bed + study from the Modern Series and a 3 bedder from the Heritage Series.

1 Bed + Study 614 sqft

Built in a newly built block, this has a look and feel of a good quality modern apartment. The 3.25-metre high ceiling (note that this only applies to the unit type MAS5 – as shown in Show unit 03-15), along with the simple layout gives the impression of being larger than it is.

It has a good-sized kitchen, especially for a 1 bedder, and comes with a Bosch electric oven and hob, and Electrolux washer cum dryer and free standing fridge.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect to this unit is the study. Unlike in many developments, the ones in 1953 are an actual separate room, and a large room as well. It is set apart from the living area and as such can be used as a second bedroom.

The bedroom is large enough to easily fit in a king-sized bed.

The bathroom is also a decent size and has dual entrances, one direct from the bedroom, and one from the living/dining area. Fixtures and fittings are from Grohe.

3 Bed 1141 sqft

When you enter this magnificent unit, it really is like stepping back in time. Thoughtful and interesting touches throughout, deliberately take you back to the opulent 1950’s and many features will be familiar to those who lived in 1950’s and 1960’s Singapore.

The herringbone parquet flooring is a perfect example and sets the tone for the whole unit. Similarly, the distinctive floor tiles and cabinets in the kitchen have been chosen to be in keeping with the character of the original building (likewise the oval mirrors in the bathrooms).

This does not feel like you are walking in a museum though. It feels very much like a home. Despite all the attention to detail and the general stunning look of the unit, the thing that takes your breath away most is the space that the incredible high ceilings create, a result of the original design of the building. 

Every bedroom comes with its own bathroom, and because of the ceiling height, fitting a bunk bed in is no issue at all.