The
Big house | 1850's
This has been on my to do list since reading about it in
a newspaper report a couple of years ago. It makes you wonder
what other gems like this lurk forgotten in Malaysia.
The mansion is of the classical style and was supposedly built
in the 1850's. The general layout for this style is symmetrical.
The central main entrance way is covered with a grand carriage
porch and a triangular pediment is above along the main roof
line.
During its time as an estate house it was simply known as
the 'Big house' and was part of the Caledonia Estate. The
original surrounding grounds of the mansion had a golf course
and even its own air strip.
The mansion also had its own little dance hall on the first
floor and was well known for its parties and events for visitors
and families living on the estate.
The building was used up until the war by the British, then
the Japanese moved in and used it as a army HQ. After the
war the plantation came back into British ownership and continued
with their plantation business.
During the Malayan emergency, Sir John Ramsden's son was found
lying dead half way up the steps of the mansion, he had been
gunned down by Communist terrorists. After this tragic incident
Sir Ramsden ,who was also the company chairman, sold the company
and estate.
Today a 80+ year old woman lives on site. For 60+ years she
and her husband has looked after the house. Unfortunately
her husband passed away a few years ago and so now she is
the sole caretaker.
Parts of the building has suffered from arson in recent years.
The wooden 1st floor will surely collapse through within the
next 10 years. The kitchen area completely collapsed two years
ago.
The house and the estate are under private ownership. It will
be down to the land owner and the relative authorities to
push forward a plan of action to save this site before it's
too late!
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