FEATURED PROPERTY
THE FACELIFT
Before
After restoration
this dream,” Seah says adding that his hotel is the first Chinese cultural hotel in the country. Ever since 1881 ChongTian Cultural Hotel took shape, the Jalan Pintal Tali has been attracting more visitors making the area livelier. Previously, the stretch had a lot of storage units but now more vendors are opening their businesses there. Seah had witness the popularity of the area himself when he organised the biggest Chinese cultural event called Heritage Day Event in July where thousands of people thronged the area. The event was a collaboration with the Penang Chinese Clan Council From an investor’s point of view, Seah thinks that the hotel is a great investment as it has excellent return of investment. “From my observation, the appreciation of the property in this street will increase at least five time withing five to 10 years’ time,” he explains. The heritage element of the hotel further adds value to the property hence the high appreciation rate. “This area has benefited a lot from the presence of the hotel and I hope it will continue to bring the community together,” Seah feels.
1881 Chongtian Cultural Hotel owner, Seah Kok Heng
62 SEPTEMBER 2014
www.propertyinsight.com.my
Comprising of three linked heritage buildings, Seah started the hotel in November, 2011. The property was acquired at an approximate RM2million but the restoration works cost Seah about RM10million to be completed. Given that the property is a heritage building, Seah is obligated to retain the original look of the building. “The property was in such a bad shape. It was full of wild plants and was truly dilapidated,” Seah says while showing me a photo of the property at that time. The transformation is indeed remarkable. “This property is the only three-storey connected heritage shop lots with a strong Cantonese façade, which you can see from the design of the entrance door and the window panels. Visitors, who stood in front of the doorstep, will be greeted by a sign with Chinese characters that if translated into English says “whatever you have in Europe, you can find it here too”. The sign originated from one of the businessmen from the olden days, Seah tells.
GOOD QI
Atop the window panels are butterfly-shaped air vents. In the Chinese culture, butterflies symbolise transition, resurgence and celebration. The design of the entrance is very traditional and inviting and the large doors, allow good ventilation. In the interior of the hotel, wood panels which Seah collected from other heritage properties are fitted at the front office and the concierge. The animal and floral motifs of the panels, painted in gold, give these panels a whole new look. Another oriental feature of the hotel is the moongate entrance. A moongate entrance has many meanings, but the basic idea is to create an inviting entry and exit point. According to Seah it is a sign of wealth too. “It’s a must-have design for rich Chinese homes in the old days,” says Seah. There’s a golden moongate decorating a section of the hotel where it fronts a water fountain. “The water flow symbolises good flow of wealth, happiness and well-being. Hopefully, it’ll bring good luck and wealth to our guests too,” wishes Seah. A classic Chinese interior style can be seen at the water feature through the broken pottery used to design this fountain. Complementing the water feature is the bamboo and gold fish in the pond – two elements in Feng Shui study believed to attract good health, wealth and happiness. Perhaps, another striking feature of the hotel is the courtyard – a regular feature for old Chinese homes. Based on the Chinese culture, a courtyard has the ‘power’ to increase the flow of Qi in a building as it