6 minute read

A place to call home

Welcome to the neighbourhood

Hong Kong’s most family-friendly neighbourhoods

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Stanley

This scenic neighbourhood offers a picturesque promenade and British era architecture attracting a healthy number of local and overseas visitors. Spend a day lazing at one of Stanley’s sandy beaches, shop til you drop at the street market and for those with kids, the International Montessori School is in close proximity to the town and is a popular choice for expats.

Sai Kung

Referred to as the city’s back garden, Sai Kung’s mountainous backdrop will have you wondering if you’re still in Hong Kong. The seafront town offers a range of local businesses and a unique community, attracting many families and young couples wanting a laid back lifestyle. With Hong Kong Academy on its doorstep, children can avoid the town's notorious rush hour traffic.

Clearwater Bay

For a higher-end experience whilst retaining the seaside tranquility of Sai Kung, look no further than Clearwater Bay. With sweeping views over the port shelter and plenty of lush greenery, this neighbourhood is perfect for those looking for a spacious home. Children can enjoy Clearwater Bay School and Hong Kong Adventist Academy’s picturesque campuses, while parents can easily hop on the MTR to the island.

Tai Mei Tuk is a popular outdoor neighbourhood where visitors flock to ride bikes and BBQ. While the area makes for the perfect day trip, many families also reside in the seaside location. With five international schools in the area including American School Hong Kong and Malvern College, children won’t have to travel far to receive a top education.

The Peak

Once exclusive to wealthy residents, most of whom would be carried up to their homes in sedan chairs, The Peak is a high-end neighbourhood with stunning views over the city. Today, properties in the area are accessible to anyone with the means to buy and are in close proximity to German Swiss International School and Peak School. The area is also home to major tourist attractions such as Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram.

Stanley

Mid-Levels

In the centre of all the action, Mid-Levels is home to many international restaurants and bars, including the infamous Lan Kwai Fong street. Homes here offer fabulous urban views, convenient transportation around the city and great hiking trails. The neighbourhood is also home to ESF’s first school, Island School.

Happy Valley

Ironically named for being the home to Hong Kong’s first Christian cemetery, Happy Valley has grown up around the central and iconic Happy Valley Racecourse. It has its fair share of modern high rises but low-rise developments are also available. The further up towards Jardine’s Lookout you go, the larger and more expensive the apartments become.

Repulse Bay

Famously referred to by Forbes magazine as, ‘the most expensive real estate per square foot in the world’, Repulse Bay is home to one of Hong Kong’s longest beaches and a range of beachside bars and restaurants at The Pulse. ESF’s second campus, South Island School is not too far away either. Lam offers fabulous views of the sea and Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. This historic area was home to Hong Kong's first dairy farm and Pok Fu Lam Village, which was included in the 2014’s World Monuments Watch. The neighbourhood has multiple private housing estates and is in close proximity to Kennedy School and West Island School.

Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay

DB or as some might refer to it, dogs and babies. Although this area has quite the reputation for being the subject of location related jokes, this neighbourhood is perfect for families and expats looking to settle down. Grab a pint and overlook the white sandy beach at D-Deck seaside plaza or hop on the 30-minute ferry to Central. Discovery Bay International School and Discovery College are convenient options for children. Hong Kong Family Guide | 21

Make a house your home

Where to buy furniture and homeware in Hong Kong

Design tips for small spaces

1. Space is tight in Hong Kong so look for multi-purpose furniture, whether it’s a sofa with a hidden compartment, or a bench with open storage. 2. Mirrors create the illusion of space.

A large, decorative floor mirror can really open up your space and make it brighter. 3. Love her or hate her, Marie Kondo knows a thing or too about small spaces. Follow her lead and consider whether you actually need every item in your apartment. 4. Don't assume you need small furniture in a small space. A large rug coupled with a feature sofa can make the room feel airy and luxurious.

Oliver Corrin, Regional Director of CADA Design

Furniture

Indigo Living

Known for its stylish selection of home furnishings across Asia and the Middle East, Indigo Living provides built to last, beautiful and versatile pieces for your home. The store also offers flexible furniture rental solutions and a full range of interior services including home styling and renovation. indigo-living.com

Tequila Kola

Well-known for its unique range of furniture and decor, Tequila Kola was founded by Michelle Koller in 1991 and offers striking one of a kind pieces including sofas, dining tables, ottoman benches, chaise lounges and lights.

tequilakola.com

Decor8

outdoor furniture at wholesale and outlet prices. With regular showroom pop-ups, customers are able to test out the products before making a final purchase. decor8.com.hk take away, and a play area for little ones.

tree.com.hk

TREE

TREE’s flagship store occupies the entire 28th floor of Horizon Plaza and is packed with reclaimed and recycled timber furniture, colourful chairs and accessories. It offers kids, vintage and modern styles to choose from. It also has a lovely cafe serving drinks and food to

BoConcept

Founded in Denmark in 1952, BoConcept has opened nearly three hundred stores across the world. The lifestyle brand stocks a range of contemporary designs for the modish urban dweller and offers interior design services.

boconcept.com

Francfranc

Founded in Japan, Francfranc offers a selection of modern and feminine home products including pillows, bedding, glass and tableware. With a focus on minimalistic design, the brand also has a wide range of storage solutions for apartments.

hk.francfranc.net

Homeless

This quirky furniture and decor store offers modern and cutting-edge products for adults and kids, including items imported from Scandinavia, Europe and Asia. With eight locations across Hong Kong, you are guaranteed to discover knick-knacks you never knew you needed.

homeless.hk

Thorn & Burrow

Founded by local resident Tamsin Thornburrow, Thorn & Burrow sells a range of unique rugs, vases and candles to add the finishing touches to your home. Supporting local businesses, the store also stocks Hong Kong themed artwork from Louise Hill and decorations from Lion Rock Press.

thornandburrow.com

Naked Lab

After her daughter Pia was diagnosed with eczema in 2018, Joyce Lau went on the hunt for organic bedding to help ease her daughter’s skin irritation. Following an unsuccessful search, she decided to take matters into her own hands and created Naked Lab. The company specialises vegan bamboo silk sheets and bedding sets for adults and children. nakedlab.me

Wau Wau Designs

Bring a Hong Kong touch to your home with Wau Wau Designs' unique and colourful prints featuring local landmarks such as the Mid-Levels escalator and Choi Hung Estate, along with prints of popular buildings. wauwau.bigcartel.com