Saturday, January 7, 2012

The Haunted House at Hillview

Hillview Avenue has its fair share of notoriety when it comes to the paranormal.
The so called Hillview Mansion was infamous for being haunted.
For years, it was an open secret spoken only in hush hush tones around the neighbourhood.
But it was well known amongst those who had an interest in things of the other dimension.

The Hillview Mansion was located at the highest point of habitation allowed on Bukit Gombak.
Its commanding panoramic view stretched from Bukit Panjang right across to Clementi.
It was also variously called the Green House, or sometimes The Blue House (as it had a blue roof). It would be the dream house of any self respecting multi-millionaire and would probably be the most expensive house in that area of upscale millionaire neighbours.

But alas, the mansion was never completed.
Construction abruptly stopped in mid project and the building was abandoned from then on.

Location of the Hillview Mansion at Jalan Dermawan
Click on map to enlarge.


The land is unoccupied to this day.
The Hillview Mansion was located right at the end of Jalan Dermawan. It would have been the highest house on the hill. Beyond that was the boundary to the restricted ' trespassers will be shot '  Mindef land.

Why was it abandoned after more than half the building was completed?
My favorite rumour is that of the death of the mistress who was to occupy the house.
Seems she died when she 'felled' from the unfinished balcony during an inspection of the construction works. Just google 'Hillview Mansion' and you can read all the conspiracy theories there.

Here are some of the pictures of the abandoned haunted house before its total demolition.


The gates to the abandoned Hillview Mansion
See the magnificent million dollar view in the background.

Banshee cries, wailings, glowing globs and lights have all been reported over the years coming from the site. The plot is securely locked and protected with spikes and barb wire to prevent people from accessing the ground. Why is this so? What is the purpose of such extreme methods to lock people out even till now?

The house remained abandoned since the mid 1980s. It was was finally demolished sometime in the early 2000s, but the land has not been redeveloped since. The site still attract paranormal hunters to this day.

In December 2006, a massive landslide occurred at the very spot where the old house stood.
Gossips of the wrath of the spirits spread like wildfire amongst residents of the nearby estates.
After the land was stabilised following the landslide, it happened almost immediately again in 2007! A greater massive landslide occurred over the very same slope where the house used to stand. This time even damaging the private houses adjacent to the plot of land. It confirmed the hearsay to all the neighbours that the land would never allow anything to be built on it.
Mindef covered the land with tarpaulin and compensated the affected neighbours.
Today the scars of that landslide can still be seen.
The land has since been turfed over.


WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD!
If you are one of those paranormal hunters, stop here!
Do not read further, as I am about to reveal a bit of the secret of the Hillview Mansion!

The name 'Hillview Mansion' was attributed to the abandoned dwelling by paranormal followers.
It never had a name at all.

The 'Hillview Mansion' was originally owned by Mr Chua Boon Peng, Chairman of Cycle & Carriage Industries Ltd. The company owned large plots of land in the Hillview area. Land which have been developed into condominium projects namely Meralodge, Merawoods, Montrosa and Hillview Villas which sits on the former car assembly factory site.

The plot at Jalan Dermawan was bought by Chua Boon Peng to build a private home. The Feng Shui was perfect for a home. In the 1970s, he paid a whopping $7m for that plot of land. An amount that was unheard of in those days.

Coincidentally, I worked for Cycle & Carriage in the late 70s, while a cousin was a long time secretary at C&C. To that, I was very familiar with the inside story of why the project had to be  abandoned suddenly. It's a very sad tale.

However, in order not to spoil too much for any paranormal hunters who may be reading this, I will not reveal the reason why the house was abandoned midway through construction.  The mystery should remain a mystery...



For those of you who might be curious to know the story behind the haunting of the mansion, please click here.

Related links:
The burial of the Hillview Mansion
Hillview landslide
Update Oct2019: Why the House was abandoned

74 comments:

  1. Dear James,
    Am truly honoured you so willingly took the effort out of your precious time to share the tale of yesteryear with me.
    Will definitely check here frequently to discover more interesting pieces of our little red dot.

    God Bless you & your loved ones.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi James,

    I was from PEEPS, still staying in Hillview. My daughter has always been curious about the haunted house. Appreciate if you will share the story or she will give me no peace.

    Thanks and Warm Regards,
    Rosalyn Tan

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi, I wrote a piece on Hillview Mansion here (www.api.sg). Please tell me if I had miss out anything, or if there is anything I should add/amend. - Charles Goh

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello Charles.
    Yes, I read yr piece some time back.
    Good detective work.
    You managed to find out why it was abandoned in such a hurry?
    Would be interesting for you to add more spooky stories you encountered with the haunted Hillview house.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi James

    Your blog on Princess Elizabeth Park Estate is very informative. I used to pass by Hillville on bus from 1994-2000 as I was working at Mindef. I even lunched at the newer Hillville estate just outside Mindef gates and beside the older Princess Elizabeth Park. I never know about Princess Elizabeth Park till now.

    Anyway I want to know the real story behind the 'Hillville Mansion', so hopefully you can answer my curiosity.

    Thank you!

    Best regards
    Adam Yap

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Adam,

    I guess you mean Hillview instead.
    Anyway, I have emailed you the story of how the house became haunted. Hope you won't get nightmares after reading it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi I'd like to know the real story.couldnt find ur email could u drop me an email at stella_choo87@hotmail.com?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. A family friend just forwarded to us the API piece on Chua Boon Peng's abandoned property at Hillview.
    A bit of googling led me to... your blog. :)
    Now I am very curious to know how that house came to be haunted.
    Hope you will share the story with me. Thank you so much!

    Very best regards (and again, thank you) --
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  9. P/s: I forgot to mention that I really, really am enjoying delving into your blog entries. Thank you for putting it all together for us! -- Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  10. I visited the place yesterday and found out additional things which I would only share some.... There is a semi-D directly below the plot of land that is not deserted... It has some indications of being haunted too.....unit 112..... also there seems to be a omega-shape plot of dug land that is around the size of a Chinese grave somewhere on the right side of the playground. Perhaps some of you may like to explore it and offer your opinions on these two facts....

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ismail FaridApril 29, 2012

    James,
    I lived in Jalan Gumilang from 1969 till about 1985. I remember that hill before the "Mansion" was built. My dad would make balsa wood gliders and we'd fly them from there and my friends and I would play up there too. I never really heard anything about the house being haunted, and now I'm curious. Please email me the story. Thanks a bunch.My email: ifarid1964@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Doreen GohMay 05, 2012

    Hi James,

    i have been reading tales about hillview mansion since 2 years ago.. and finally, i came across your blog this morning and decided to explore the site this morning. However, the mansion is no longer there, instead, we did enjoy the quietness and the view from the top of the hill. I'm very curios about the story. would you please kindly email to me?
    my email: doreenglc@hotmail.com

    Thanks a lot James.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousMay 18, 2012

    Hi Mr James Tan,

    could you email the spoiler to desmond31st@gmail.com?

    Anyway really enjoyed reading your blog. A wealth of nostalgic information

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello James, i am intrigued by the story behind the whole tale as there must be something more it than meet the eye. Could you please share this part with me? I am dying to know :D (anthony.h80@gmail.com) - Anthony Ho

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi James, thanks for sharing! The story was rather unexpected but it set the whole thing straight. :) -Anthony Ho

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousJune 08, 2012

    hello.. you blog really open up to the past. looking at the empty field now, and relating to your stories about the past, gives me the imagination of what used to happen then. enjoy reading your blog, keep updating! and do send me the spoiler! i would like to know what happen then.. ginnypoa@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Nicolas TangJune 11, 2012

    Hi James,

    Thanks for sharing the tale with us.

    Ni

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousJune 19, 2012

    hi James, I chanced upon your blog as I was searching for information on property at jln Dermawan. Also saw your write up on St Mary's of the Angels. I have been a parishoner since 1968, during Fr Sylvester and Fr Gregory Eccles time. Wonderful church. Then, it was known as St Anthony's Friary.
    Could you please send the Story of the Haunted house to virge81@hotmail.com.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousJune 21, 2012

    Hi, I used to visit that mansion frequently in my Secondary days, and I remembered I did went back once during 2007, and I still see the building there, I do have some doubts why the internet says it has been demolished in the early 2004, would like to know more of the story as well, drop me a mail @ hellokittylovess@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi hellokittylovess,
    You may possibly seen the wrong house in 2007 as it WAS demolished and there was a major landslide on the same ground. In fact, there were actually 2 landslides that year that totally devastated the land, making it unsafe or too costly to re-build any structures there.
    I have sent you the story of how the mansion became haunted to your email. Pls check yr inbox.

    ReplyDelete
  21. SadakoRingJuly 25, 2012

    I'm curious about the haunted house at hillview but I want to ask you something before you send me the story.
    After reading your email, will I receive a myserious phone call and then have 7 days to solve the mystery?
    sadakoring@ringring.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sadako,

    what makes you think you have 7 days?
    I've sent the story to your email.

    If I don't hear from you again......

    ring... ring

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi James,

    It's been fascinating reading ur blog as I have an aunt who lives at Bukit Panjang area and I'd stayed there for some time. Really enjoy looking at those old photos. Anyway, I would love to know the story behind that mansion too. My email is jitming@hotmail.com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Just to enrich the story a little, when i was younger, I actually saw a young girl running in the garage of my house. As i live near that hauted house, on jalan dermawan, can you please give me a heads up if this sighting was in any way related to the hauted house? This had riddled me for years, and i am still looking for answers. If you're able to provide me with details, i sure do appericate it.

    p.s thank you so much for sharing your story
    with regards,
    chong

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi James,

    This has been a really interesting blog with a great sense of nostalgia.
    I too am very interested to know the real story behind the blue house.
    Pls do forward the story to Eugene_6785@hotmail.com

    Thanks:)
    Eugene

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks a lot for your fascinating blog on PEE and the surrounding area. I live in hazel park now and was really surprise to read that dairy farm was in fact a farm with cows years ago. My daughter study in st Joseph church kindergarten and reading abt the history is awesome.

    Thanks for this myth buster email on the hunted mansion, quite frankly I didn't know abt that hunted mansion until I read your blog.

    I think the disappearance of PEE and the original area around it is truly ripping away a large part of Singapore's history. Well, I guess a v large part of the old sg had disappeared and will continue disappearing with the rapid economic development of sg.

    A real delight to read yours and many Uncles blog!

    Thank you

    Cheers
    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  27. Celeste TayAugust 27, 2012

    Thanks, James for sharing the story. I enjoy reading your blog, have been meaning to show my mum your blog as she's a former resident of Princess Elizabeth estate as well as a former student of the school. I have fond memories of running around the estate catching insects, n heading to the mamak shop for bubblegum n shot pellets :)

    Keep up with the great blog!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi James, I am a native of Hillview Estate and enjoyed your blog thoroughly. My siblings and our childhood buddies have actually been inside the mansion several times between 1980 to 1984, when it was under construction.

    Please enlighten me with the true story behind this house which has intrigued me for so long.

    Sychan05@gmail.com

    Rennie

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi James,
    I came across your blog by chance and I am intrigue with the stories you tell of Princess Elizabeth Estate.

    I lived on the “hill” (Jalan Dermawan) for a good part of my life. I also have fond memories of the estate. I attended kindergarten at the CC. I also remember taking Tae Kwon Do lessons at the CC. There was a mute caretaker of the CC, whom they called “Bisu”. I understand that he has passed on. We used to play football at both the small field in the PE primary school and the “BIG” field in the estate.

    Something interesting I would like to share with you. Before the “Hillview Mansion” was constructed, the site was just a flat piece of turf land for many years. It had the most amazing view and on a clear day, you could see some parts of Jurong. We would camp overnight on the hilltop during the school holidays. It was quite a climb before the “side road” was constructed.

    I am not sure if anyone has shared this with you but there was a fatal mishap on the hilltop even before mansion was built. If my memories serve me right, it was in the afternoon when a young couple went up to the hilltop and one of them was struck and killed by a lightning. I cannot remember if it was the girl or the guy who was killed.

    Princess Elizabeth Estate was one of those estates which had “character” and it made the place unique. Sadly, this is very much lacking in the “modern” estates today.

    Thank you for sharing your memories in your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Jacob,
    Yes, I remember the Dermawan/ Chu Lin area (Bamboo Grove Park) was just half of what it is today back in the 70s. The area where the "Hillview Mansion' would later be was just being cleared.
    I do recall vividly the incident of the lightning strike as I know the family of the victims.
    I did not write any articles about this incident as it may be quite sensitive still.
    It was the girl was was killed instantly.
    Jacob, maybe you have come very close to the reason why the mansion and the area became haunted! ha ha.

    Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Yue En,
    You visited the house? It doesn't exist anymore!
    Maybe it was a ghost house you saw? ha ha. just kidding.
    the story is in your mail.
    Cheers, James

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi James.. I really enjoy reading ur blogs, brings back fond memories. The boy that got struct by lightning was my best fren and till today we still hangout to have kopi..

    Pest infested & humble origin ever organize unplug gig at this hill.. Ray Anthony of fry ice and ah soon frm straydogs was there too, they called the hill.. 'Heaven'.

    Btw.. I'm staying at blk 12..

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Satayboy,
    You lived at Blk 12 beside the field or Blk 12 Hillview estate?
    I know the lightning boy as well. He lived in the same block two houses from me.
    Glad you are still in touch with all the old kampong folks.
    PEES having their 60th anniversary dinner next month (9 Nov).
    Should be nice to catch up with lots of old (ahem, former) classmates then !

    Yea, lots of ex residents all have memories of the old hill top, in one way or another.

    ReplyDelete
  34. williamchan007@gmail.comOctober 17, 2012

    Hi James,

    I read your blog on the Hillview mansion and it was very well written. Came across this building on the internet some time ago and I am quite curious about it as it is not far from my home at choa chu kang. Would like to visit it one day. Before that, perhaps you can send me the story behind this building?

    Thank you very much.

    Regards,
    William

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi James,
    I`m at blk 12, 81 Philip Walk.. long before hill view flats was build. My dad was the Satay-man and also the garbage disposable worker with PHD. I sometimes help him out to cut grass and keep our estate clean and greenery. How I wish i could turn back the clock.. hehe!!

    Yes the lightning boy was your neighbor, they stayed couple of years at the estate then shifted to chun tin rd (7th mile).

    Thanks for the info regarding PEES 60th anniversary. Is this function open to all ex-Pees student or invi only?

    This is my email add moluv_music@yahoo.com.sg

    Regards,
    Moliano
    (Satayboy)



    ReplyDelete
  36. Hello Moliano !
    I know you, or at least your family. You lived either at the last unit at the end or the one next to it (near the CC office end). Are you the Moliano of Love Hunter?If you are then I have to say I used your picture in my "luminaries' article!

    The PEES 60th Anniversary is scheduled for Sat 9th Nov 2012, with Pres Tony Tan as Guest of Honour.
    Tickets can be obtained through the school officer i/c (Admin Mgr) Mr Eric Loh or email to peps@moe.edu.sg. Tickets are $60 /pax for the Dinner cum Musical.

    In fact, I just make a booking through an ex-classmate's brother who will be attending with all his siblings. It's been at least 45 years since I saw them last.

    There is a large group of ex-PEES alumnus on Facebook. Look for "Princess Elizabeth Estate School" and do join the group. A lt of your classmates are there I am sure.

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi James,

    Yes,I lived 2nd to end, my immediate neighbor was the Tan Family and we are keeping in touch with each other till today.

    You are most welcome to use any of my picture, I can email you more pictures if you need for your future reference.

    I`ll try aleart via email if not all atleast some of my 1967-1972 classmate to attend the 60th annivesary.
    I hope to meet Ms. Fernandez, she was my form teacher in Pri.3, I owe alot to her coz she inspire me and open up a path for me to become a successful musician.
    Ms. Fernandez used to stayed blk 24 (7th storey) then removed to Jln Asas (Fuyong Estate).

    Can you email me your email add?

    Regards,
    Moliano
    (Satayboy)


    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey James, I went there last night and the place really sent chills down my spine. Could you share the tale with me as well? Would really appreciate it. ngsl@hotmail.sg

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi, google search hillview and it lead me to your blog. I am curious to know what is the story behind it. Heard some stories but not sure which is the true one. Possible for u to email me at severus_revelation@hotmail.com. Many thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi James! I read with interest the story of the haunted house. I just bought a HDB flat at Bukit Batok West Ave 5, where I believe its where all the occupants at PEE are relocated at Bukit Batok. I was exploring the area and I came across this place you mentioned above. I managed to trek from this "blue house" where it once stood to my flat opposite the hill at the other side!! All you need to do is to follow the fencing of gombak camp. could you kindly send the story over to me at dzy2703@gmail.com? I am very interested to know. Always thought there's a story behind that place, and wondering why such a prime estate has no bldg on it.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi tcyy, I've sent the story to your email. The path you took along the Mindef fence basically runs along the old Lorong Kemunchup. This old track ran from Princess Elizabeth Est School around the ridge, past the Gammon Quarry and ended up at the old Jalan Perang where you now live.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi James. I used to live in Hillview Avenue about 10 years back and I have always been curious about the abandoned house at Jalan Dermawan. I've even climbed the fence to want to check it out with my friends once, but we didn't dare go further beyond the gates and climbed back up to the main road.

    I'd be very grateful if you can tell me the story of the haunted Hillview mansion. My email is discoecstasy@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you!

    Chris.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi James,

    Nice blog and I read with interest on your piece about the hillview mansion. I've been staying at one of the condos along Hillview Ave and my the mansion can be seen from my kitchen. It's one huge structure!

    Could you kindly send me the story at my email? kenfood@hotmail.com

    Many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  44. hello! I just read your article on the Hillview Mansion. I would love to know the secret and the truth behind why it was abandoned half way. In 2001/2, my polytechnic classmates and I went to find out about the places one night after games of basketball. One of them who went ahead to the actual house front poach and came back totally shaken and frighten. Till today, he refuses to tell us what happened. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi James,
    I just get to know this place yesterday when me and my fren was having dinner at Al-Ameen along Chu Lin Road. So he bring me to see this place, it was about 2330hrs. After driving up that steep slope and was infront of the gate, i got off the car and stand in front of the main gate and saw someone inside lying down but facing the sky about 15m away. I cannot see as it was very dark but his hand was like swimming breaststroke style but in a slower motion. As i was staring at the guy trying to figure wat he's doing, my fren came up to me and i ask him, did yu see anything? He saw the same thing i saw and we headed off home. We dunno if its human or not but we'll go back there during daytime even now knowing it has been demolished.

    I'm very interested in this story and kindly e-mail the story.

    Thanks,
    azmie_09@yahoo.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  46. hi James i would like to know the story , kindly send me via my email gbsreika@gmail.com , thanks alot !!

    kindly do include the answer too for this that you posted "The Hillview Mansion property is still vacant till this day.
    Can you see something unusual in the photograph?"

    i'm always up reading about spooks and stuff and this has really caught my attention.

    Thanks for your hardwork and cheers!! Happy CNY too :D

    Louis-

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi James,

    It is very interesting to read about your blog of this "Hillview Mansion". In the 1990s, me and some colleagues drove up there very late one night. We adventure by climbing into the gate and walk quietly with holding two torchlights and holding each other hands. It was very spooky and scary. We didnt stay that long and quickly rush out by climbing out from the gate. We had parked our cars below down the slope because we do not want to be caught by authority if our cars seen park right infront of the gate.

    Thank God so far no one has seen us doing that. It was such an adventure and what a memory! James, I would like to know more why the house became haunted. Can you email me the story at jeffery_abdullah@singnet.com.sg

    Thank you.:)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi James,

    Thanks for spending your time in blogging everything about Hillview.

    I only found out about Hillview Mansion after relocated to Bukit batok. Can you share with me the history about Hillview Mansion. I use to run about Princess Elizabeth Estate when I was young. The bus terminal use to have Bus 193 and 173 (if I didn't remember wrong) I was only K1 or K2 back then.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Ditrick,

    I have decided to stop divulging the reasons as to why the house became haunted.
    The rationale for this is found in this article: - http://ijamestann.blogspot.sg/2013/04/hillview-landslide.html

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousMay 21, 2013

    Gosh... this brings back memories. I was in PEES from 1970 to 1975. If this piece of land was the flat piece of land on the hill top, then this was the very land my classmates and I used to run around. Magnificent view indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  51. i-want-goalsOctober 28, 2013

    Hi Mr James Tan. I'm a 19 year old guy currently studying in Singapore Polytechnic. And I love to know and learn about the history of places in Singapore. I came across your blog, it was awesome. I learnt some new stuffs too. Regarding the Hillview Mansion, can I know the story behind it? Would be great if u can share because I'm very interested. THANKS:)

    Zhe Tong

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi Zhetong
    Hey thanks for visiting my blog.
    Glad to meet another enthusiast of local history. We shoud not only know but also try and tell others about our local history too.
    BUT contrary to what I just said, I had already made a pledge to keep silent about the mansion !!!!

    I have decline so many requests now that it's really unfair to those I declined, but tell u what...
    I will be organizing a visit to an old Japanese war relic at Bt Gombak which is near the mansion. It's a WW2 machine gun pillbox actually. Built on 1942 and destroyed in 1945.

    I'll keep you on the interest list and if u want to join me then, I am sure the story of the ghost mansion will come up. Probably sometime in mid Nov.

    Cheers
    James

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i-want-goalsOctober 28, 2013

      Wow sounds great. I'm very interested in joining u for the visit. Haha can update me about it when its confirm:) thank u

      Zhe Tong

      Delete
  53. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi James,

    My grandmother used to live at Blk 2 Hillview Ave since the day those block of flats were built till the day it closed and moved all residents to Bukit Gombak (yup, I still remember the BP company that used to be diagonally across the street). I remember she always closed her bedroom windows every evening, and if she had forgotten about it, we'd have this eerie feeling (her window was facing towards the landslide area, landed properties etc) when we approach that window to shut it.

    Can you email me the whole story at eleanorjthomas88@gmail.com please? Just to quench my curiosity.

    Thanks and best regards,
    Eleanor

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi James,
    I am a resident at Hillview since 1997. Many times when I told people I stay in Hillview, their reply was : where the huanted house is? This mansion has become an icon of Hillview. I have stood at that magnificent yet eerie gate upteem times. Never have I ventured it. I regretted now. But it's too late. The house is gone. But I am so glad I chanced upon your blog. Finally someone knows the true story! If you do not mind, I would like to know the sad story behind it. Please email me at yokilam73@gmail.com. Thank you.
    Best Regards,
    Yoki

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi James,
    I sent you a message earlier requesting for the story of this iconic house in Hillview. But I just read in your another post (Hillview Landslide) that you have decided not to divulge the story ... I am late again. What a pity. It's not just the story, but also as a Hillview resident, it's like this is part of us. Now it will not be complete. Not trying to convince you to tell but if there's a bit of chance .. anyway, keep up the good work. N keep it coming! Really enjoy reading your blog. Too bad only come across this today. But better late than never!
    Thanks & Regards,
    Yoki

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lam Yoki,
      Thanks for visiting my blog.
      When I first wrote the article about the Hillview Mansion, I ended it with a teaser "If you wish to know more about the story behind the haunting, pm me" To my regret I was inundated with requests everyday and I tried to comply to everyone who wrote to me.
      But after a while I had to decide either to publicly write about the details or to put a stop to the requests. I decided to stop accepting requests for the story but also to preserve the mysterious aura of that place that had built up over the years.
      So once again apologies to all readers who missed the cut off.

      I know that some later readers had actually mined the comments for email addresses of those who wrote to me earlier to get the story from them. To protect their privacy, I had to delete those early requests that supplied email addresses so that you wouldn't get bothered by others over my article.

      Here's something you can do to learn more of that place....search the newspaper archives.
      Before the Mansion was built, there was an incident when a couple was caught in a sudden thunderstorm at that hillside and were both struck by lightning. The lady died instantly while the gentleman survived.
      I have not written an article about that incident so as not to intrude into the privacy or sensitivity of the families involved. In fact, I am still friends with the man who survived the incident. Best regards.

      Delete
  57. HI BRo James,

    may I add on...Hill View was also known as Battery Factory ( dian tou long in hokkien )
    During my days there ( 1976 -1997 ) at Princess Anne Hill & Princess Elizabeth Drive ...we would mentioned Bt Timah 9 miles, BAttery Factory ...the taxi driver would know ..

    About the mansion...during my childhood, we would sneaked up into that area , thru a long-kau ( drain ) ..wonderful n windy place ..

    Is it ok for you to send me the haunted story ...
    YEs,i heard ant the thunder that striked someone at that place....but didn't know who..or any story behind it..

    my email :
    tonynbf@hotmail.com

    I respect yr decision if you are not able to email me...
    have a good day.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi James,

    I am very interested in the true story of why the Hillview mansion was not built halfway. Can you email me the story at jacq827@yahoo.com?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. On the contrary Jacq, the Huillview mansion was built halfway and then stopped.

      Delete
  59. Hi James, thanks for the good work on this informative blog, especially the article on Sleepy Valley. I live in Parkview (one of the condos cited in the article) now, and I must admit, it did have an effect on me, knowing that it was the site of a 1100 men massacre. But a good read, nonetheless.

    As for the hillview house, me and two friends did climb the gates and explored the place around 2001. We brought along a DV cam and digital camera. The walk up the slope after the gates were the worst parts of it. The house itself, was an intimidating sight, lots of elaborate wood carvings, and even a curved staircase leading up to the upper level. The banister was wood and elaborately detailed. It was mostly incomplete though, looked like everyone just simply stopped work and left everything as it were. Nothing out of the ordinary happened thankfully. The only strange thing is that the footage all seem to have... vanished.

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  60. AnonymousJuly 29, 2015

    I'm a resident in Chu Lin Road, Hillview. Was exploring the area and drove up that hill with my helper. My helper has a extremely strong third eye. And when we drove down, she had me stop the car, and threw 4 pieces of apples out of the car, before leaving the place. When we got home, she told me 4 Ahmas was following us, trying to talk to me in dialect from that mansion. I still wonder who that 4 ahmas is until today.

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  61. It's very interesting how you tried to create the suspense behind the reason of the abrupt halt to the construction of the mansion! As per your recommendations, I've read through the newspapers archives for early years (1980s & beyond in particular)........Indeed! The reason for the abrupt halt was so obvious! haha

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  62. Its really haunted , there was this time i went there with my friend , it is really spooky but nothing much happen , no sound nothing , but when we are back at my friend's house area , the back door of the car was slammed , there was no wind or anyone closed the door , it manage to slam the door shut by itself , it a really scary experience

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  63. I went there last night... I got special senses.. And my friend who has athird eye... That place is still haunted.. . My friend counted 18 ghost that appeared... While 1 pontianak let us see her....

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  64. Hi James,

    Thanks for the sharing. I would like to know more about the past of the area around the gombak hill (which includes a shrine found near that area which was believed to be moved and preserved from the kampong). Would appreciate if we could communicate via email. Thank you.

    Wt.jasontan@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. There's a teeny weeny bit about the taoist temple on Bukit Gombak here at this link:-https://ijamestann.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-mysterious-hidden-lake-of-bukit.html

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  65. I lived at 54 Lu Chin Rd near the landslide in 1970-72. We were the first in the house and were one of a number of Australian/New Zealand military families in the area. Landslips were known as there was little vegetation and plenty of rain. Rocks flew over the hill during blasting at the quarry that you mention. I recall the rubber tree plantation on the hill and a kampong in the hill to the west. I have a few grainy images of the new subdivision if of interest and vaguely remember a large house in the area of the mansion you mention.

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    1. Hello BR360, Yes, I would to see the images that you still have.

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    2. Try this link. the photo of the house and looking down the hill is from 54 Chu Lin Rd (correction to my earlier comment). The photo of the small Fiat in the drain is from Chu Yen St from the best of my recollection. It rolled down the opposite steep driveway.
      https://photos.app.goo.gl/F3ZojCmWFn41217V8

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    3. If relevant to your blog it would be good to know where these are from. I believe it was known as Wireless Hill, near Bukit Timah Photos from 1970-72.
      https://photos.app.goo.gl/erfCnbKdccMZEKzQ6

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  66. Hi James.

    I'm really curious about what actually happened and why was it abandoned. Can you personally share to me?

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    1. I have already revealed the reason why the Mansion was abruptly abandoned. The link to that article is in the 'related links' above.
      Or just click here
      https://ijamestann.blogspot.com/2019/10/hillview-haunted-house-why-it-was.html

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