The iconic James Bond style House on Stubbs Road 1973
Robin Loh’s house, Stubbs Road, Victoria Peak Hong Kong
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years - I know the place.
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The iconic James Bond style House on Stubbs Road circa 1973
Robin Loh’s house, Stubbs Road, Victoria Peak Hong Kong
click on the image to enlarge
Finally
I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years and finally I have found an image of the James Bond House on the Hil!, this is an issue that has bugged me since 1973
I have walked past the house a few times and have also taken a couple of images from the upper deck of bus no. 15 going up to Victoria Peak but the images I took only show a fraction of the house and in previous blog posts I have always referred to it as the “James Bond House on the Hill” ! it is so 1970’s and as a kid I loved James Bond movies.
One can imagine James Bond and Goldfinger enjoying a drink on the terrace (the movie came out in 1964)
Using my newly acquired AI skills I now have a more complete picture (no pun intended) of this rather amazing house which as of June 2025 is finally being repaired and refurbished, I took a picture back in January 2025 and work is still ongoing
Hong Kong has no shortage of large and unusual houses but for me none of them come close to this one which is located on Stubbs Road going up to Victoria Peak. It is walking distance (10 - 15 minutes) from the ESF Bradbury International School and like I said it is impossible to see the size and scope of the house from the upper deck of bus no. 15 or from ground level by the pavement.
Honestly, if I was a billionaire I would buy it in an instant and live there.!
Very close to this house are some relatively new housing projects (houses and apartments) the Opus apartment block, a 10 minute walk away has flats that sold for US$50 - 60 Million and some houses nearby have sold for over US$100 Million, as you might imagine, just a tad out of reach for a private tour guide! I am also a fan of the 2 apartment blocks The Summit and Highcliff collectively known as the Chopsticks, also a short walk from the James Bond House.
What I also find a bit odd is the lack of any articles and such about this house given its rather unique design and style but now I can sleep at night and dream about living there!
Read on for the story behind the house.
click on the image to enlarge
Image taken in 2021, it was really in need of some repair and remedial work
click on the image to enlarge
Image taken in January 2025 - work is still ongoing
Architects Team 3 designed this house in Hong Kong for the Singaporean shipping executive and developer Robin Loh, a friend of firm co-founder Lim Chong Keat, in 1973. It is one of two projects the Singapore-based practice has realised outside of Malaysia and Singapore. The project is located just below winding Stubbs Road, near a cluster of high-end residential towers developed in the 1960s and 1970s. Blocked from the street by a stone wall and reflective gate, the structure is tucked within the topography and vegetation of a mountainside.
A curved, elevated driveway delivers cars around tall, verdant trees into a parking area west of the house. The building itself is made up of overlapping rectangles supported by six oversized circular columns. The two uppermost volumes are clad in a sloping glass, framing dramatic views while contrasting with the heavy concrete structure.
They hover over a shaded outdoor zone like a futuristic spaceship; two of the columns touch down into a semicircular pool. Heightening the design’s air of dropped-in luxury and leisure, the roof accommodates a putting green lined by a clear glass enclosing wall. This series consists of a set of slides showing the construction process, photographs of the completed building, and a magazine article describing the hous
and a few words from AI about this magnificent property
The large white house built in 1973 on Stubbs Road, Hong Kong, for Singaporean shipping executive and developer Robin Loh, is a notable architectural project designed by Architects Team 3, led by Lim Chong Keat. Located just below the winding Stubbs Road in the affluent Mid-Levels East area, the house is a rare example of the Singapore-based firm's work outside Malaysia and Singapore. It was specifically designed to integrate with the hillside topography, nestled among vegetation and high-end residential towers developed in the 1960s and 1970s.
Architectural Features
The house is characterized by its modernist design, featuring overlapping rectangular volumes supported by six oversized circular columns. Its two uppermost sections are clad in sloping glass, offering dramatic views of the surrounding area, including the Happy Valley Racecourse and Victoria Harbour. The structure is shielded from the street by a stone wall and reflective gate, with a curved, elevated driveway that navigates around tall trees to a parking area west of the house. The use of heavy concrete contrasts with the glass, creating a striking aesthetic that blends into the mountainside.
Historical Context
Built in 1973, the house reflects the architectural trends of the period, emphasizing integration with the natural landscape while catering to the luxury residential market. Stubbs Road, named after Sir Reginald Edward Stubbs, the 16th Governor of Hong Kong, was already a prestigious address by the 1970s, known for its mix of modern high-rises and historical buildings like King Yin Lei. The area’s development as an affluent residential zone was well-established, attracting wealthy locals and expatriates due to its proximity to Central, panoramic views, and relatively cleaner air.
Robin Loh, a friend of architect Lim Chong Keat, commissioned the house, likely as a personal residence or investment property. While specific details about Loh’s ownership or personal use of the house are scarce, his status as a shipping magnate suggests it was a high-end property tailored to his needs. The house’s design and location indicate it was a statement of wealth and modernity, consistent with the area’s reputation for luxurious homes.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The house’s unique design and hillside integration have made it a point of interest, with some speculation about its appearance in popular media, such as a James Bond film, due to its dramatic, villain-lair-like aesthetic. However, no definitive evidence confirms such a connection. A 2013 blog post noted its “1970s” style and suggested it needed maintenance, indicating it remained a recognizable landmark decades later. (and yes, this was my blog post!)
The house’s construction coincided with a period of rapid redevelopment in Hong Kong’s Mid-Levels, where older mansions were increasingly replaced by high-rise towers. Its survival as a standalone house amidst modern developments like The Summit and Highcliff highlights its architectural significance. (these 2 apartment blocks known as “the chop sticks” are amazing and about a 20 minute walk from the house)
Ownership and Current Status
No specific street number is associated with the house in available records, likely due to its unique hillside positioning and gated entrance, which obscure it from standard addressing. There is no public information on whether Robin Loh or his family still own the property or if it has changed hands. The lack of recent records suggests it remains a private residence, possibly maintained or renovated to preserve its original design.
Limitations
Detailed historical records about the house’s ownership history, subsequent modifications, or current condition are limited. The Land Registry of Hong Kong (accessible via www.landreg.gov.hk) could provide further details on ownership transfers, but this requires specific inquiries not covered here. Additionally, while the house is noted for its architectural value, it is not listed as a declared monument, unlike nearby King Yin Lei which is about a 15 minute walk away
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
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