In a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, it’s rare to find a place that honors its past while embracing the future. But tucked between the gleaming towers of Dhoby Ghaut, one such treasure has quietly reopened its doors. The House of Tan Yeok Nee, Singapore’s last standing traditional Teochew mansion, has been reborn as a heritagelifestyle hub, and it’s nothing short of spectacular.
Originally built in 1885 by Teochew merchant Tan Yeok Nee, the mansion is a gazetted national monument and one of the few surviving examples of Southern Chinese architecture in Singapore. After years of limited public access, the house has undergone a sensitive restoration and now welcomes visitors into a space that blends cultural reverence with contemporary elegance.
The reopening marks a new chapter for the mansion, which now houses curated lifestyle experiences, wellness programs, and fine dining. At the heart of this transformation is Loca Niru, a modern Japanese-French restaurant helmed by Chef Shusuke Kubota that’s opening its doors this November 2025.
The restaurant’s philosophy, rooted in Zen idioms and the Japanese concept of kotan (quiet simplicity), echoes the mansion’s own spirit of harmony and restraint. Guests dine beneath preserved wooden trusses, surrounded by Teochew carvings and Japanese craftsmanship, in a space that feels both timeless and transcendent.
Beyond gastronomy, the House of Tan Yeok Nee is positioning itself as a cultural anchor. Its Instagram presence hints at upcoming art exhibitions, wellness events,and private gatherings designed to celebrate heritage and holistic living. The mansion’s architecture, marked by sweeping rooflines, intricate woodwork, and a central courtyard, serves as both backdrop and inspiration for these experiences.
This revival is about preservation and participation. By opening its doors to the public, the House of Tan Yeok Nee invites Singaporeans and global visitors alike to engage with history in a living, breathing way. It’s a rare opportunity to walk through a space where every beam and brick tells a story, and where the future is being written with reverence.
For more information, follow the House of Tan Yeok Nee on Instagram and Facebook. Meanwhile, booking for Loca Niru is now open via Tablecheck, and you may follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Location: House of Tan Yeok Nee, 101 Penang Road, Singapore
