The city’s development meant a betterment of traffic, water and electricity network, which stretched to even higher and farther plots of worthy land.  Luxury residential districts appeared one after another.  Clusters of sumptuous dwellings were found around Caine Road, Kennedy Road and Robinson Road, with residents either rich or prestigious.  The main vehicle of these distinguished men, at that time, was the sedan chair.  It was not until the Peak Tram was put into service in 1888 that it became substantially easier to travel to the Mid-Levels and the Peak.  The Chinese merchants, whose influence was on the rise, began settling on the Mid-Levels, whereas the westerners moved up to Conduit Road and even higher up to the Peak. 

The name “Conduit” spells out its history: it was a new road developed out of the aqueduct construction beneath, which served to carry water from the Pok Fu Lam reservoir to Victoria City.  For its locational advantage this portion of land was turned into the prime site of luxury residence.  As Pok Fu Lam Road of the western district and Repulse Bay Road of the southern district were opened, some wealthy merchants, allured by the area’s natural scenery and retired atmosphere, started to build up all kinds of grand, exotic mansions around Pok Fu Lam and the southern coast. 

 

Luxury homes in Old Hong Kong are so classic, so abundant and so diverse in style that they are simply incomparable with those in the present day!