138 Hutton Lane (Teh Bunga Mansion)

138 Hutton Lane, often called the Teh Bunga Mansion, is a stately double-storey heritage building in George Town. Built in the Malay Straits Eclectric style it resembles that of Syed Alatas Mansion. It was built by a prominent Malay trader, M.Z. Merican, who is the son-in-law of Mohamed Ariff Mohamed Tajoodin, one of the richest Jawi Peranakan in the late 19th century (read also Mohd Ariff Mansion, Hutton Lane, Ariffin Court, Ariffin Road and Masjid Wan Chik Ariffin). The Jawi Peranakan are Malays who whose ancestrial blood traces back to outside Penang, to Jawa, Kedah and even to Arabia. The house has elements reflective of a wealthy Jawi Peranakan residence, such as the crescent moon and star at the pediment. In keeping with a tropical climate where air conditioning was not yet in use, the house has air vents to allow the circulation and movement of air. It was name the Teh Bunga Mansion due to its ochre hue, and also, because the owner happened to also be known by the same nickname.

The Teh Bunga Mansion was occupied by several generations of a Chinese family until it was bought over by the Jabatan Warisan Negara (National Heritage Department). Conservation work on the mansion began in 2007, over a good 18 months, and at a cost of around RM2 million. The work included replacing parts that have been damaged, and strengthening the structure. As far as possible, the original tiles are retained.

A tour of the house shows how the 19th century lifestyle is readapted to 21st century way of life. The stable, for example, is now used as the garage. The house is divided into several sections, or blocks. It comprises the main house, the link, the kitchen annex, and the garage. At time of writing (Dec 2009), the front portion of the mansion is being planned for a gallery showcasing the Malays in Penang. It will be managed by the Penang Malay Association (Pemenang). The back portion of the house will serve as an office for the National Heritage Department.

Other Malay bungalows in George Town

Location Map of Teh Bunga Mansion

View Mohd Ariff Mansion in a larger map

Photos of Teh Bunga Mansion

Entrance Gate to Teh Bunga Mansion (22 December 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Teh Bunga Mansion (22 December 2009)
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Teh Bunga Mansion (6 December 2009)
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Inside Teh Bunga Mansion (6 December 2009)
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Teh Bunga Mansion (6 December 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Restored ceiling of Teh Bunga Mansion (6 December 2009)
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Verandah, Teh Bunga Mansion (6 December 2009)
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Upstairs, Teh Bunga Mansion (6 December 2009)
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Iron grill work, Teh Bunga Mansion (6 December 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

The stable of Teh Bunga Mansion (6 December 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

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Penang Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye, universally known as Tim. The text is the copyright of Timothy Tye, and may not be copied for commercial use or re-published in another website without the author's permission. Information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. Photographs on this website are the copyright of the author and may not be reused without prior permission. For commercial licensing of photographs, read the licensing terms. Tim is a Christian. Click here to know more about his beliefs.