With renewed discussions and proposed gazetting as a national monument, 38 Oxley Road stands at a crossroads. Singapore must now decide how to honour its history while respecting the sensitivities surrounding the property. What Gazetting Means If gazetted as a national monument: Gazetting does not automatically mean the house becomes a museum — the government … Read more
A Ministerial Committee was formed to evaluate: The Committee concluded that the site had significant historical value, particularly as a venue for key political meetings. Proposed Gazetting as a National Monument (2025) In November 2025, Singapore’s authorities announced an intention to gazette the site as a national monument. The proposal sparked new objections from parts … Read more
Introduction Few private homes in Singapore have attracted as much attention as 38 Oxley Road. After Lee Kuan Yew’s death in 2015, the question of what should happen to the house sparked a significant public and political debate. Lee Kuan Yew’s Personal Wish Lee had expressed a clear desire for the house to be demolished … Read more
Introduction For nearly 70 years, 38 Oxley Road was more than just an address. To Lee Kuan Yew, it was home, workspace and sanctuary. Examining his personal connection to the house provides insight into the values that guided him. A Home Chosen for Practical Reasons Lee and his wife Kwa Geok Choo first stayed in … Read more
Introduction Some places become iconic not because of architecture, but because of the events that unfolded within their walls. 38 Oxley Road is one such place. Though modest in appearance, it played a foundational role in Singapore’s journey to independence. The Home of Lee Kuan Yew From the late 1940s, the bungalow became the family … Read more
Introduction Long before it became one of Singapore’s most discussed addresses, 38 Oxley Road began as part of a quiet plantation estate in the 19th century. Today, the house is remembered for its political significance, but its origins reveal much about Singapore’s transformation from a colonial outpost to a modern nation. The Oxley Estate: From … Read more