Caldwell House is the oldest of several buildings that formed the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) complex. It is also the only original building that is still standing since the convent's founding in 1854. Completed in 1841, Caldwell House was commissioned by H.C. Caldwell, Senior Sworn Clerk to the Magistrates, after whom the house is named. The building was designed by George Drumgoole Coleman, an Irish colonial architect famous for his work in Singapore and Calcutta. Typical characteristics of the style of the building include symmetry in the building, and classical European elements such as large rectangular windows, columns, and pediments. Caldwell House was one of the last buildings that Coleman completed in Singapore. In 1990, Caldwell House was gazetted as a national monument of Singapore.
The Cadwell House is currently under renovation and from the looks of it, I know that this place will turn it to be something extraordinary. I cannot wait for it to be fully renovated and refurnished so that I can pay a visit to it.
After exploring this huge place for close to 2 hours, I realise that even though this place is so magnificent and beautiful, there are no service/information counters that can assist you when you have questions. The only group of people that you can seek help from is probably the staffs in the cafes/restaurants/bars. Fortunately, there are maps that can guide me around. There are many heritage trails around the place to let visitors know the heritage and history behind it.
The maps are specific and because of it, I am able to find my way to the Multi-Purpose Hall.
The toilets are fairly clean even though i did not notice any cleaners around. In the washroom, I notice that it is fully utilised with the basics and it is even air-conditioned with music played in the background. I think I can stay in there forever. hahahahha
This place is definitely a wheelchair friendly place as there are ramps, toilets and lifts that wheelchair bound people can use. As for the car parks, there are a chargeable fee of $3.00 for first hour from 9 am to 6 pm then $1.50 for subsequent 30 minutes. In my opinion, it is too expensive! There are cheaper alternative such as taking the bus or train and its just a 5 minutes walk!
This place is definitely a wheelchair friendly place as there are ramps, toilets and lifts that wheelchair bound people can use. As for the car parks, there are a chargeable fee of $3.00 for first hour from 9 am to 6 pm then $1.50 for subsequent 30 minutes. In my opinion, it is too expensive! There are cheaper alternative such as taking the bus or train and its just a 5 minutes walk!
There are a huge variety of international food choices there. The food stores are arranged in terms of Chinese food and Eurasian food. As compared to other places, the food here might be slightly pricey as compared to other places BUT it is definitely value for money.
There are so many food choices that I am in such a huge dilemma while choosing. Finally, I decided to have my lunch at PRIVE restaurant. It is a outdoor concept restaurant that visitors are able to enjoy the view while dining. The meal is so filling and delicious meal there! Besides this, the service providers are so friendly and attentive and this is definitely a plus point!
The key attractions of CHIJMES is its bars during the night. This place is so beautiful at night with its lighting that you will not want to go home! I did not get to enjoy this view as I visited the place during the day. But i definitely regretted making this choice.
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Next, it will be the multi-purpose hall. Imagine having your wedding at this magnificent place. It is so romantic with its high-rising ceiling that you will think you are in a European country instead of Singapore! I am unable to take photos when i visited CHIJMES as there are wedding ceremony going on. However, I am able to peek in through the small holes of the curtain. It definitely look as grand as the photo above.
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What I like about CHIJMES is that this place has a relaxing feeling and this have eventually slowed down my fast pace life. Whenever I visit CHIJMES, I will be so carefree and stressfree. Even though this place is located in Singapore, the ratio of foreigners to Singaporeans is 9:1. This have eventually make me feel as though I am not in Singapore, a stressful country.
What I do not like about CHIJMES is that you can hardly spot anyone that are able to answer your question about CHIJMES. There are no information counters that I can seek help from. Thus, it will be better if they have one there.
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