Old charm, new era

THE chance to live in a pre-war shophouse set in the old neighbourhood of Katong/Joo Chiat proved too "irresistible" for Thomas Doctor of Denmark, so within just three weeks of arriving in Singapore, he signed on the dotted line of the lease for a home on Crane Road, just off Haig Road. "This place is so charming. And the neighbourhood is lovely," he enthuses.

The academic, who has a PhD in Buddhist Studies and works at the National University of Singapore, had looked at some of the neighbourhoods closer to his workplace including Holland Village, however, he was sold on Katong/Joo Chiat. The rental was affordable too. "I didn't expect to be able to live in something like this because of the cost and the likelihood of even finding a place like this," he adds of his good luck.

But if it all sounds a bit too good to be true, it is, in a way. While Dr Doctor (his real name actually, traceable, he says, back to the 16th century) and wife, Sutavan and daughter, Bodhi-Tara, do now live in a pre-war shophouse in a neighbourhood of their choice, they have to make some sacrifices. For a start, they have to share their home with other tenants.