97 278
HDB LIVING
97
April15
HDB life works well for Sid and
Prudence. “Number one, it’s really
convenient,” says Sid. “There are two
MRT stations close by, plus a shopping
centre and a hawker centre; and once
you’re inside there’s really no difference
between being in an HDB or a condo.”
For Prudence, who experienced
Singapore condo living during two
of her high school years, there’s a
positive difference. “There’s a sense
of authenticity about living here, and
being part of Singapore, rather than
in a bubble, however nice that bubble
is,” she jokes.
When it comes to meeting the
neighbours, Prudence admits she’s no
wallflower. “I’m a bit of a Harry-have-a-
chat,” says Prudence. “Most of the time,
I’m ready to have a conversation. I know
that a few doors down there’s a unit
that used to be occupied by the current
tenant’s grandfather. We’ve always
found people friendly here.”
Before the couple moved in, the
flat had been fully renovated; a wall
had been knocked down to reduce
the number of bedrooms from two to
one and create more open space. It
came fully furnished, and the design
seems to fit with Sid and Prudence’s
own tastes. “We’ve added a carpet and
the sofa, but that really is pretty much
it,” she says.
Adventures in the area
When I first meet Prudence we bemoan
the fact that we’ve smashed our phone
screens; hers is far worse than mine,
but for a far more exciting reason. “I love
mountain biking, but my phone doesn’t!”
She frequently rides up around Bukit
Timah, and along the Green Corridor
and surrounding trails.
One activity she does miss is
swimming, and as yet she hasn’t
ventured to any of the local public
pools. “I do have a friend who lives in
The funky bookshelf (below) in the master bedroom is
the landlord’s, and the sliding doors give the couple
privacy when they have guests.
Robertson Quay who goes away quite
often, and when I cat-sit I get to use her
condo’s facilities, which is great.”
For food and drinks, they amble up
to Holland Village at least two or three
times a week. As vegetarians, they
frequent an Indian stall in the food court,
and sometimes have drinks in Wala
Wala; or they visit eateries in Dempsey.
“Living here means we don’t have to
jump in a taxi and head from one spot
to the other; we can explore more, and
we like that,” says Prudence.