73 318
RIDLEY PARK
73
May15
three children were born. Dorothee says Peter had the opportunity
to work in Rome for five of their years in Holland, during which she
and the children remained in Holland, because it was a steady base
for their schooling. “After so many years abroad it was good for them
to put down roots. They got a grip on the Dutch language, society
and mentality, and they blended in well. It was good to be an insider
again,” she says.
However, the lure of Asia was too strong to resist. Dorothee says
Singapore has been a great move. “Being here has given the children
wings; they have made so many friends from all over the world – it’s
lovely to see. They would get less exposure to different nationalities
and cultures in Holland; Singapore really is a global village.”
Art and Antiques
The scale of the house, its high ceilings and abundant white walls
provide the perfect backdrop for Dorothee and Peter to display
the stunning art and antiques they have collected while travelling
and residing abroad, and brought with them to Singapore. “When
you move so much, I think it’s important to bring everything so as
to create a home, especially for the children – so you don’t feel
dislocated,” she says.
How does Dorothee describe her decorating style? “It’s an eclectic
mix of antiques and modern pieces, plus the many artworks we have
purchased during the 30 years that we’ve been together, travelled
the world and moved around. In every place we look for unique and,
we hope, timeless pieces.”
As we walk through the home, Dorothee recounts the provenance of
each piece, and it’s clear that everything has special meaning: a horse
statue received as a wedding gift; a ceramic plate topped with ceramic
dumplings and chopsticks from Beijing; recycled car tyres fashioned
into a horse’s head – the memorable work of a South Korean artist.
Dorothee treasures them all.
An oil painting of opera singer
Maria Callas by South Korean artist
Hyung Koo Kang, who is famous
for painting expressive eyes.
Reclining chair fashioned from one
piece of wood, from an Israeli artist
who lives in Singapore.