Rare forest-edge luxury apartment at Botanika in prime District 10 on the market for $8 mil

The living and dining area of the 2,196 sq ft, two-bedroom duplex apartment at Botanika with a view of the forested area (Photo: Samuel isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)

Botanika, a 34-unit boutique condominium along Holland Road, is one of the few developments in Singapore that overlooks a forested area adjacent to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, says Sueann Lye, senior associate vice president of List Sotheby’s International Realty.

A decade ago, Lye assisted the current owners of a 2,196 sq ft, two-bedroom duplex in securing their home at Botanika. “They had been searching extensively for an apartment with uninterrupted greenery views, but couldn’t find one,” she recalls. “The moment they stepped into this apartment, they knew it was the one.”

The exterior of Botanika, a 34-unit luxury condo on Holland Road developed by Tuan Sing Holdings and designed by SCDA Architects 

The owners purchased the duplex for $4.725 million ($2,152 psf) in 2015, according to a lodged caveat. They had bought it from the previous owner, who acquired it in November 2010 for $5.05 million ($2,300 psf).

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Botanika is a freehold luxury condominium in prime District 10. Developed by Tuan Sing Holdings and designed by Chan Soo Khian, founding principal and design director of SCDA Architects, Botanika was launched in June 2006 and completed in 2008.

After purchasing the unit, the owners embarked on a complete transformation of the duplex to create a bespoke home. They engaged Antonio Eraso, founder of the multi-disciplinary design firm WeCraft, to oversee the renovation.

The kitchen has been customised with Italian handcrafted cabinetry and marble

Bespoke redesign

Eraso completely gutted the apartment, replacing the flooring with European oak and upgrading the windows to frame the forest views. “Some people prefer low-rise developments where they can see trees rather than live in high-rise towers,” he explains.

The original glass windows had a joint that obstructed the view from the living room, so the entire system was replaced with custom timbre-framed windows, brought in by a crane and weatherproofed for durability.

The wall separating the kitchen and living room was removed to create an open-concept kitchen with an unobstructed view. Custom oak wood panelling and cabinetry, handcrafted in Italy, were installed. Italian carpenters came to Singapore to measure the space, ensuring precision. The kitchen features seamlessly integrated Gaggenau appliances, including a fridge drawer. The household shelter was repurposed into a pantry and an additional refrigerator.

The original marble countertop was replaced with Bianco Statuario Venato, a white Italian marble. Eraso incorporated a Barrisol ceiling lighting system to create a skylight effect. Wood panelling conceals the metal lift door, maintaining design continuity. The space behind the kitchen was redesigned as a service area, incorporating a laundry room. The entire home was fitted with a Lutron lighting and home automation system.

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The guest bedroom on the first level of the apartment

Custom features

The first level also includes a guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom, which doubles as a guest powder room when entertaining. The room is separated by a wooden panelled door that can be concealed.

A spiral staircase in the dining area, original to the apartment, was refinished with a copper base and fitted with oak steps and railing.

The spiral staircase with a copper base, with steps and railings of oak wood 

Upstairs, two bedrooms were combined into an expansive master suite comprising a bedroom, study, and his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes. Custom-made in Italy, the wardrobes are equipped with dehumidifiers.

The master bedroom opens onto a terrace overlooking the greenery. “It’s an ideal spot for morning yoga,” notes Lye. The master bathroom features a small balcony that can be landscaped for privacy. Italian book-matched marble, a standalone Axor bathtub, and premium fittings complete the luxurious space.

The master bedroom on the upper level

Custom-made in Italy, the his and hers wardrobes are also equipped with dehumidifiers 

The master bathroom features Italian book-matched marble, a standalone Axor bathtub, and premium fittings 

The balcony outside the master bedroom

Investment in timeless quality

“The owners spared no expense in creating their dream home,” says Eraso, estimating that $1.5 million was spent on the renovation alone. High-quality materials and meticulous upkeep have preserved the apartment’s condition. 

Recent updates include replacing the air-conditioning ducting and polishing the wooden floors. Boffi ceiling fans were installed in the living, dining, and family areas, as well as the master bedroom.

Read also: Former minister Mah Bow Tan sells Good Class Bungalow at Holland Rise for $50 mil

“When you invest in quality, your home remains in excellent shape over time,” Eraso adds. “It’s timeless.”

The lounge is on the upper level. The interiors are staged with hand-picked furniture reflecting artisanal craftsmanship 

Staged for sale

The owners have decided to put the property up for sale and have since moved out. Eraso was engaged to stage the apartment with hand-picked furniture reflecting European artisanal craftsmanship. The interiors feature tables and lamps by Christian Liaigre, pieces from Poltrona Frau, Cassina, and B&B Italia, and handcrafted items by Maison WeCraft. The furniture alone is valued at over $500,000.

The duplex is now listed at $8 million ($3,643 psf), inclusive of the designer furnishings. List Sotheby’s Lye is the exclusive marketing agent.

Botanika was the first uncompleted luxury apartment project in Singapore, with units sold via an international auction 18 years ago 

An interesting highlight is that Botanika was the first uncompleted luxury apartment project in Singapore with units sold via an international auction 18 years ago. Conducted by Colliers International and Christie’s Great Estates affiliate Ken Jacobs, the auction was held at Goodwood Park Hotel on March 31, 2007. Twelve units were put up for auction at prices ranging from $1,700 to $2,400 psf.

The last transaction at Botanika was in February this year, when a 1,098 sq ft, two-bedroom unit was sold for $2.6 million ($2,368 psf).

EdgeProp Market Research data shows that Singaporeans make up about 40% of Botanika’s buyers, with permanent residents at 21.8% and foreigners at 32.7%. Around 68% of units are owner-occupied, with 28% tenanted.

“This apartment [at Botanika] suits a discerning buyer who values privacy, quality, greenery, and an unparalleled view,” says Lye. “It’s ideal for someone who wants to move in immediately with just their luggage.”

At One Holland Village Residences, a 296-unit 99-year leasehold project, saw a record psf price in February when a 1,238 sq ft, three-bedroom unit changed hands in a sub-sale for $4.68 million ($3,781 psf) [Photo taken in early 2024 by Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore]

The asking price reflects Botanika’s rarity in a competitive District 10 market, where large-format two-bedroom units are scarce. Across the road, the newly completed One Holland Village Residences, a 296-unit 99-year leasehold project, saw a record psf price in February when a 1,238 sq ft, three-bedroom unit changed hands in a sub-sale for $4.68 million ($3,781 psf).

Elsewhere in District 10, a 3,197 sq ft, two-bedroom unit at 21 Anderson was sold in May for $9.5 million ($2,972 psf). At 2,196 sq ft, the Botanika duplex offers an exceptionally large two-bedroom layout. “Such spacious two-bedroom units are extremely rare,” Lye highlights.

Antonio Eraso: Crafting timeless spaces 

Eraso: I enjoy working across cities because it allows me to discover something unique. Our focus on artisanal craftsmanship ensures every project tells its own story (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)

Originally from Colombia, Antonio Eraso first came to Singapore in 1991 as a senior associate with Tsao & McKown Architects to oversee the development of Suntec City. “We were a team of 25 architects from New York, and the project was so massive we stayed for four years,” he recalls.

After completing the project, Eraso travelled the world before returning to Singapore in 2000. Now a Singapore citizen, he has founded WeCraft, a multi-disciplinary studio specialising in architecture, interior, and product design, including bespoke furniture under the Maison WeCraft label.

Eraso’s portfolio spans luxury residences, hospitality, and commercial spaces, including projects such as Jing Chinese Restaurant, Wild Honey, and a luxury bungalow at Swiss Club Road. He has also designed a boutique condo showflat in Kuala Lumpur, a sustainable resort in Bhutan and a private villa in Phuket.

He recently designed the interiors of a private penthouse at Aman Tower in Bangkok, a superyacht, and a villa in Bali.

“I enjoy working across cities because it allows me to discover something unique,” says Eraso. “Our focus on artisanal craftsmanship ensures every project tells its own story.”

Check out the latest listings for Botanika properties

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