Exploring Dragon’s Peak Lodge, “Hong Kong's Most Haunted House”
Burbex has lived in China since 2004, but even he is not immune to the wiles of the Public Security Bureau, who have this week sent him to Hong Kong to update his new visa. You might have guessed Burbex is not a big shopper and certainly isn’t going to push through the crowds of mainland tourists to buy cans of milk powder. But if you want to get away from the people mountain people sea, there is at least one place in the Fragrant Harbor that is always quiet.
Hidden amongst the winding paths that dissect the Peak, you can find the decaying pre-war mansion Dragon’s Peak Lodge, or as its better known, “Hong Kong's Most Haunted House.” Although the property has some of the choicest real estate in Hong Kong, it has fallen foul to the usual triple whammy of corruption, bad fengshui, and ghosts.
No. 32 Lugard Road was built sometime before World War II, but the original owner apparently went bankrupt, and the subsequent owner died in the house. It is reputed that the Japanese occupied the property afterward and that several Catholic nuns were decapitated in the grounds. The property's gruesome reputation made sure that it lay derelict for decades.
No. 32 Lugard Road last changed hands in 2004 for HKD 76 million, but renovations have been thwarted by construction crews who are convinced that the building is haunted, and in which they have heard an unseen child’s cries. The closest that Burbex got to any living creature during his visit was an enormous porcupine that raised its quills and secreted some kind of pungent piss into the surrounding air.
The premises is set over three different levels. The main four-story house with ample attic space is set on the highest level; the staff quarters, complete with a tower of 1980s washing machines is on the middle level; and smaller art studios can be found on the bottom level. The house itself also faces out onto a massive garden, which in turn commands an incredible view of the bay on a clear day.
The building has obviously been squatted in the past, and some furniture still remains. If you are looking for a different kind of place to stay on your next visa run to Hong Kong, be sure to make a trip to The Peak, and if you don’t hear the wails of the ghostly infant, you’ll be sure to get a fitful night’s sleep in the huge attic space.
Want a slightly less spooky day trip in Hong Kong? Lamma Island may just be the ticket.
Images: Burbex Brin
