Sean Boyle invited us over to his Toa Payoh HDB apartment, which he shares with partner TK.
Size and type of home: Three-bedroom, two-bathroom HDB apartment
Rent or own: Purchased in 2010, and subsequently fully renovated
Style of home: Traditional and colourful with Asian influences and paintings collected on the couple’s travels
HDB living
Arriving in Singapore on holiday 20 years ago, Sean liked it so much he decided to stay. “I found myself a job as food-and-beverage director at the Royal Plaza on Scotts, which at that time was the Royal Holiday Inn. The rest is history.”
Having lived in a variety of locations in Singapore, Sean and TK decided to purchase this Toa Payoh HDB apartment. The three-bedroom unit is on the 35th floor, and boasts clear views across to the Singapore Polo Club and even a glimpse of The British Club from the kitchen window.
The couple renovated the apartment, including ripping out false ceilings, putting in new flooring, upgrading the kitchen and the bathroom, and adding wardrobes. “I’ve lived in some really nice places but here we’ve got everything – the only thing we don’t have is the pool. The apartment is a good size for us, and only two minutes from the MRT.
Of all the places Sean’s lived in Singapore, he says he is happiest here. “I’m with my partner who I can’t imagine life without, and it’s our place together. It’s different living in an HDB, and it did take me a little while to adjust, but it’s the same for the neighbours – they need to get used to the ang moh living here too!” Sean’s friendly and outgoing nature means he has quickly made friends, with his neighbours even cooking meals for the couple when they first moved in.
When their diaries allow, Sean and TK enjoy being homebodies, and they love to entertain. “I’ll take the day off and spend some time doing the table up, and I’m not a bad cook either – I’ve been in the food and beverage game long enough!”
This is an extract of an article that first appeared in the September 2016 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy for the full article, or Subscribe now so you never miss an issue!
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