Singapore Bungalow on Chestnut Crescent near Green Spaces

Different people have different reasons for choosing where to live. For DANIEL RAJESH and SUMITA JAISI, being close to Singapore’s green spaces has always been a key factor in their property decisions. Daniel tells us about their current place, a bungalow in Chestnut Crescent.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m originally from Malaysia, having arrived here on the renowned ASEAN scholarship. I’ve called Singapore home for over 24 years now. My move was complemented by my partner’s career shift to a Singapore-based company.

I currently manage a UK-based investment company that champions sustainability, with a blend of Eastern cultural wisdom and pragmatic business insight. Being in Singapore not only offers a perfect balance between urban dynamism and nature but also keeps me deeply connected to the causes close to my heart, such as conservation. Though my work takes me across the US, China and ASEAN, Singapore remains a phenomenal base. It’s also close to home in Ipoh and KL and the hub of my family life.

Where did you first live when you came here and why?

Since arriving, we’ve embraced a nomadic lifestyle that’s been about staying close to the “lungs of Singapore” – the dense forests that not only cool the surroundings but also keep us connected to nature. Our journey began in Hillsta, Bukit Panjang, a choice influenced by the allure of green spaces right from the start.

As our needs and tastes evolved, we moved into two en-bloc properties. First, Vista Park in South Buona Vista, adjacent to Kent Ridge Park, and then Good Luck Gardens on Toh Tuck Road, next to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Each move was driven by our desire to live in harmony with nature while enjoying the urban advantages that Singapore offers. Later, we transitioned to a landed property at The Inglewood, close to Windsor Nature Park. This offered a little more space and a direct link to nature. Now, we’re happily settled at Chestnut Crescent, near Dairy Farm Nature Park.

What do you love about your home and the Chestnut Crescent area?

The blend of community spirit and nature right at our doorstep. We live in a lovely neighbourhood where a genuine sense of belonging prevails, and our community is as warm as it is welcoming. One of the everyday delights is the weekly visit from local monkeys. They’ve made it a ritual to swing by and enjoy our fruit trees and blossoming flowers. It’s a joy to pause and observe their playful antics, a reminder of the wild beauty that surrounds us.

Our home is also a haven for a variety of birds and other native wildlife, reinforcing the unique privilege we have of sharing our living space with the true inhabitants of this land. The blend of urban living and the serene presence of nature creates an environment that’s both peaceful and invigorating. It’s a special place to be.

Your home looks amazing! Tell us more about the project and the house.

Sumita and I were thrilled to have a beautiful template to work with – a property originally designed by an 84-year-old architect who built it 40 years ago with an Australian bungalow theme. The house’s north-south open concept was designed to allow natural airflow all year round, adapting to the changing wind directions every six months.

Inspired by its rustic background, we set out to create a mini Bali within our own space. We had the privilege of designing the garden and crafting wild themed landscaping that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Our journey even took us to Bali for two months, where we sourced unique furniture – an eclectic mix of energised antiques alongside large, custom-designed pieces. Much of our furniture was crafted from scratch in a nature-inspired style, ensuring that every element of our home feels both integrated and intentional.

Our spiritual interests led us to incorporate elements of Vastu Shastra and also Feng Shui, weaving in wisdom from Indian and Chinese traditions to enhance wellbeing for everyone who steps into our home. Daily rituals, from flower offerings and sage burnings to the placement of lamps throughout the space, bring a magical, living energy to our home. Over the past three years, we’ve played with the balance of the five elements, gradually achieving a harmonious mastery that truly makes our home a sanctuary.

What was it like when you moved in?

Moving in felt like stepping into a blank canvas with a beautiful, raw and rustic charm. The space was clean and open, which made it incredibly easy for us to infuse our own style and carefully chosen décor. The overall vibes were warm and welcoming, and the neighbourhood exuded a calmness that instantly made us feel at home.

Were there any particular challenges in the changes you made to the home?

The renovation process brought out the best in Sumita and me, deepening our partnership as we navigated every challenge together. Our shared vision, coupled with our unique design preferences, led to creative compromises that not only enriched the project but also made the journey incredibly fun and fulfilling.

We were also fortunate to find excellent support here in Singapore – skilled installation teams and foreign workers who were reasonably priced and took genuine pride in their work. Every upgrade and installation met our expectations, making the entire refurbishment a truly rewarding experience.

What have been your best furniture or décor buys?

Our best buys have been pieces that resonate deeply with our values. A standout is an art piece featuring Jane Goodall – and personally signed by her – which serves as a daily reminder of our commitment to nature and conservation. We also fell in love with the Ganga Baba tapestry, which brings a touch of spirituality and cultural heritage into our home.

On the furniture side, one piece that really captures our ethos is an earth-themed coffee table crafted from the root of a 100-year-old tree. It’s a stunning conversation piece and a symbol of sustainability and the beauty of repurposed materials. These selections have enriched our home, intertwining art, history and nature in a way that feels both personal and timeless.

How would you define your home style?

It’s a blend of Balinese aesthetics with a deep, spiritual essence that reconnects us to nature every day. Visitors often remark on the immediate sense of relaxation they experience upon stepping in, as if they’ve entered a sanctuary where every detail is tuned to foster inner peace.

Favourite areas in the house and why?

The patio offers a view of our front garden and has quickly become a hub for upbeat conversations. For us, tea time is almost sacred, enhanced by the soft strains of classical music and the sight of animal visitors playing among the garden blooms.

The dining area overlooks a mini jungle in our backyard, complete with a downslope filled with plants that have been here since the house was built. That raw, untouched feeling is a constant reminder of our responsibility to share this space with nature – and to conserve and preserve its beauty wherever we can.

You’ve been in Singapore a long time; what do you love about living here?

I love that the older neighbourhoods exude so much character and colour, fostering warm, genuine relationships among residents. The multicultural fabric of the community also means that there’s always an exciting array of food choices to explore. Every day is a culinary adventure!

Singapore’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage also resonates with me. The significant investment in green spaces and nature reserves ensures that , even amid urban development, we’re always connected to nature – a value that’s very close to my heart.

Any advice for newcomers?

Be bold in exploring beyond the central area. While the city centre has its allure, driving just 15 minutes from the heart of Singapore opens up a whole world of diversity and local culture. Embracing these neighbourhoods lets you experience a more authentic slice of Singapore and reveals the core of what makes this city so unique – with many hidden gems waiting to be discovered!