Colourful original tiles, stained-glass elements and an outdoor space at the front – rare for a Singapore shophouse – are just some of the features VICTORIA POINTON enjoys about her shophouse in Geylang.
Victoria, tell us a little about yourself.
Some people collect art, others rare coins. I like to collect places. Over the years, I have immersed myself in both work and life in Texas, Louisiana, The Hague and various cities in my native UK – not just passing through, but fully embracing the culture, rhythms and quirks of each place. In 2017, however, I fell in love with Singapore, and I’ve lived here ever since.
I lead the APAC Commercial Strategy for a large US-based tech company, and I find that I’m just as strategic in my approach to life – seeking out the places and experiences that will contribute to my journey and result in the most amount of personal growth. Being child-free by choice affords me the freedom to travel widely, and to immerse myself in different adventures without constraint. I believe that travel and globalisation fosters a kinder world, breaking down barriers and deepening understanding between people.
So whether it’s strolling through a hawker centre in Singapore, boating on the Bayous of Louisiana, or line dancing in Texas, I love discovering what makes each place tick. For me, home isn’t just about where I live – it’s about what I can learn from the people and places around me.
Where did you first live when you came here and why?
I lived in the typical condo-style apartments, staying for many years in the Ascentia Sky condo in Redhill. While I loved the convenience, I started to crave a uniqueness to my home that I couldn’t find in these types of properties.
What properties did you look at before finding this Singapore shophouse?
When I started the search for my current home I wasn’t set on a particular area or style of property, I was simply focused on finding somewhere that satisfied my need to spend time in a place that felt special.
What do you love about your current home?
Finding this shophouse certainly satisfied that requirement – returning home to the colourful tiles and lush greenery each day brings me such joy. I’ve lived here since April 2022, renting from my lovely Singaporean landlord Bob, who lives in the house next door. The house contains many original features including the stunning tiles on the outdoor frontage and the solid teak staircase. It also has a lovely outdoor space at the front which sets it apart from similar shophouses in Geylang or the East Coast area.
What was it like when you moved in?
The house was rented unfurnished and as with many old Singapore shophouses contains no built-in storage or appliances. This offers the ability to create storage spaces with your unique lifestyle in mind. The colourful and varied tiles running throughout the house made furnishing the spaces very easy – the primary goal was to allow the tiles to be the main feature of each room; that’s why the furniture is mostly neutral in tone. I did want to be mindful of the scale; shophouses tend to have very high ceilings, so it was important to source furniture that was a good fit for the space and didn’t look too small. That’s why the coffee table in the living room is 1.7 metres long, far larger than any I’ve purchased previously.
What have been your best furniture or home décor buys?
The custom-made shoe cabinets either side of the front door blend style and function together beautifully. They complement the classic symmetry of the shutter-style windows while helping keep the outdoor space free of shoes. I dislike being greeted with a pile of shoes upon arriving home, so I’m grateful to have such a beautiful alternative.
The furniture item I receive the most compliments on is definitely the coffee table; its size makes it a strong focal point for the room and the hand-carved geometric patterns provide a contemporary and unique aesthetic without overly dominating the space.
How would you define your home style?
I’d say my home reflects a globally inspired, contemporary aesthetic, but one rooted in comfort and a strong desire to live in a tidy house while maintaining a busy work and social calendar. Items collected from past places and travels seamlessly blend with newer items purchased to suit the house itself; this creates a space that feels curated but also lived-in.
Singapore’s tropical heat also plays a role in shaping the atmosphere of the house – the dark wood, high ceilings, and linear floor plan designed with cooling in mind often results in a darker than usual living space, one that I have had to counter balance with light-coloured furniture.
Favourite area in your Singapore shophouse and why?
The living room – the perfect square shape of the room offered me a chance to express my love of symmetry and order, while the green tiles help keep the space joyful. The double front door means that we can open the room up to the garden to let the light, greenery and breeze in.
Some favourite items in the house?
The colourful tiles in each room make the house the beautiful and unique space it is and are therefore my favourite feature. I also love the church-style coloured windows that separate the primary bedroom from the top floor. Finally, my KTV system has provided many joyful memories with dear friends.
You’ve been in Singapore long time; what do you love about living here? Anything you’d change?
Singapore perfectly balances efficiency with culture, and heritage with modernity. One moment you’re admiring shophouses, the next you’re sipping a cocktail in a rooftop bar with a skyline view. The sheer convenience of life here is something I truly appreciate – the best public transport I’ve seen globally, a dining scene that caters to every craving, and the ability to hop on a short flight to stunning destinations via the world’s best airport.
More than anything, though, I love the diversity. There’s a richness to everyday life here. Singapore has done an incredible job of creating space for different cultures, languages and perspectives, something I value highly.
If I had to change one thing, it would be the humidity. I love the heat but being able to enjoy the beautiful streets of Singapore without feeling like you’re in a sauna would truly make this place perfect!
Any advice for newcomers?
Embrace the experience fully. Singapore is one of the easiest places in the world to settle as an expat – everything works efficiently, it’s incredibly safe, and there’s a strong expat network. But don’t stay in the expat bubble. Explore the more local hawker centres, learn the phrases that efficiently convey so many things in one short sentence, and immerse yourself in the cultural festivals. The beauty of living here is experiencing the mix of cultures firsthand.
Any regional trips on your bucket list?
Bhutan is next on the list! I’m drawn to its deep rooted culture and breathtaking landscapes. It feels like it would be the perfect place to disconnect, reflect and experience a way of life shaped by mindfulness and tradition.
Victoria’s Singapore Recommendations
Furniture & Décor
- Originals Furniture | originals.com.sg
- Origin Asia | originasia.com
Health & Hair
- Osler Health at Raffles | osler-health.com
- Dr Tristen Peh at St Andrews Dental Surgeons (“has a preventative approach to dentistry that I truly appreciate”) | standrewsdental.com.sg
- Hair Samantha at Hair Shaka (“my hair guru for all the years I’ve been in Singapore; she’s awesome if you’re looking for an expert in colouring”) | hairshaka.com
Restaurants, Cafés & Bars
- Culina (“for daytime drinks and a varied food menu”) | culina.com
- Foxtail (“a relaxed and vibey approach to cocktails”) | @foxtail_sg
- Cat Bite Club (“warm and friendly staff and a great selection of liquor-forward drinks”) | catbiteclub.com
- The Elephant Room Singapore (“a neighbourhood bar with unique storytelling through an innovative cocktail programme”) | theelephantroom.sg
- Seng House on Tanjong Katong (“for coffee and breakfast”) | senghouse.sg
Travel
- Singapore Airlines | singaporeair.com
- Misool Resort in Raja Ampat (“If you enjoy diving holidays, this is an experience like no other”) | misool.info
- Ceylon Tea Trails in Sri Lanka (“for an elevated and relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city”) | resplendentceylon.com
Things to Do in Singapore
- “Marina Barrage to East Coast Park is one of my favourite long walks.”
This article first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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