In the heart of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage enclave lies a hidden lane steeped in quiet charm and colonial history. Tucked behind the Assumption Church on Farquhar Street, five terrace houses built in 1928 have found a new lease of life as the Argus Residences. An extension of the acclaimed Seven Terraces Hotel, the homes are the latest offering from George Town Heritage Hotels (GTHH).
The restoration of these houses, once home to Penang’s Eurasian community, is the work of Chris Ong — heritage hotelier and the visionary behind many of the city’s most iconic boutique properties. After a seven-year hiatus from his last restoration, Ong returns to the scene with what he calls his “most intimate project yet”.
“It wasn’t the right time — we were in the middle of the pandemic when I was approached to restore these homes,” Ong shares. “But I looked at the site, and I couldn’t say no. We’re part of the community here, and I felt we had to do it justice.”
HOME AND COMMUNITY
The transformation unfolded over the course of a year, blending restoration with modern comfort.
Originally built by the Catholic Church for parishioners of Assumption Church, the terrace houses had stood vacant for years following the passing of their last residents. Among them was Ann Cutter, a beloved member of the Eurasian community, whose family name now graces one of the restored homes. Each residence bears the name of one of the original families — Dragone, Cutter, Newman, Scully, and De Souza — a respectful nod to their legacy.
The transformation, completed over the course of twelve months, is a careful balance of historical reverence and modern design. “We didn’t want to change the soul of the house,” Ong explains. “We looked at the original colour by scraping back layers of paint. That saffron yellow? That’s authentic. The decorative plasterwork, nearly a hundred years old, was in remarkable condition — we highlighted that as part of the Arts and Crafts movement of the time.”
A slipper bathtub offers serene views of a private courtyard.
Maintaining the façades and external features, the project delved deeply into structural and systems restoration. “We had to do everything — wiring, plumbing, roofs, water tanks. It’s practically a rebuild,” says Ong. “But the spirit of the homes remains.”
Inside, the homes have been styled in a mid-century colonial aesthetic, pairing antique and vintage furniture with Ong’s signature flair for curated textiles and locally crafted objets d’art. Every element has been sourced or repurposed with intent. “We accumulated furniture after the renovation began,” he says. “We reused whatever we could, and everything else was selected to fit the concept and lend character to the space.”
PLAYING WITH SPACE
Each home is styled with a refined mid-century colonial aesthetic.
The homes are spacious, open-plan, and full of thoughtful design flourishes. Downstairs, a comfortable sitting and dining area leads to a kitchenette and a full-sized bathroom. The dining area doubles as a sleeping space with a king-size pull-out bed, allowing flexibility for guests. Each house also features a charming pavilion with a slipper bathtub overlooking a private courtyard — a picture-perfect spot designed to be both functional and Instagram-worthy.
Upstairs, the sleeping quarters are generous: a four-poster colonial king bed, two single day beds, and a dressing area with ensuite bathroom. There’s air conditioning throughout, WiFi, smart TVs, and access to laundry services — all the trappings of contemporary comfort housed within heritage walls.
“I dislike walkways and hallways,” Ong admits. “They’re such a waste of space. So we’ve done away with them. Instead, we’ve created expansive, flowing spaces — you feel it the moment you walk in.”
PROVIDING AN EXPERIENCE
Every residence is named after a Eurasian family who once called it home.
Argus Residences is not merely about accommodation, but an immersive experience in cultural continuity. Ong and his team have embedded layers of narrative within the design, drawing from the British-Colonial influences that once defined the area, while honouring the Eurasian community’s intangible heritage. “We tried to imagine what the interiors might have looked like originally, and we followed that thread,” he says.
For Ong, restoring these homes was not just a professional undertaking but a deeply personal one. “When I was a child, I used to run and play along Argus Lane,” he recalls. “This project brought back those memories. It’s more than just restoring buildings — it’s about preserving stories.”
A mix of vintage and antique furniture with objets d’art brings the space to life.
With George Town’s conservation regulations tightening, Ong notes that traditional hotels are no longer permissible in areas like Love Lane. Instead, the Argus Residences operate as short-term lets, available for nightly, weekly, or monthly stays. “We had to make it commercially viable,” he says. “If it doesn’t make business or financial sense, what’s the point? But we also wanted to create places where people want to stay in the house — not to sleep there, but live there, even if it’s just for a night.”
Each house offers not just accommodation but a full-bodied heritage experience. With 24-hour check-in service just two minutes away at Seven Terraces, guests enjoy the conveniences of a boutique hotel with the privacy of a personal home.
GTHH CONTINUES TO EXPAND
Argus Residences is the newest addition to the George Town Heritage Hotels collection.
Argus Residences joins GTHH’s growing portfolio, which includes Muntri Mews, Muntri Grove, and the award-winning Seven Terraces — each a testament to Ong’s commitment to architectural integrity and cultural preservation.
“I think it’s important to appreciate the beauty of what’s already there, rather than remodelling everything,” Ong reflects. “These houses have history in their bones. All we’ve done is give them the love and care they needed to tell their story again.” In doing so, he’s ensured that the legacy of Argus Lane — and the families who once called it home — continues to resonate in the fabric of George Town’s evolving heritage.
(Photos: George Town Heritage Hotels)
