Name (English): Island House
Name (Chinese): 元洲仔自然環境保護研究中心
Category: Historical Site
Phone Number: +852 2651 0276
Address (English): Island House Conservation Studies Centre, Island House Lane, Tai Po, New Territories
Address (Chinese): 新界大埔元洲仔里元洲仔自然環境保護研究中心
Address Google Map Link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/WWF-Island+House/@22.4459457,114.1765524,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x3404084346193733:0xc980822b6f093db0!8m2!3d22.4459457!4d114.1787411
Address longitude and latitude: 22.446173753541515, 114.17875182619315
Opening Hours:
MON Closed
TUE Closed
WED 10:00 – 18:00
THU 10:00 – 18:00
FRI 10:00 – 18:00
SAT 10:00 – 18:00
SUN 10:00 – 18:00
Recommended Time to Visit: Any opening hours
Accessibility Note: Easy access – few stairs
Reminder: Prior booking required; visit their website to learn more
While colonial activities concentrated around the Central & Western District, it is indeed quite surprising to find a spot in the New Territories which reminds me so much of a British suburb. If you’re looking for a getaway from the big city life, then Island House in Tai Po is the perfect place for you.
Enacted since 1906, the mansion used to be the residence of colonial District Commissioners for the New Territories. After its last occupant vacated the villa in 1985, the British-built declared monument was passed into the hands of World Wide Fund (Hong Kong). One of the NGO’s five local visitors centres, Island House plays a key role in the city’s conservation and sustainability education by organizing school activities and public volunteering events.
https://www.wwf.org.hk/en/news/?5820/Declared-Historic-Heritage—WWF-Island-House-Conservation-Studies-Centre-Open-Day
The nearest bus stop or MTR station is 15-minute walk away. As you inevitably walk or bike your way to the centre, you are welcomed by some of your first hosts of the day: members of the nature. Immerse yourself in the ambient bird chirping and cicada buzzing. Try to tune into your unplugged mode. It’s perhaps the best preparation for your upcoming guided tour.
A common theme of the tours will be an introduction to the house’s history and architecture, as well as how to be more eco-conscious in your daily life. Then, you may choose to know more about either the coastal ecology of Tolo Harbour at the premise’s front door, or the 140 local and introduced species residing in the house’s secret garden along with how to make your own pot plant.
https://www.wwf.org.hk/en/education/schools/primaryprog/
One very important tip: be mindful of visiting their website and book your tour days in advance. How did I know? Because I learnt that painful lesson myself… A member of staff told me that a tour guide is reserved only when bookings have been made, so walk-in is usually not available.
By the end of your visit, don’t forget to check out the reception area. There you’ll find low-carbon-footprint products, such as reusable straws and pens made from upcycled waste, for you to kick start your green lifestyle!
#islandhouse #sustainability #conservation #architecture #declaredmonument #discoverhongkong #explorehongkong #visithongkong #hongkongtravel #ilovehongkong #hkhistory #hongkonghistory #hkstory #hongkongstory #hknature #hongkongnature #naturelover
