George Town

Exclusive: Heritage Shophouse on Carnarvon Lane in George Town UNESCO WHS (As seen in the New York Times).

Located in the private and highly exclusive Carnarvon Lane, this rehabilitated heritage shophouse was built circa 1890 among the Colonial buildings in the historic center of George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site. For sale MYR 2.75M.

The two-story brick-and-mortar shophouse, which was derelict before being refurbished over a decade ago, has two bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as other features distinctive to historic Asian terrace houses.

Like other such rowhouses developed more than a century ago, with a business on the ground floor and residences above, the home has a narrow 18-foot street frontage with a covered arcade, called a “five-foot way,” that has been preserved, along with its traditional Chinese porch wall facade, pillars and air well.

This impressive heritage shophouse sits on a rectangularly shaped freehold plot of 1,697sqft . It has been thoroughly refurbished and renovated into a cosy home ideal for a small family. The second floor has an unusual outdoor courtyard at the back of the house and hangs over a side lane that has been sealed at both ends with the government’s permission, to protect the owner’s privacy.

The 3,600-square-foot house is freehold and located on historic Carnarvon Lane in central George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby is Armenian Park, a green oasis in the neighborhood; Beach Street, which is lined with restaurants, shops and other conveniences; and the lively Chowrasta Market.

The house has easy access to the expressway that leads to Penang International Airport about 12 miles south. Parking is on the street, and there is plenty of alternate transportation, including buses, grab-cars and trishaws.