The Art of Longevity: A veritable gallery of delights, this Kowloon Tong residence displays the passion of its retired owners

By Gafencu
Sep 11, 2025

The dream for many homeowners nearing retirement is simple and deeply felt: to spend one’s twilight years somewhere special. A sanctuary where years of diligence are rewarded with peace, purpose, and beauty. While this vision remains elusive for some, one fortunate Hong Kong couple brought it vividly to life. Nestled in Pearl Court in the calm sanctuary of Kowloon Tong’s Beacon Hill, their newly remodelled apartment now serves as both an elegant gallery and a refined home.


Having recently stepped back from their professional obligations, the couple’s intent was to devote more energy to their passion for fine art. They engaged interior designers Alain Wong and Ada Cheung of Comodo Interior and Furniture Design to shape a space that echoed their artistic sensibilities and practical requirements. The result? A genteel suburbanity permeates every artfully crafted nook and ingeniously integrated cranny of the home, nestled amid the beguiling calm of Beacon Hill.


A Haven of Balance

Crossing the threshold reveals an atmosphere of discreet refinement. Spanning over 1,800 square feet, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence includes a study, open-plan living and dining room, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Storage areas are plentiful, designed to safeguard not only household necessities but also artistic treasures accumulated over decades.


To fulfill their curatorial ambitions, the design brief called for a space that could function equally as a luxurious residence, gallery, and secure archive. Wide aisles between the shared spaces [give] the couple’s cherished acquisitions room to hang and be admired and contemplated in the manner they deserve. This openness fosters leisurely exploration while accentuating each piece’s presence.


Refined Functionality

Practicality was paramount—especially given the owners’ advancing years. The home’s smart configuration serves this demographic gracefully, with amenities and spatial adjustments aligned to the couple’s lifestyle. A guest room was sacrificed to make way for integrated, automated shelving systems—an essential concession for aging art lovers seeking both convenience and security.


In another deft touch, part of the original living room was repurposed into a second bedroom. Rather than compromising the communal spirit, this recalibration fostered a more intimate, welcoming environment. Structural supports that could have disrupted the aesthetic were recessed into bespoke wardrobes, reflecting the designers’ attention to both utility and finesse.


Light, Space, Serenity

Concerns over reduced living room space were counteracted with deliberate design choices. Pale wood veneers and matching furniture create an airy ambiance, while large balcony doors invite natural light into the space. The interplay of light and material imbues the room with warmth, avoiding the enclosed feeling often feared in multifunctional layouts.


Elsewhere in the apartment, nooks and recesses have been artfully utilized—transformed into curated displays or bookshelf alcoves. These clever interventions optimize available space without appearing cluttered, echoing the homeowners’ devotion to presenting art with intention and respect.


Even the dining area doubles as a miniature gallery. A standout cabinet—complete with a bench for quiet reflection—invites visitors to pause and immerse themselves in the room’s evolving collection.


Comfort Meets Customization

The bedrooms were tailored to each resident’s preference. Headboards in light grey fabric and veneer add a sense of composure and warmth. Wall coverings in textured wood tones, highlighted by bronze and steel accents, enrich the setting with understated opulence.


Here, comfort reigns without compromising aesthetics. Spacious yet cozy, both rooms facilitate deep rest, enhanced by soft materials and tranquil lighting. These personal sanctuaries reflect the couple’s appreciation for thoughtful design and their desire for an environment as nurturing as it is beautiful.


Elegance in Utility

The study is minimalist by intent—its pared-down design allows air and energy to flow freely. This restraint is purposeful, offering a counterpoint to the more embellished areas of the home. Hidden within the cabinetry is a folding bed, providing seamless accommodation for occasional guests without disturbing the room’s uncluttered layout.


The bathrooms continue this ethos of sophisticated simplicity. Marble countertops and oversized bathtubs evoke spa-like indulgence, while the inclusion of bright lighting and discretely placed support bars ensures safety without visual disruption. It’s a triumph of subtle integration—proof that accessibility and elegance need not be mutually exclusive.


Home as a Canvas

Beyond bricks and beams, what makes this apartment truly remarkable is its ability to honor the couple’s passions. Every corner offers space for discovery. Artworks and literary references are interspersed throughout, each positioned with care. The blend of comfort and culture elevates the experience of simply being in the home—it invites reflection and kindles creativity.


This is not merely a space to retire to. It’s a living canvas where each day unfolds alongside cherished works. With careers behind them, the owners have created something more than a residence—they’ve authored a personal museum, alive with meaning and history.


A Sanctuary Realized

Beacon Hill’s tranquility cradles this retreat. Its setting far from Hong Kong’s urban din grants the apartment a quietude that few other locations can rival. The rhythm of birdsong, filtered sunlight, and leafy vistas infuse every room with serenity. It’s an environment where contemplation and appreciation come naturally.


The couple’s selection of Pearl Court was not incidental. With its generous layouts and verdant surroundings, it presented the ideal foundation. But it was the renovation—both functional and expressive—that brought their vision to fruition.


Conclusion: Artful Living, Gracefully Achieved

This apartment represents more than a well-appointed retirement home. It is a celebration of a life lived fully, curated with love and seen through the lens of art and legacy. The couple’s journey from aspiration to realization stands as a testament to design’s power not only to beautify—but to support and enrich.


From the broad aisles made for admiration to the quiet corners made for reflection, this space tells a story: of two lives converging into a tranquil, expressive whole. The result is not just a gallery or a residence—but a philosophy of aging with grace and living with art.