Colonial Charm in Ampang Condo
Less than two minutes away from the manic rush and noise of Jalan Tun Razak is a divine little condominium that is more of a community than an apartment block. With just 12 apartments nestled around a beautiful pool, Sri Se Ekar surprised American expat Teri Vidrine and her husband, who were impressed and relieved that their decision to live in a condo didn't mean high-rise living. "It is lovely and quiet here," beams Teri as she welcomes me into her home, "and we have our own little patio which is lovely. Plus 90% of the time I have the pool to myself!"
The apartment was selected by Teri's husband Grant, whose job with an oil and gas company has seen them living in various parts of the world and brought them to KL two and a half years ago. When Teri first arrived in her new home she was delighted with the high ceilings and heavy doors that lend a grand and established feel to the place, but admits to being a little nervous of the large unfurnished space. "It was very white and very tall and I just thought 'what am I going to do with all this space?'" laughs Teri.
What she did, I discover as she guides me around the three-bed/four-bath apartment, is turn the grand white space into a home. Every room has been tastefully and carefully decorated, combining furniture from their American home with interesting pieces they have picked up on their travels that give a personal and interesting touch to the decor. A simple, carved Tibetan mirror stands in the bedroom, a huge copper Egyptian pot sits proudly in the living room while a dazzling carpet from Azerbaijan nestles under the sofa- furniture of an interesting life well-lived.
"Everywhere we go, I like to bring something back," explains Teri, as I admire the wooden cabinets, the carved Indonesian wall mounts and the intricate model of a wooden boat sitting in the study. "And I love collecting things too; my latest collection is of batik stamps." Teri came across these unusual implements during her batik painting lessons and has been tracking them down in antique shops around the city ever since. "I love to explore markets for goodies," she jokes, "no matter where in the world we are!"
It is early in December when Teri and I meet, and the apartment is something of a festive wonderland, with plenty of unique cheerful touches that betray Teri's eye for fine craftsmanship. A set of wooden carved Santas from Russia are art pieces in themselves, while a selection of nativity scenes from all over the world are poignant as well as eye-catching. "Obviously I like things to look good," she concedes when I ask what compels her purchases, "but I love good craftsmanship, I like things that feel rustic and that have been well-made."
The walls are adorned with select art pieces as well as plenty of photographs of her family smiling from delicate picture frames. "They are my favourite thing of all," she smiles. "I just had my son and his family here for thanksgiving and they loved it." She paints the scene of the family gathered around the long, grand dining table for their special meal, chuckling when she relates how the youngsters got confused with the many bathrooms and tucked-away doors but loved the greenery of the open space around the condo. "They said 'Grandma lives in a jungle!'"she laughs, gesturing outside at the beautiful tall trees that line the garden area.
With her words, I realise that what makes the Vidrine home so welcoming - despite the stylish furnishings and grandeur of the high-ceilinged rooms - is the palpable feeling of welcome, the comfortable sense of family life, and decor chosen, not only because it looks good, but because it means something. "My friends always say they love how my place feels," she admits, "very cosy."
As KL continues to throw up new, shiny steel-sided condos that reach ever higher into the sky, it is refreshing to find somewhere with more charm and personality, and it is clear Teri is very satisfied with her home.
"I love it because it is a little bit classical, a bit colonial almost," she quips, "Sometimes I miss living in a house, but it's nice to be able to go away and not worry about security. Plus I have someone to call when I need the air-con fixed!"
Malaysia may only be a temporary residence for the Vidrines, but it certainly hasn't stopped them creating a beautiful home and carving out a little piece of comfort in this foreign land.
By Sarah Rees
