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IMPRESSIONS
Built
in the golden years of the
Victorian era when the British Empire
spanned the world at large - and into
South East Asia; Kellie’s Castle stands
as a stark reminder of the Colonial
times which has preceded us in modern
Malaysia.
The Dream
Of
the Victorian British era, it was “de
rigueur” for rich young men to buy
old manor houses, castles and estates
to demonstrate their status in society.
News of William Kellie Smith’s house
in Malaya was so captivating that it
was even mentioned in the London
Financier newspaper on Sept 15, 1911.
Set on nine hundred acres of a
rubber plantation with the name “Kinta
Kellas” in Batu Gajah, this is the setting
for what is known today as Kellie’s
Castle. “Kellas” in memory of William
Kellie Smith’s family farm back in his
homeland of Scotland and “Kinta” of
the area where the estate is situated.
Kellie’s Castle:
Pioneering Spirit
of a Bygone Era
Envisioned bySmith to be an extraordinarily grandmansionwith a soaring tower,
wine cellar, indoor tennis court, rooftop courtyard for parties - and even the very
first elevator inMalaysia– it is sadly an ironic tale for he did not live long to enjoy
the fruits of his labour. Hence themuchwell-known nickname - Kellie’s Folly.