The Chias had been living in their two-storey terrace house for half a century. Despite being in their 90s and 80s respectively, they remain very independent. However, the landed property required a fair amount of maintenance. Climbing stairs had also become increasingly challenging and dangerous in a house with many split levels.
After they decided to downsize, their son TJ took on the task of apartment hunting. “We agreed that we should look for a place near my home so I could check in on them regularly,” says TJ. His parents finally settled on this condominium location that’s just down the road from TJ.
AT A GLANCE
Type of home: A three-bedroom condominium in Marine Parade
Size of home: 1,648 sq ft
Who lives here: A couple in their 80s and 90s respectively
The late and only Singaporean footballer to have played at the Olympics, Chia Boon Leong and his wife enjoyed their silver years in a new home that was lovingly put together by their son, TJ Chia.
“It is spacious, has a great layout and there are no shared walls with neighbours. We get the morning sun and a view of the sea. Its proximity to nearby amenities, hospitals and the future Siglap MRT station is a big plus, too. We also have close relatives living in the next block,” TJ adds.
Having found the perfect apartment for them, TJ took on the role of an interior designer. As a teenager, he harboured dreams of designing and decorating his future home. He purchased his first home at 29 and has designed three of his homes since. They have even been featured in The Straits Times and various magazines.