| The Residency | |
|---|---|
Seri Mutiara | |
 | |
 Interactive map of The Residency | |
| General information | |
| Type | Official residence |
| Location | Western Road,George Town,Penang,Malaysia,George Town,Malaysia |
| Coordinates | 5°24′57″N100°18′25″E / 5.41593°N 100.3069°E /5.41593; 100.3069 |
| Current tenants | Governor of Penang |
| Completed | 1890; 135 years ago (1890) |
| Cost | $81,173 |
| Owner | Penang state government |
| Grounds | 8.4 ha (21 acres) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Maurice Cameron |
The Residency, officiallySeri Mutiara, is theofficial residence of theGovernor of Penang. Located at Western Road withindowntown George Town, it was originally built in 1890 by British engineerMaurice Cameron as the residence for the British governor of Penang. FollowingMalaya's independence in 1957, the mansion has continued to serve as the residence for thehead of state ofPenang.
Prior to the construction of The Residency,Suffolk House was theofficial residence of the British governor ofPenang.[1] In 1886, during a visit toGeorge Town,Straits SettlementsGovernorFrederick Weld participated in the selection of the site for the new Residency.[2] The eventual site of the mansion encompasses an area of 8.4 ha (21 acres), bounded by Western, York and Ross roads.[3]
Designed by British engineerMaurice Cameron, The Residency was completed in 1890.[1][4][5] The original construction cost of the mansion was $48,000 (Straits dollar), but the final cost rose to $81,173 due to additional furnishings andelectrification.[3][6] Its architecture incorporates elements from contemporary buildings of the time, including a centraltetrastyle portico and pediment reminiscent of theTown Hall. The verandah extends to the sides with a connection to the garden, similar to the Madras Garden House in India. The roof is concealed by abalustraded roofline.[3] The first occupant of The Residency wasAllan Maclean Skinner, theResident Councillor of Penang and the highest-ranking British officer in the settlement.[6]
Following theindependence of Malaya in 1957, The Residency was renamed Seri Mutiara and retains its function as the official residence of Penang'shead of state.[1] Before Malaya gained independence, the mansion was accessible to visitors who were required to sign a guestbook at the entrance booth. However, since independence, access to Seri Mutiara has been restricted and the entrance booth has been replaced by aguardhouse.[3]
