A History of Eythrope
The first bungalows on Penang Hill were built at the beginning of the nineteenth century more than two centuries ago. All were simple wood, bamboo and atap buildings providing only a basic shelter for travellers keen to experience the unique environment on top of the Hill. Water was drawn from the Hill’s natural springs and wells, and of course, there was no electricity, fans or air conditioning; after sunset there were only oil lamps and candles for lighting. For more than a century that was the Penang Hill experience.
The funicular railway opened the door to a new era of comfort, in modern housing. Eythrope and its near neighbours ‘Nook’ and ‘Through’ were the first of the modern residences to appear on the Hill in the late 1920’s and were soon followed by many more properties, each built to a unique design. Today, there are around fifty properties at various altitudes on the Hill.
During the Second World War, Eythrope and several of the other bungalows along Summit Road were used by the Japanese authorities for relaxation and the entertainment of high ranking officers and VIP guests, including German U-boat commanders who had made the perilous voyage from Europe to Penang for the precious tin, rubber, quinine and opium needed for their war effort.
Immediately after the liberation of Penang by Allied forces in 1945, Eythrope was taken over by the military authorities, until its original owner, Edward Bulford returned to reclaim it. Bulford sold Eythrope in 1951 to the current owners, and it has remained as a treasured retreat within the same family ever since.
The rebirth of Eythrope began in 2021 and took 20 months to complete.