Suffolk House refers to two early residences built on the same site located some four miles west of George Town, Penang, on the banks of the Air Itam River (Black Water River). The earliest of the two buildings is notable for serving as the residence of Francis Light, the founder of the British settlement on the Prince of Wales Island, commonly known as Penang Island. Following Light’s death in 1794, and with Penang becoming the fourth presidency of India in 1805, a newer Suffolk House replaced the original house, assuming multiple roles and was later neglected before its current restoration.
The mansion and the estate it was built on, the Suffolk Estate, is presumably named after Suffolk county in England. Light was born in Dallinghoo, Suffolk in East Anglia.
Website: http://www.suffolkhouse.com.my/
Are we allowed to enter the compound? I passed by Suffolk House when I was visiting Penang two years ago, but didn’t have a chance to drop by. Nice pictures!
Hi, unfortunately the compound is only accessible if you’re going for the restaurant inside the house. Or, if you’re not going for the restaurant, you have to pay a fee for taking photos inside the compound. (Reason being it’s a popular place for wedding photography).