By Daniel Sim | 26 January, 2012
Photographs by V from the Muzes
Living in Taman U Thant
Penthouse of happiness
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Nancie with her Schnauzer pet call Portia in the first lounge which doubles up as a formal dining room.
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Simple, safe and convenient is how I would describe my home,” said actress turned TV producer Nancie Foo who lives in a 307sq m (3,300sq ft) penthouse right in the heart of one of Kuala Lumpur’s most exclusive enclaves.
Before getting married to businessman K.Y. Wong and moving into her four-bedroom condominium home in Taman U Thant in 1988, Nancie had lived with her parents in Cheras.
Nancie got to know about this particular condominium development through family members who were friends with directors of Tan & Tan Developments Bhd, a well-known and reputable name in upscale property development.
A former beauty queen, Nancie was one the few ethnic Chinese actresses who progressed from Malay TV dramas to Malay movies. She eventually co-founded Produksi 20/20, a film production house.
Secure neighbourhood
“I prefer to stay in a condominium development as it provides better security,” said Nancie.
Her four-bedroom penthouse is set within a development that comes with tight security complete with sentry, patrolling guards, CCTV surveillance and electronically-locked doors.
Even Nancie’s own unit is also fitted with a CCTV system to safeguard her family that includes three daughters, Ai-Lee, 11, and Ai-Vee, 17, as well as Ai-Dee, 19, who is currently studying abroad.
Convenient
“I love this neighbourhood because it is so convenient and I am fortunate that my working hours do not coincide with the rush hour, so I can enjoy an easy drive to and from my work place,” said the producer.
When there is no traffic jam along Jalan Ampang and other roads to her home, Nancie can reach the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and her office within 10 minutes by car.
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The penthouse has a ceiling high enough to accommodate a loft (left), decorative accessories include a birdcage.
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Simplicity
For a start, Nancie who favours simplicity has opted for a white colour scheme for her walls. To her, white represents perfection and purity. The penthouse is well carpeted to prevent her three children from getting hurt in case they ever fall down.
The home has two lounges and two dining areas, a feature increasingly found in larger condominium units.
The first lounge faces a white television console. This space is furnished with white leather sofas. The nearby dining area comes with a long table and matching chairs.
At the back of this lounge is the second living area where sofas and chairs reflect a more European decorating concept. This spot is quieter and provides a cosy place to meet with visitors and friends.
Being a dog lover, Nancie has miniature figurines of dogs. The figurines in the European style lounge are “dressed” as a golfer, a boxer and even as the fictional Sherlock Holmes.
This living area offers a great view of the surrounding greenery. At the back of this lounge is another dining area, which features a round table and white chairs with a platter of fruits. A chandelier hangs majestically over the table and transforms this dining space into another lovely spot at night.
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The loft is multi-functional, as it serves as a library, Internet lounge as well as an entertainment room to watch movies.
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Loft
As this penthouse has a rather high ceiling; there was ample space to construct a loft.
A spiral staircase - similar to those in Baba Nyonya heritage houses - leads to the loft located just above the dining area. The spacious loft has a single down lighter to illuminate the space and gives a modern ambience to the setting.
According to Nancie, the loft is where her children spend time watching their favourite movies. Besides being equipped with a large-screen TV and the latest DVD movies, there is also a computer terminal where her daughters surf the Internet.
Nancie also spends some of her precious and private moments to read her favourite books in the tranquility of the loft.
Wonderful memories
“My favourite spot is the kitchen, this is because I can spend time with my daughters as all of us love to bake. And over the years, we have created not just wonderful food but also wonderful memories,” said Nancie.
At the heart of the kitchen is a long, wooden Chinese table with matching chairs.
Good tenant
On property investment, Nancie pointed out that it was not only important to find the right property but it was equally important to have good tenants.
She related how she had invested in a condominium in another part of KL’s Golden Triangle but did not have good tenants causing her vexing problems. She decided not to buy any more property to rent out.
But lately, the ever enterprising businesswoman has been tempted to invest again when the right time and right property comes around.
Take a look at other celebrities' homes:
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