An exclusive look behind the closed doors of Hong Kong's most extravagant and unusual homes, this elegant book, featuring 300 full-color photographs, reveals the interior style that has given the island its reputation for excess, exoticism, and masterly application of East-meets-West aesthetics. Few places on earth match the island of Hong Kong for visual drama. Its setting is stunning, and its architecture of contrasts is irresistiblea melding of authentic Chinese elements, colonial charm, and tiger economy. Nowhere is this stylistic mix more evident than in the homes of Hong Kong's most influential and colorful personalities. Private Hong Kong invites you into the secluded country residence of entrepreneur David Tang, the golden fantasy palace of leading socialites Kai Bong and Brenda Chau, the stately governor's mansion, and a luxurious Chinese junk complete with marble bathroom and Renoir painting. In addition to these and many other homes, the book includes a Visitor's Guide, listing the paces to see and be seen in while staying in the city, and a Chinese Decorative Arts chapter that will inspire even the most informed collectors. These two books take different approaches to viewing Asian interior design. Tettoni presents a visual sourcebook to residential design in southeast Asia showing traditional as well as contemporary design in such countries as Bali, Malaysia, Sumatra, and the Philippines. Beginning with a review of the traditional, native dwellings in this area, he devotes the majority of this lavishly illustrated book to the contemporary interpretation of traditional and colonial living both in interiors and in landscaping. At the end he looks at various furniture and accessories?such as Indonesian furniture and lacquerware?that define the traditional decorating styles. Benge visits the homes of affluent Hong Kong residents?from Chris Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong, to socialites Kai Bong and Brenda Chau?giving a glimpse at the Hong Kong lifestyle just before the city's turnover to the Chinese. Yachts, gardens, and nightclubs are also photographed, with most showing a definite modern design style with a just dash of Asian detail. Tettoni's book is the better choice for those patrons seeking examples of affordable, Asian-influenced style. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. "…Benge visits the homes of affluent Hong Kong residents—from Chris Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong, to socialites Kai Bong and Brenda Chau—giving a glimpse at the Hong Kong lifestyle just before the city's turnover to the Chinese. Yachts, gardens, and nightclubs are also photographed, with most showing a definite modern design style with a just dash of Asian detail." — Library Journal An exclusive look behind the closed doors of Hong Kong's most extravagant and unusual homes, this elegant illustrated book reveals the interior style that has given the island its reputation for excess, exoticism, and masterly application of East-Meets-West aesthetics. Private Hong Kong invites you into the secluded country residence of entrepreneur David Tang, the golden fantasy palace of leading socialites Kai Bong and Brenda Chau, the stately governor's mansion, and a luxurious Chinese junk complete with marble bathroom and Renoir painting. In addition to these and many other homes, the book includes a Visitor's Guide, listing the places to see and be seen in while staying in the city, and a Chinese Decorative Arts chapter that will inspire even the most informed collectors. Sophie Benge is a former deputy editor of Elle Decoration and Orient Beauty. As a writer she specializes in art, design, and fashion. Her work has appeared in such periodicals as Home Journal and Vogue. She lives in Hong Kong. Internationally renowned photographer Fritz von der Schulenburg's pictures appear regularly in House and Garden, The World of Interiors, and Schöner Wohnen. His books include The Dining Room, The Bedroom, The Bathroom, Empire, and Neoclassicism in the North. He lives in London. Excerpt from: Private Hong Kong Distinctive Tang "It was the happiest day of my life," says David Tang of the day he bought his beloved home in Sai Kung. He had been pestering the owner on a daily basis for about two years before. "I beat him up and tortured him," he jokes. But he finally won what he had been searching for: a house with a garden running down to the sea, of which there are precious few in Hong Kong. Because of his globetrotting lifestyle, it was also important to David that the house, in Sai Kung Country Park, was easily accessible by road, boat, and helicopter. He first spotted the house, in fact, when he flew over it in his helicopter. Because David's country retreat lies in one of Hong Kong's environmentally protected areas, he was subject to "18 million regulations"; it took 24 months to get permission to build a tiny swimming pool compared with only 24 days to construct it. Whe