On many of the streets in Shanghai concealed in luxuriant French sycamore foliage, serene exclusivity andmundane hubbub could simply be one inch away.

Garden mansions are incontestably one of the most important cultural heritages of Shanghai. Wandering in the city center, one can easily run into one of these delightful surprises…probably even just around the corner.

Nowadays, these mansions have been in the hands of different proprietors. Many of them became protected state assets.

Yet even within this limited space allowed for creativity, fascinating stories take place every day…

Shanghai is often associated with modernity, yet modernity itself keeps being redefined as time passes.

This mansion is not enormous, yet it is turned into a private club.

The garden is hidden behind the house. Entering through the gate, one can see a tiny shade of greenage.

In order to protect the original architecture, regulations do not allow special décor on the wall.

A simple French-style linear motif is adopted in order to allow more possibilities for interior design. 

The highlight of the main salon is the Q3 ceiling lamp from Baxtor, a futuristic cube constructed by interwoven metal frames varnished by countless light bulbs, just like infinite stars twinkling on the backdrop of night sky. 

The coffee table set is from Cantori.

The glossy surface of the tawny top glass contrasts with the rustic finish of the metal side. Together they give an absolute spotlight to the surrounding objects. 

The pair of gigantic flower vases from Dome Deco brought in forest from wonderland. A metal framework supports one of these brass vases, suspending it above the floor andcreating a light-hearted andairy atmosphere. 

Afternoon sunshine casts shadow on the upholstered fabric, adding a retro touch to the interior space. 

Looking out from the salon, one can see an eight-seat dining table. The bold interplay of various materials of diverse colors, grey, blue, linen, glass, etc., adds a pinch of modernity to this ancient mansion.

The mini moss bonsai on the dining table brings diners back to ancient China in an instant.

Renaissance-like chiaroscuro fills up the room…

Looking out from the white frame sliding door, one can finally see the well-hidden courtyard. As if a body is protecting its soul, the high-rise buildings in the surrounding are protecting this tiny courtyard, making it a low landcity haven. 

The ingenious integration of glass furniture not only leaves the spotlight to the natural beauty of the garden, but also animates the surrounding environment with its reflection. 

Opening the sliding door in early morning, one commences a new day with a brisk greeting from his own corner of the garden.

Above the staircase landing, the ceiling lamps are ornamented by vintage motifs. This modern interpretation of geometric repetition recalls the style of Art Décor, an enhancement of the mansion’s beauty.

In the corner of the staircase landing, we can see a round alcove that houses a decorative container. With natural sunlight cast on this container, it also expresses a natural elegance. 

This exclusive garden mansion hidden in Shanghai city might not be extravagant, yet its elegance andserenity are unparalleled anywhere else.