Istana Woodneuk or Woodneuk House was first built in 1890 by Sultan Abu Bakar for one of his wives (either 3rd or 4th wife) Sultana Khadijah, who died in Woodneuk in 1904. Just before her death it was sold to Sultan Abu Bakar’s son and successor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar.
New Istana Woodneuk was rebuilt in 1930 and completed in 1935 in time for the celebration of the Sultan of Johor's 62nd birthday and his 40 years of reign. Sultan Ibrahim or H.R.H. Paduka Sri Sultan Al-Haj Sir Ibrahim al-Mashur ibni al-Marhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar (born 17th September 1873 and ruled from 4th June 1895 - 8th May 1959) ruled during this period. It was said this house was built for Sultan Ibrahim and his Scottish wife Helen Bartholomew. They married in 1930, and she was crowned Sultanah Helen Ibrahim in 1931.
Woodneuk was a beautiful place and was described one built with bricks and stones. The building is colored dark cream and grey with a roof of lovely blue shimmering Devonshire tiles. The doors are made to fold back fully and at the blue lounge where the 2 staircase are located, the main coloring is a soft shade of pastel blue. The panels you will see behind the column in between the staircase are beautiful screens made of light wood with panels of old Chinese carvings. This panels were originally from Tyersall. The parquet flooring has Persian rugs with the central rug being of beautiful soft blue with brocade and china themes.
Istana Woodneuk has suffered from the test of time, nature and human brutality. The mansion was subject to the bombing of the Japanese in 1942, killing approximately 700 medics and patients, It was also used by various nationalities for head quarters by Generals, commander in chiefs and even Governor General Malcolm MacDonald occupied Woodneuk at one time. Eventually, Woodneuk was returned to the Sultan in 1948. Very little information was around after the Sultan died in 1959.
Istana Woodneuk was ferociously attacked by a fire circa 2006 which burned down its glorious blue roof. With such as a rough past, it is amazing that the Istana is still standing around till today. It is believed that the building and land is still the property of the Sultan of Johor.
Let’s explore this long abandon and hidden Istana, and let our imagination runs to its old glory days in the past.
My Contact Detail:
Georgina Chin: HP: 9622 6838, Email: chiefs@ThreePlayGrounds.com or message me via the Chat tab in this event page
