This restoration proves the best way to preserve history is to keep making it.
When designer Neal Zhu-yue (朱樾), first stepped into the century-old villa at No. 7, Lane 858 Yuyuan Road, he knew he was touching Shanghai's living history. Built in 1925 by V. Fong Lam, one of MIT's first Chinese graduates, this neoclassical gem once housed pharmaceutical research for Yang's Pharmaceuticals and now stands transformed as Bella Villa – Shanghai's most exclusive postpartum care centre.
The distinguished address places it among Shanghai's most coveted historic residences, neighbouring former homes of luminaries like Qian Xuesen and Wang Boqun. This pedigree made the restoration stakes impossibly high, requiring Zhu to balance heritage preservation with the demanding needs of modern maternal care.
The restoration journey spanned 24 months, with Zhu conducting 18 detailed discussions with heritage protection authorities to ensure every detail honoured the building's legacy. The RMB 100 million investment followed a strict "minimal intervention, restoring as was" philosophy that preserved the villa's soul while meeting contemporary luxury standards.
"Tight strings sound pure notes," Zhu explains of his design philosophy. "A truly relaxing place always holds a trace of controlled tension, letting one momentarily escape life's trivialities." This principle guided every decision, from preserving original double-layered wooden floors and teak wainscoting to integrating modern medical facilities within historic walls.
Original patterned tilework and intricate architectural details provided the restoration roadmap. Zhu's team meticulously repaired roof tiles and beams, re-laid period-appropriate stairs, and retained steel-framed windows while discreetly adding double glazing. Modern necessities like air conditioning, underfloor heating, fresh air systems, and smart home technology were seamlessly integrated without compromising the building's historic character.
The villa's 13 suites showcase Zhu's mastery of "Shanghai-style Minimalism" – stripping away excess decoration while weaving Eastern charm into refined modern living. Herringbone wood floors and an Art Deco staircase connect three levels of carefully curated spaces, where natural materials, soft hues, and abundant greenery create resort-like tranquility. Custom furniture features rounded edges for safety, while soft ambient lighting protects infant eyesight.
Public areas recreate classic Western mansion life, with new mothers gathering around fireplaces while gazing through floor-to-ceiling windows onto lush courtyards and reflecting pools. Unlike Saint Bella's previous hotel partnerships, this residential villa series emphasises intimate social interactions within a heritage setting.
Every auxiliary space, from custom baby care stations to dedicated spa areas, follows maternal care workflows while harmonising with the interior's historic elegance. Medical rooms, hair-wash stations, and baby swimming pools blend seamlessly into the villa's neoclassical framework.
Photography: Li Ming
