Some Posts on Columbia Road, Columbia Circle and Amherst Road – VI – The Baron’s House

This residence in Columbia Circle (though technically was 269 Amherst Road) was most famously the residence of the wonderfully named Baron Johan von Beck Friis (and the Baroness too of course – Baronne Christiana I believe). The Baron was the Swedish Consul in Shanghai (and went on to become the Swedish Minister in Peking) and several other notable Swedes lived in this property over the years. BTW: if you want to see what the Baron and Baronne looked like click here.

The property is at the end of a lane and stand-alone and rather impressive. Described as English style and completed around 1925. The property is currently occupied by a number of families and individuals and is somewhat overcrowded and interior ‘renovations’ have of course occurred to further sub-divide the property. However, as you can see below, the original black wood staircase remains which is a superb feature.

The original staircase remains in good condition