The Cliffs (1st generation) [????- ]

a discussion of the Cliffs here: http://www.legco.gov.hk/1898-99/h990313.pdf

According to the papers entitled "Government Houses - Houses Occupied as Residences By The Governor" (MMIS) for 1898 to 1901, The Cliffs was The Gov's summer residence. Earlier, the 1897 version has him in Craigieburn. Later, the 1902 edition puts him in Mountain Lodge. The building was described as "a hill residence occupied during the summer months", consisting of two entertainment rooms, four bedrooms, detached coolie quarters, heated by coal fire, lighted by oil lamps, with a small garden.

I can't find the exact date in 1898 that the Government started renting The Cliffs. If it was late in the year, given that it was only intended as a summer residence, the Governor may not have actually resided there until mid-1899. The HK Daily Press of 13th July 1899 reports that The Governor, "has gone to his summer residence, The Cliffs", but doesn't mention if it was the first occasion.

According to Finance Committee records of 10th April 1902, the Government continued to pay rent up until the end of February 1902 (MMIS). I can't find records of later payments. Thus, using the same logic as above, The Gov may last have stayed at The Cliffs in the summer of 1901.

The best pic of The Cliffs that I've been able to find on Gwulo is this one, in which only part of it can be seen at the top.

View from Burrington staircase towards Ardsheal Mayfield and The Cliffs (RBL27).jpg, by Grousehunter

  The photo is dated 1910 to 1920 - later than The Gov's occupancy. The Cliffs seems to be rather a large house, bigger perhaps than one containing only two entertainment rooms and four bedrooms. Maybe it had already been expanded or rebuilt by the time the photo was taken.