Last week saw the grand opening of the city’s latest community mall. But Mansion 7 certainly tries to offer something different to the rash of other new neighborhood shopping centers. For starters it’s nowhere near Sukhumvit—it is on Ratchadapisek Road. It also happens to have a frankly out-there theme, as it is designed to look like a haunted mansion.

Created by the woman behind the retro Plearnwan, in Hua Hin, the 7-rai plot features a lofty architecture that’s clad in an eye-catching and sophisticated purple façade. The space is roughly separated into three main zones: Neglected Garden, Playground and Dark Mansion.

Stepping through the exuberant entrance, you’ll arrive at the Neglected Garden Zone, home to retail boutiques. On the right hand side is the well-known flat shoe store from Siam Square, Ballet (02-275-1317, www.balletsince1959.com), displaying their latest collection of handmade women’s shoes. If they don’t have your size, have some tailor-made for your feet. Located nearby is the Cris Horwang-owned bag and accessories store Secret Weapon (02-275-0155). Cris’ unique designs are made from genuine cow and sheep leather with prices ranging between B2,900-9,500. They also stock the trendy and affordable Element glasses from Japan (B2,700-3,300). Other stand-out highlights include nice vintage printed t-shirts in warm colors (B390-690) at Pech (080-995-1499, facebook.com/pechclothing); classy outfits for day and night occasions from Another Closet (02-275-1945, facebook.com/anotherclosetshop); colorful yet-minimal cut blouses and dresses from Pusamala (081-534-2902, facebook.com/pusamala); glam women’s wear from Black Love (081-775-6776, 083-112-1212) and cutting-edge dresses from Tepparit (086-666-7508, www.tepparit.net). High-end products like the Hermès Birkin bag (used B290,000, new B350,000) and Comme des GarÇon t-shirts (B2,000-4,000) can be picked up at Witchlists (02-275-0059).

Those looking for something other than fashion should check out Gimmick (089-811-1855, 085-811-1855, [email protected]) which sells magic equipment, like marked cards, and fun guy toys like drinking dice and fake dog shit. The Hidden Closet (02-275-0057) offers more grown up products such as candy-colored ultra-thin condoms (B180 each) and bondage accessories (up to B3,500)—all imported from the USA. Dog lovers might want to drop by Doggsterz where your puppy might want to try tasting the Pet Grass (B159) while you enjoy a Ma Jai Dam vodka (700 ml., B650). Opening soon is Rose Apple nail salon owned by Cris Horwang, Opal Panisara and Jensuda Panto.

Food seekers should head for the Playground Zone that sits beneath a giant crimson moon. On both sides of the space set aside for special events are shophouses of café and restaurants. Most are still not officially complete but Plearnwan Coffee (snacks and beverage), Krueng-Zen (kanom chin), Nana Curry Bar (Japanese curry) and Casino Royale (international food) are open for business. Don’t forget to complete the meal with some orange cakes (B68 each) at Bakie Bookie (02-275-1922, 084-677-1922).

Finally at the back of the mall, you’ll come across the giant backdrop of the haunted Dark Mansion itself. This is a real deal haunted house that’s been created around the fictional tale of the mad noble Lord Ratchada, who committed disgusting experiments on human bodies in a bid to resurrect his daughter. For B180 you get to wander through Ratchada’s residence, through spooky experimentation rooms, past embalmed bodies, and into a ghostly bedroom. We tried, and it was super creepy. Forget the old Dan Neramit version, we encourage you to try this one. Once you’ve made it out, they’ll show you photos so you can see how much you really got freaked out.

After this experience you might need a stiff drink and Mansion 7 offers two choices: the saloon space of Beer Mansion (see http://bit.ly/C5nrul) and the industrial loft style of Cocktails (full profile in BK soon).

Essentials

The Mansion 7. 244/7 Ratchadapisek Soi 14, Ratchadapisek Rd., Huay Kwang, 02-692-631. MRT Huay Kwang. Open Mon-Fri noon-midnight, Sat-Sun noon-2am. www.themansion7.com.