Penang boutique hotel Macalister Mansion, which is also Design Hotels’ first member property in Malaysia, has just opened in a restored colonial home from the early 1900s with rates starting at RM800 (S$322).

The eight-room establishment pays tribute to Colonel Norman Macalister, the first British Governor of the state in the 1800s. Each of the eight rooms traces different periods of Colonel Macalister’s life through paintings by Southeast Asian artists.

Behind the project are Dato Sean H’ng, Datin Karen H’ng and Colin Seah (of Singapore-based firm Ministry of Design). The design incorporates original features from more than 100 years ago like a wrought iron spiral staircase in the middle of one of the guestrooms leading to a viewing tower.

There are also five restaurants and bars, named after rooms in the home such as French restaurant the Dining Room, Malaysian eatery the Living Room and whisky and cigar bar The Den.

Read more at the Macalister Mansion website.