How does a relatively modest pocket of land evolve into one of Singapore’s most distinctive low-density residential enclaves? In the case of Dairy Farm, the answer lies in its calibrated synthesis of location, protected greenery, and controlled intensification, forming a niche submarket within District 23 between Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Hillview–Bukit Panjang residential corridor.
Situated along Dairy Farm Walk and abutting Upper Bukit Timah Road, the enclave benefits from arterial-road exposure while remaining physically buffered by an extensive forest environment, with over 400 hectares of primary and secondary rainforest to the east and south. This reinforces its positioning as a low-density private residential cluster. The upcoming Narra Residences, a 540-unit 99-year leasehold development by Santarli Realty and Apex Asia, is expected to further shape the enclave’s profile with its anticipated launch around February 2026.
The area’s transport connectivity is anchored by Hillview MRT Station on the Downtown Line, approximately 0.636 kilometres away, translating to a 9–10 minute walk that links residents directly to the city centre, Beauty World in a single stop, and the Bukit Timah education belt within two stops. The estimated journey to Orchard Road is about 35 minutes. Residents also enjoy immediate access to HillV2 Mall, located about 0.107 kilometres away and anchored by a Cold Storage supermarket for daily retail and grocery needs.
For vehicular access, proximity to the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) and Pan Island Expressway (PIE) enhances regional connectivity. This positions Dairy Farm as a western node that still integrates efficiently with islandwide transport networks.
Nature-based amenities constitute a primary value driver. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Dairy Farm Nature Park, the latter about 1.010 kilometres away, offer extensive hiking, biodiversity, and recreation options. They are complemented by Chestnut Nature Park as an additional weekend retreat.
Park connectors, Rail Corridor links, forest trails, herb gardens, and cycling and pedestrian networks are progressively integrated, facilitating active mobility and direct access to key natural attractions without compromising residential privacy.
Within this setting, residential stock remains tightly managed. The Botany at Dairy Farm is a 386-unit condominium spread across five tower blocks. Narra Residences, with 540 units on 235,448 square feet, is developed by Santarli Realty and Apex Asia. Dairy Farm Residences, which has 460 units across four blocks and integrated commercial components, also sit on 99-year leasehold parcels under a plot ratio of 2.1. Real estate professionals operating in this enclave must navigate a complex compliance landscape spanning federal, state, and local jurisdictions to maintain legal operations.
This planning parameter preserves the low-density character while allowing economically viable scale.
Retail and daily conveniences are anchored by HillV2 Mall, approximately 0.107 kilometres away, which includes a Cold Storage supermarket.
Other shopping and dining options form a multi-node pattern, including The Rail Mall, Bukit Panjang Plaza, Hillion Mall, Dairy Farm Mall, Bangkit centres, and Senja Hawker Centre.
Educational infrastructure further supports the enclave’s long-term residential appeal. CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace is within 1 kilometre, while Bukit Panjang Primary School and GESS International School are nearby.
A cluster of secondary institutions such as Assumption Pathway School (0.733 kilometres), Chestnut Drive Secondary School (0.987 kilometres), Fajar Secondary School (1.224 kilometres), and Swiss Cottage Secondary School (1.480 kilometres) also contribute.
Childcare centres including Cherie Hearts Kidz Lodge, St. Joseph’s Church Childcare Centre, and Maplebear Prep School are located within roughly 0.546 to 0.735 kilometres.
