The lavish $35 million villa once owned by Su Zhu, the beleaguered co-founder of Three Arrows Capital (3AC), has taken on a new life. Once a testament to opulence in Singapore, the Yarwood Avenue mansion now breathes as an urban ecological farm.
Moreover, Abundant Cities, spearheaded by Dr. Evelyn Tao, Zhu’s wife, and Sarah Lewis, is at the forefront of this transformative endeavor. By refashioning this villa, the duo advances their mission for urban food security and champions the cause of sustainable city living. Consequently, once associated with luxury, the villa is now a beacon for sustainable living and ecological balance.
The Yarwood Avenue estate, acquired in December 2021 for a staggering S$48.8 million, is a Good Class Bungalow (GCB). Such properties are the pinnacle of luxury in Singapore. However, instead of its lavish rooms and sprawling lounges, the estate now takes pride in its rich biodiversity.
The lawns, once manicured, sprout crops such as okra, spinach, and beans. The villa’s swimming pool has metamorphosed into a natural aquatic sanctuary, brimming with aquatic plants, various fish species, and shrimps.
Significantly, the mansion’s shift from an emblem of affluence to an ecological paradise did not come without its share of intrigue. Notably, this asset escaped the clutches of 3AC’s liquidation process. Zhu even sought to offload this plush property earlier. Besides, in a startling development, Zhu found himself apprehended at Singapore Airport, reportedly in an attempt to leave the country.
With his co-founder, Kyle Davies, still eluding capture, both face accusations of non-cooperation by 3AC liquidators, Teneo. Singapore’s regulators have slapped a multi-year trading embargo on the duo.
Today, the estate serves a purpose far greater than personal indulgence. As Abundant Cities’ tropical R&D base and headquarters, the reimagined property supports a thriving ecosystem. It hosts a diverse range of agriculture and aquaculture, from cultivating local vegetables, herbs, and fruits to rearing fish, chickens, and ducks.
