The three-storey flat is located in a posh district, with features such as a walk-in closet, gym and library<\/b>
The intended retirement home of former Hong Kong chief executive sits in a posh western corner of Shenzhen \u2013 in a Futian neighbourhood known for its close proximity to reputed schools, a major highway and the central business district. The 6,700 sq ft property is a luxurious three-storey penthouse, and offered a glimpse into what could have been the setting for a comfortable life with his wife after a career in the civil service. Futian is a relatively new neighbourhood compared with Lo Wu, the first developed zone in Shenzhen. David Hong, head of research at consultancy China \u00adReal Estate Information, said: \u201cThe planning [of the district] is slightly better and more practical.\u201d The penthouse \u2013 which Tsang said he planned to live in for two years after stepping down as chief executive \u2013 is in Junhao Building under phase one of the East \u00adPacific Garden estate. The apartment perks include a 365 sq ft storeroom and a 375 sq ft walk-in closet \u2013 twice the size of some of the smallest flats which developers in Hong Kong have been building. The features were converted from two guest rooms by \u00adrenowned Hong Kong interior \u00addesigner Barrie Ho Chow-lai, a change prosecutors claimed was \u201ctailor-made\u201d to store souvenirs Tsang had obtained over his \u00ad45-year career. The master bedroom spans more than 600 sq ft, with a bathroom that was to feature a hi-tech toilet bowl. There is also a tea room, gym, landscape garden, wine cellar, greenhouse, and library fitted with a calligraphy room. Tsang claimed he had paid developer Shenzhen East Pacific Group \u2013 of which businessman Bill Wong Cho-bau was a shareholder \u2013 an annual rental payment of 800,000 yuan (HK$903,000) for the property. His failure to declare his ties with Wong landed him in court. Months before he stepped down, he abandoned his plans to live in the penthouse after it came under media scrutiny. Most of the units in the \u00adbuilding take up one floor, measuring more than 3,000 sq ft, the found. Flats half the size of the one Tsang intended to occupy generally have monthly rents ranging from 300,000 yuan (HK$339,000) to 400,000 (HK$453,000) yuan. Andy Lee Yiu-chi, Centaline Property Agency\u2019s Shenzhen branch head, said the residence was also near Shennan Road, one of the major arteries of the special economic zone. \u201cThere are some reputed schools nearby,\u201d he said, adding that it was only a short drive away from the business district. But when asked if it was a good place for retirees to live, he said: \u201cThis is a rather bustling \u00adneighbourhood.\u201d<\/p>\n