The mansion was intended to be the first building in Malaya to feature a lift, though it was never installed.
It was constructed using a unique mixture of brick and lime, reinforced with egg yolks, honey, and sugar to increase mortar strength.
The project was abandoned after Smith died of pneumonia in Lisbon, Portugal, while picking up an elevator for the house.
Local laborers, mostly from Madras, India, died of a sudden flu epidemic during construction, leading to rumors of haunting.
The castle features a rooftop tennis court that was planned to be the first of its kind in the region.
The secret underground tunnels were allegedly used by the Japanese military during World War II for storage and movement.
The castle was used as a filming location for the 1999 movie 'Anna and the King'.
William Kellie Smith commissioned the design to reflect his wife's home in Scotland, but the style evolved into a fusion of Indian and European designs.
Kellie's Castle is an unfinished Scottish-style mansion built by Scottish planter William Kellie Smith in the early 20th century. Located in Batu Gajah, Perak, the construction ceased abruptly following Smith's sudden death in 1926. The structure remains incomplete, featuring a mix of Moorish, Indo-Saracenic, and Scottish architectural influences. It is famous for its labyrinthine corridors, underground tunnels, and decaying interior aesthetic. Visitors can explore the preserved rooms, rooftop areas, and the surrounding grounds. The site is a prominent example of colonial-era ambition interrupted by tragedy.
The main entrance archway and the rooftop terrace offering a symmetrical view of the Moorish-style windows.
Explore the rooftop area for a clear view of the surrounding palm oil plantations.
Bring a flashlight if you intend to explore the lower-level tunnels, as they can be dark and uneven.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the original flooring and staircases are uneven and weathered.
Do not wander into unmarked or closed-off sections of the construction site for safety reasons; the structure is old and crumbling.
Open daily throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays.
Maintain a respectful tone; avoid climbing on fragile structural elements or restricted, cordoned-off areas.
