Carcosa Seri Negara

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The majestic view of King's House, was the official residence for British High Commissioners in Malaya

Carcosa Seri Negara (formerly known as King's House) was the official residence for British High Commissioners in Malaya. Built in 1896-1897,^{[citation needed]} this elegant building was built and designed by Arthur Charles Norman^{[citation needed]} with the cost about $25,000.^{[citation needed]} Located at the hilltop near the Lake Gardens. The two-storey building was constructed to accommodate Sir Frank Athelstane Swettenham, the then Resident-General of the Federated Malay States.^{[citation needed]} In 1901, Sir Frank Swettenham named it Carcosa, a name derived from Cassilda's song in Act 1, Scene 2 of Robert W. Chambers' book called The King in Yellow (1895). With the eclectic fusion of Neo-Gothic and Tudor styles, the residence has more than eight bedrooms including master bedroom and guest rooms; and eleven bathrooms.^{[citation needed]}

One of Carcosa Seri Negara's trademarks is the English afternoon tea, served in the elegant drawing room, or on the charming wrap-around verandah, overlooking the beautiful^{[citation needed]}^{[original research?]} gardens.^{[citation needed]} It is served daily, and faithful to the High Tea style of Sir Frank Swettenham. In 1896, Sir Frank Swettenham -- then the newly appointed Resident General of the new Federated Malay States -- started constructing his official residence above the Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur.^{[citation needed]} The name "Carcosa" was chosen by Swettenham himself, probably referring to the house in Italian as "Cara Cosa" or "Dear Thing."^{[citation needed]}

After Malaysia achieved indepence from British Government, With independence imminent in September 1956, the Chief Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman, presented the deeds of Carcosa and its 40 acres of land to the British Government as a gift, a token of goodwill.^{[citation needed]} Carcosa then became residence to a succession of British High Commissioners.^{[citation needed]} Carcosa was returned to the Government of Malaysia in 1987.^{[citation needed]} In 1989, it was the official residence for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, when the CHOGM meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur.^{[citation needed]}