Carcosa Seri Negara
Where the Federation of Malaya was signed, atop Swettenham's 1896 hill
About the Property
Perched on a hilltop within 40 acres of tropical gardens above Kuala Lumpur's Lake Gardens, Carcosa was built in 1896 as the official residence of Sir Frank Swettenham — the first British Resident-General of the Federated Malay States. Its companion building, Seri Negara (built 1913), hosted the signing of the Federation of Malaya Agreement in 1948 and later served as the state guest house where Queen Elizabeth II stayed during her visits. The two mansions operated as a luxury hotel before reverting to government use.
Original Purpose
British Resident-General's official residence
Highlights
History Timeline
Built as official residence for Sir Frank Swettenham, British Resident-General
Seri Negara guest house built as companion residence
Federation of Malaya Agreement signed at Seri Negara
Queen Elizabeth II stays at Seri Negara during independence ceremonies
Both mansions converted into luxury hotel by GHM Hotels
Reverts to government use; future hospitality use under discussion