Private garden retreat in a classic longtang setting

This lane house with yard pairs heritage charm with a thoughtful modern upgrade, creating an inviting backdrop for both refined living and creative work. Behind the quiet lane frontage, you will find a surprisingly airy interior with floor-to-ceiling windows opening to the private garden, perfect for relaxed al fresco lunches, pet-friendly mornings, or client coffees under the plane trees. The property is fully renovated, blending contemporary fixtures with original textures for a warm and tactile feel.

Configured with 2 rooms plus a bright living area and 1 bathroom, the home is currently used as office, which makes the layout naturally suited to a boutique studio, design practice, or consulting base. When lived in, the rooms translate seamlessly into tranquil bedrooms. Heating and air conditioning ensure year‑round comfort, while the garden-facing glazing brings in generous daylight for a calm, productive ambiance.

Thoughtfully selected finishes and practical storage keep the footprint efficient without sacrificing character. The outdoor space invites everyday use, expanding your living or meeting zones when the weather cooperates. Tucked on Dongping Road in a coveted pocket of Xuhui, this home offers a graceful balance of privacy and connection, ideal for residents who value the intimacy of lane living and the convenience of being moments from cafés, bakeries, and leafy boulevards.

Life inside a historic lane

Nestled within a traditional longtang off Dongping Road, this residence captures the easy rhythm of classic Shanghai lane living. The passageway opens to a small cluster of homes where neighbors greet each other by name and where morning routines spill gently into the shared lane. Expect brickwork, stone thresholds, and a human-scale streetscape that softens the pace of city life. While there is no grand clubhouse, the true amenity here is the sense of community and the everyday convenience of stepping straight into a charming, tree-lined street.

The house itself presents a private garden as a rare luxury in the area, functioning as an outdoor extension for casual gatherings or quiet reflection. Inside, the fully renovated interiors respect the original proportions while introducing modern wiring, lighting, and heating and air conditioning for comfortable living or productive work. The garden-facing room features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame greenery and flood the space with natural light.

Management is typically handled directly by the landlord or a dedicated local team, keeping decisions nimble and personal. Deliveries are straightforward, bicycles can be stored at your doorstep, and the mood throughout the lane is calm yet convivial. For expats seeking more than a high-rise experience, this pocket of Dongping Road offers authenticity, privacy, and a daily connection to the city’s most beloved traditions of neighborhood life.

Tianping Road area: cultured, leafy, and wonderfully walkable

Situated near Tianping Road in Xuhui’s historic villa and lane-house district, the home enjoys the quintessential Former French Concession atmosphere: broad plane trees, elegant façades, and a café culture that encourages lingering. From morning espresso bars to artisan bakeries and wine shops, daily provisions are pleasantly close at hand. Boutique gyms, pilates studios, and design-forward restaurants create a lifestyle where errands and leisure feel effortlessly intertwined.

Connectivity is excellent. Nearby stations on major metro lines place the wider city within easy reach, while bicycle-friendly streets make short hops to Huaihai Road or the edges of Xujiahui remarkably convenient. Green spaces such as local pocket parks and the larger Xujiahui Park offer respite for jogs, dog walks, or weekend unwinding beneath mature canopies. Cultural fixtures like galleries, bookstores, and intimate performance venues add depth to evenings without requiring a car.

Families and professionals alike appreciate the calm, residential feel paired with strong urban amenities. High-quality supermarkets, international dining, and specialty grocers ensure comfortable daily living, while reputable medical clinics in the vicinity offer peace of mind. Whether you are transitioning to Shanghai or upgrading within the city, the Tianping Road area balances heritage charm with practical convenience, making it one of the most desirable lifestyle addresses for discerning expats.

Why this lane house works for expat living and boutique offices

Flexible layout: With two enclosed rooms and a bright living area, the home is currently used as office and adapts easily to residential life. Keep it as a creative studio or convert it into a tranquil two-bedroom residence without structural upheaval.

Private outdoor space: A true rarity in this part of the city, the lane house with yard offers a garden for quiet breakfasts, relaxed client meetings, or evening gatherings. It elevates daily life, adding fresh air and a natural backdrop.

Modern comfort in a historic shell: Enjoy heating and air conditioning, updated wiring, and a tasteful full renovation that respects the building’s character. The floor-to-ceiling windows facing the garden bring in uplifting light and a pleasant sense of calm.

Location that supports your routine: Cafés, bakeries, small grocers, and fitness studios sit within easy strolling distance, while nearby metro access streamlines commuting across the city. Weekends are equally effortless, with leafy streets and cultural spots close by.

Distinctive identity: Lane living along Dongping Road offers authenticity and privacy that high-rises cannot replicate. For professionals, the address impresses clients with heritage ambience. For residents, it is a peaceful, character-rich home base in a coveted enclave of Xuhui.