This house has been in existence for one century and is the only ancient house with a garden in the heart of Hanoi. This unique cultural work is in danger.

Mrs. Te has spent her life to preserve the house.

Each day, thousands of people hurriedly pass or stop for a while for shopping on the two old streets of Hang Bac and Dinh Liet but perhaps none know of the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of a house-garden which has one door to Hang Bac and another door to Dinh Liet street.

In front of the house’s door is a large area for ornamental trees and an ornamental fish tank. The house is surrounded by areca palm, bamboo trees, etc. like in the countryside. The house’s architecture is a mixture of Vietnamese and French styles. It has big and high pillars, many windows, and warm rooms in the European style. But it is roofed by tiles, with curves like the styles of Vietnamese pagodas.

The house has two storeys, located on a total area of 556sq.m and it has existed for around 1 century, enough to be called an ancient house in Hanoi. It was recognised as a valuable architecture for preservation in 1999. The house is owned by Mrs. Pham Thi Te, 95.

In 1945, Mrs. Te’s family was the owner of the famous Lion goldsmith’s shop in Hanoi. The family bought this house from a trader. Part of the house was then confiscated and shared among three families. Since then, the architecture has been affected by these families as they have repaired the house in modern style and cut down trees.

“I’ve lived here for 70 years. I’ve struggled to preserve its original architecture. It is very difficult to maintain this house in Hanoi, where one inch of land is worth one inch of gold,” said Mrs. Te.

The old woman asked the local government to prevent such activities but the house continues to be harmed. The garden is being narrowed while the ancient house’s architecture is being changed.

(Source: GD&XH)