Taiwan’s “narrowest home”! Just 145 cm wide — a 90-year-old building turned into a homestay

▲ Not only does the UK have the “narrowest house in the world,” but Taiwan does too！

Reported and photographed by You T-Ru / Tainan

Not only does the UK have the “narrowest house in the world,” but Taiwan does too！In downtown Tainan, there’s a homestay right next to a major road, wedged between two buildings. Originally a passageway used by servants of wealthy households in the old days, after planning and redesign, it has successfully been transformed into a homestay. With a width of only 145 cm, each floor is designed for different uses, creating a whimsical space nestled in the heart of the old building that is quite captivating.


▲% Located in Tainan, it's a great choice for a short stay in central Taiwan.


Ninety years ago, a row of buildings was constructed along Ximen Road in the West Central District. At that time, ten residences were built together as one large household, and the 145 cm-wide gap in the middle, typically used as a fire escape, served as a passage for servants. Over time, the houses were sold off and repurposed, and this narrow 145 cm space in the center was even once a bar, until it was taken over by the current owner in 2012 and officially turned into “Taiwan’s narrowest homestay” for residential use.

Unlike typical accommodations that emphasize spacious living areas, “驻宅 '住窄” (Zhuzhai 'Zhuizhai') offers a strong sense of dissonance coexisting with real life. It all begins with a blue door hidden on the street, which can only be entered by turning sideways. Hidden light switches among several old wall sockets, paired with the dim indoor lighting, along with vintage furniture and curated household items, make you feel as if you’ve traveled through time and stepped into another world.


▲ The home is located in a quiet alley in the West Central District, with a mix of interior spaces and vintage furniture.


% The interior includes handcrafted decorations and nostalgic toys.
 

This 90-year-old space still naturally reflects the craftsmanship of master builders from the past, and the softness of the floor is particularly noteworthy. Softwood flooring combined with tiles was fully preserved during the owner’s redesign of the homestay. As a result, walking on it gives a different sensation compared to the hard cement-tile floors of newer homes.

The living space spans three floors. On the way from the first to the second floor, the owner added a reading and lounge area in the center of the stairs where guests can look out the window to check the weather. Climbing up the wooden staircase to the second floor, the space includes a double bed, and at the back of the house, there’s a hand-cranked foosball table — a retro toy collected by the owner from various places. The third-floor living area features a bunk bed setup.


▲ The reading and lounge area in the center of the stairs.

 
▲ The living spaces on the second and third floors.

The owner mentioned that due to the extremely narrow layout, none of the new furnishings could be brought in from the outside — everything had to be custom-made inside. This “just barely fits” feeling has indeed become a unique feature of staying in “Taiwan’s narrowest homestay.” However, potential guests should note that the narrow staircases may be inconvenient for children and elderly visitors, and due to the abundance of vintage items, there may be some dust indoors.

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驻宅 '住窄 Tainan Homestay
Address: No. 246, Section 2, Ximen Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 0987 038 286
Price: NT$2,800–6,000 per night, prices vary slightly depending on the number of guests.