Entire cottage included upon check-in? A European-style garden cottage in Yilan

Text & Photos /Viviyu

Whenever I have a break from work, I seem to head straight for Yilan. This New Year’s holiday was no exception—I set off early and was lucky enough to avoid traffic both ways. I stayed at the newly opened “There Homestay,” where the cottages showcase different charms depending on the time of day.

As it had just opened, there wasn’t a prominent signboard, so you need to drive slowly or you might miss it. The first building you see at the entrance is the owner’s residence, which is separate from the cottages—guests won’t be staying with the owners.

The entire property features European-style architecture, primarily using raw wood with plenty of wooden materials surrounding the space, offering guests a unique experience. A large open area in front of the house allows kids to run around and play.

When we arrived during the day, the weather was great—blue skies and white clouds shone down on the cottage. Staying in a cottage essentially means having an entire unit to yourself, which is such a great deal~

There’s some distance between each cottage because wooden floors can be noisy. The owner designed it this way so that guests won’t disturb each other and can truly relax and rest well.

Each cottage entrance has a specially reserved flower bed filled with blooming flowers. This time, we were lucky enough to see our favorite water lilies in bloom, as if they were welcoming us.

201 Four-Person Room
As soon as you step into the room, you’re greeted by the scent of wood, making you feel like you’re living in a forest surrounded by nature. This is the four-person room we stayed in, featuring two large beds—one downstairs for adults and one upstairs in the loft for the kids. It’s a perfect design for our family of four, ensuring the kids’ late-night activities don’t disturb us.

The high-end independent pocket spring mattress is very comfortable—not too bouncy or too hard. I heard that even major hotels use this grade. There’s also a sofa by the bed where you can sit and relax.

The female owner of the homestay is also a hands-on craft teaching instructor at a nearby school. If you’re interested, you can inform them in advance to register, and the teacher will prepare the materials ahead of time. The kids will definitely love it.

There’s a 42-inch LCD TV downstairs. You can just lie in bed and watch TV without feeling the urge to go out.

Thoughtfully provided with a variety of tea bags, coffee packets, and mineral water. Want a cup of tea? Just pour hot water and you’re good to go.

The small fridge comes in handy if you buy drinks or fruit. And if you’re not afraid of traffic, checking out the night market in the evening is also a great option.

The bathroom features a dry-wet separation design, so you don’t have to worry about the floor being wet and slippery after a shower. All the bathroom facilities are new and clean.

Here, you’ll find Vanilla Spa toiletries including (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion). They come in small bottles for easy use.

Of course, all necessary toiletries are provided, such as toothbrushes, combs, dental floss sticks, cotton swabs, razors… everything you might need is prepared. It allows you to just travel with a relaxed mindset. The entire setup follows a hotel-style management model, which feels especially thoughtful.

Heading up to the loft space, you can get an even stronger whiff of the wood aroma. This small space is bright and airy, giving off a very cozy vibe.

The loft also has a standard double bed, and the room I stayed in can comfortably accommodate four adults. There’s a large window by the bed with an even more beautiful view.

The staircase entrance is thoughtfully designed with a small gate to prevent any potential danger for children. The wall-mounted 32-inch LCD TV makes great use of the space.

The loft space became the secret base for a brother and sister duo—the kids’ paradise. Both kids are old enough to sleep on their own floor.

101 Double Room
The cottage closest to the vegetable garden. It’s just that since it’s newly opened, not many vegetables have been planted yet. When the owner has more free time, they plan to grow more healthy fruits and vegetables to offer to guests.

Designed with two single beds and a bit of space in between, so two people won’t disturb each other—it’s quite suitable for good friends traveling together.

The sunlight slants into the room, providing great natural lighting. You don’t need to turn on the lights for the whole room to be bright. There’s a small tea table by the bed where you can chat and relax.

The room has cute wall lamps for those who are afraid of the dark. Even the hangers are made of wood, showing the owner’s attention to small details.

The cottage spaces are all very spacious, made entirely of wood—even the floors. Walking on them feels slightly springy and not cold at all, very comfortable.

Sitting outside in the sun is also a great activity—admiring the distant mountains and nearby rice fields while chatting with friends, allowing your mind and body to fully relax.

102 Double Room
A small flower bed is still preserved in front of the house, planted with the owner’s favorite flowers. Every time you open the door, you’re greeted by blooming blossoms that instantly lift your mood.

There’s usually an ice bucket and teapot under the coffee table. You can enjoy a drink before bed to warm up or have a late-night snack. When you’re on vacation, you should definitely indulge a little and eat to your heart’s content.

This small wooden cabin has one large bed, suitable for couples or a pair of travelers. The decor is generally elegant and simple, creating a comfortable atmosphere as soon as you step inside.

The surroundings are mostly rice fields. If they were covered in golden stalks at this time of year, it would be absolutely beautiful. The air here is very fresh.

The bathroom design is the same for every room, with all necessary toiletries provided. There are also both large and small towels for guests’ convenience.

Kids who are tired from playing can sit outside and enjoy the surrounding scenery while taking a good rest.

In the evening, you’ll see the decorative lights on the cabins already lit, twinkling and creating a completely different ambiance.

On the way back after going out, you’ll see the surrounding area pitch dark, with the homestay being the only brightly lit building. The warm glow from inside the house makes you feel like there’s always a light waiting for you when you return from traveling—creating a very warm atmosphere.

The warm yellow light shining on the wooden cabins adds a cozy glow to each building, enhancing the atmosphere. Taking an evening stroll among them lets you fully experience the feeling of a vacation and relaxation.

It’s breakfast time in the morning. It’s so hard to get out of the comfy bed—you’d sleep until the sun is high in the sky if it weren’t for worrying about holiday traffic jams.

The winter morning sunlight is very pleasant and not at all harsh. The dining area in the morning is quite spacious, with one table per room, so even if everyone eats together, there’s no worry about not having enough seats.

Breakfast is served as a self-service buffet, giving off a homey vibe while also providing the luxurious feel of enjoying breakfast in a hotel.

Knowing the weather is cold, they’ve prepared longan, red date, and ginger tea to warm your stomach. Next to it is the coffee machine—I absolutely must have a cup of coffee every morning; without it, I’d have no energy for the day.

There’s kids’ favorite toast, which is fun to make by spreading jam on yourself. A slice of toast disappears in no time.

For breakfast drinks, there are options like passion fruit juice, milk, and hot soy milk. In winter, I also really love hot soy milk. On the far side, there’s always congee.

Side dishes include local cabbage, scrambled eggs, and bacon hot dogs—a hearty breakfast to keep you energized for the day.

Who would’ve thought you could have the local specialty "duck preserve" for breakfast? It’s not something you get to eat often, but it pairs really well with congee. The fermented tofu also tastes great and encourages you to eat more congee.

By the window, there are displays of handmade crafts, including Christmas-themed figurines. If we weren’t in a hurry to leave and the kids weren’t begging to finish making one before we go, we would’ve stayed longer. What a pity—we’ll have to come back next time for sure.

A full breakfast sets the tone for a great mood all day. Enjoying this lovely meal at a leisurely pace.

There are many homestays in Yilan, and most are of a certain standard. After passing through the Hsuehshan Tunnel, you can quickly reach Yilan. Staying in a wooden cabin feels quite different—the rooms even have heating, so it doesn’t feel cold at all even in winter. After seeing this, do you feel like taking a vacation? Book a unique homestay for the weekend, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and give your mind a good rest before setting off again.

Homestays there
Booking: 03-9895558, 0936-676121 (Mr. Chen)
Address: No. 125, Section 3, Dashe Road, Sanyi Township, Yilan County
Official Website: http://sansing.yilanminsu.com.tw/bnb/bbisoverthere.htm

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