Preserving the vintage charm of the old house — He Sheng 36 Homestay in Yilan

Photos and text / Excerpted from "Yilan, A Wonderful Little Trip: Pocket Eats × Hidden Spots × Stylish Stays" published by Si Kuai Yu

Retro-style chandeliers, uniquely designed floral floor tiles, and the long benches used for grinding herbs in traditional Chinese medicine shops... Time always reminds us of the preciousness of fleeting moments through these aged objects. Staying here not only offers relaxation but also teaches you to cherish the present.

A deep love for antiques and old houses is one of the most beautiful habits in the lives of Lü Ying and Xin You, so they roam Taiwan’s various flea markets and second-hand shops, collecting aged antiques such as weathered doors and windows, and old tables and chairs. Then they find spaces to store their treasures. He Sheng 66 Homestay is one such place, and He Sheng 36 Homestay is another.

Located on Xinyi Road in Jiaoxi, He Sheng 36 only began operations in March 2012, yet it enjoys a fairly high occupancy rate. The property was transformed from a 40-year-old traditional house. Most of the decoration and design were the result of labor by Xin You and his friends. What was once an overgrown, abandoned-looking building has been revitalized under their skilled hands. The long, three-story house has only two rooms designed, following the same rule as He Sheng 66 — only entire-house rentals are allowed. Whether you’re a couple or a group of eight, you can comfortably enjoy the space of about 100 ping.

Preserving the original flavor of the old house, creating a homestay with soulful warmth
Because they love old houses, they also preserve the original appearance of the buildings during renovation. For example, the particularly retro floor tiles on the first floor of He Sheng 36 feature designs unique to the 1930s and 1940s, different from the common exposed aggregate floors, exuding a touch of understated luxury. Since it's located in a hot spring area, He Sheng 36 has also designed a large bath area at the back of the first floor. The bathroom space is almost as large as the living room. In addition to the hot spring pool, you’ll find several thoughtfully designed decorations nearby, such as a hanging beam made from an anchor, a washbasin built from mosaic tiles, and the interesting detail of a deliberately hollowed-out section in the flat cement wall that preserves the original brick wall — a thoughtful touch by the owners to let guests appreciate the backbone structure made of red bricks.

The second and third floors each have one large room. The second floor has a double bed and a small living area, which also features vintage tables and chairs specially collected by the owners. The door handle of the wooden sliding door between the living area and the bedroom is a carrying pole, adding to the retro vibe. The third floor is a four-person room, connected by a wooden staircase. The wooden door dividing the spaces was transformed by Xin You from an old wardrobe, with an ancient door and window embedded in the middle. The balcony on the third floor offers a clear view of the street, and the two chairs placed there are also quite historical. If you don’t mind being seen by passersby, sipping tea and reading a book is the best way to spend time on the balcony.

Bright reading nook
Upon entering the homestay, you’ll notice a large transparent glass window on the right. This was originally a solid wall, but to ensure good natural light, Lü Ying and Xin You asked the landlord for permission to modify it, turning the concrete wall into a beautiful window frame with a view of the street outside. This area is designed for reading, with plenty of books available for you to flip through and enjoy a peaceful, serene moment.

He Sheng 36

Address: No. 71, Xinyi Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County
Phone: 0913-833-433
Price: NT$3,500 for a double room for Sunday to Friday, NT$7,000 for a minimum of 5 people on Saturday, NT$1,000 per additional person up to a maximum of 8 people, all inclusive of breakfast
Check-in: after 15:00, Check-out: before 11:00, Booking hours: 10:00–23:00