By TRAVELER Luxe / Reported by Hong Zhenlu
The first floor features a stone-brick exterior, while the second and third floors are adorned with bright yellow walls accented by brown trim, along with sloping roofs. Anyone who has visited Qingjing will find this house looks familiar—and indeed, the homestay owner, Mr. Feng, was inspired by the many beautiful homestay buildings he saw in Qingjing, which led him to decide to build a house he truly loves. He said, "It's a dream everyone has."
The homestay’s exterior boasts a warm color scheme that’s very endearing. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe)
The homestay is located near Mr. Feng’s residence, on a plot of land he purchased over a decade ago as an investment. Because he loved the look, Mr. Feng didn’t hesitate to replicate the exterior of Qingjing homestays, while the interior was designed with imported incense cedar to create a cozy cabin-like atmosphere—you can smell the rich wood scent as soon as you step inside. From the ceiling to the tables, chairs, doors, bed frames, wardrobes, and TV cabinets, all the furniture is made from solid incense cedar. The ceiling is left in its natural incense cedar color, while the furniture is blackened with a gas torch before being crafted, complementing the seamless bright yellow walls and brown trim of the exterior. The warm tones create a relaxing vibe, and when the setting sun shines directly through, it feels even more inviting.
The sunlight streaming in creates an even cozier atmosphere inside. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe)
The homestay is divided into two separate buildings, each with a living room, a large dining table, a kitchen, and four guest rooms. They are mainly rented out as whole units, with single rooms available for booking only within the first ten days. Originally, Mr. Feng had planned to use one of the buildings as his own residence, but his elderly family members weren’t used to it, so he decided to open both as homestays. To accommodate guests who have different sleep habits—some who prefer to turn in early and others who like to stay up late—Mr. Feng also built a separate audiovisual room annex where people can have fun without worrying about disturbing others. Mr. Feng says he especially enjoys when brides-to-be from other regions who are marrying into Hsinchu families stay here the night before their wedding, treating the place as their "home before the wedding." The joyful atmosphere is truly heartwarming.
Medicinal herb fields near the homestay. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe)
There’s a large lawn in front of the homestay where kids can run around freely, and where you can also have barbecues or go camping. Hearing the word "camping" might raise some eyebrows. Mr. Feng explains that some parents want their kids to experience camping life, so they bring tents and set them up on the lawn. The kids can sleep in the tents, but if they’re not used to it, there are also rooms available—making it the perfect vacation solution.
The honeymoon suite is specially prepared for newlyweds. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe)
Mr. Feng’s main business is growing medicinal herbs, and the herb fields are right near the homestay, so visitors can also take the opportunity to learn about the appearance of traditional folk medicinal plants.
【Info】
Address: No. 50, Lane 230, Xinlong Road, Jubu Village, Xinzhuang Township, Hsinchu County
Phone: 0919-362-680
Website: provence.okgo.tw
● Further Reading:
Sweet autumn persimmons at Weijia Persimmon Farm in Xinzhuang %s
http://goo.gl/qyHQ01
MOOK Travel Life Network – Taiwan’s largest travel information platform
www.mook.com.tw