European-style rural charm at Taoyuan's Prado Homestay

Text by Chi Binghui, compiled and reported; Source: MOOK Editorial Department

In recent years, homestays have become extremely popular, with various design styles creating diverse environments—some even becoming backdrops for idol dramas. Characteristic homestays typically have limited rooms and often require booking weeks in advance. This Prado Homestay, located in Taoyuan’s Fuxing Township, embraces a strong European rural aesthetic, allowing visitors to find tranquil foreign charm amidst Taiwan’s mountains and forests.

On the way to Kikuo Pai Old Church, at the end of a row of standalone villas, stands a striking building with wooden siding and blue-gray paintwork. This is Prado Homestay, which opened in 2008. Owner Mr. Wu, a Christian, discovered the villa on his way to worship at Kikuo Pai Old Church. It reminded him of the rural landscapes he loved as a child, so he transformed the villa into one with a rich European countryside vibe. Guests have been highly satisfied, leading to the opening of a second building and a garden restaurant nearby a year later.

The first floor of Prado Homestay (Rural Charm) consists of a living room, dining area, and semi-open kitchen, creating a homey atmosphere. All guest rooms on the second and third floors feature European four-poster beds, paired with solid wood furniture and serene views outside the windows, offering exceptional relaxation. The third-floor rooms on the top level also include open-air bathrooms and balconies. Transparent acrylic ceilings shield against wind and rain, allowing guests to stargaze or cloud-watch in any weather while immersing themselves in nature.

A short drive further along the Northern Cross-Island Highway, then turning left onto a mountain road, leads to another Prado property—Prado Hillside Holiday Homestay. This yellow-green wooden house with a red roof features a public area with a living room, dining space, and open kitchen. Prado Hillside Holiday also has a garden landscape restaurant completed last year, allowing non-guests to relax here and enjoy creative cuisine in the comfortable ambiance of Prado, paired with bird songs, floral scents, and breathtaking views.

Address:

Rural Charm: No. 72-15, Kikuo Pai, Sanmin Village, Fuxing Township, Taoyuan County (Turn toward Bat Cave from Highway 7).

Hillside Holiday: No. 23-1, Shuiguantou, Sanmin Village, Fuxing Township, Taoyuan County (Turnoff at 15.8 km mark on Highway 7).

Official Website: http://www.prado.com.tw/